Ringworm is a common and highly infectious skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash on the skin.
Exclusion period
The rash can appear almost anywhere on the body, with the scalp, feet and groin being common sites.
The condition, medically known as “tinea”, isn’t serious and is usually easily treated using creams sold by the pharmacy. However, ringworm is highly contagious and easily spread among people.
Despite its name, it doesn’t have anything to do with worms. It’s an infection of the skin caused by a fungus.
Symptoms
The ring spreads outwards as it progresses. You can have one patch or several patches of ringworm, and in more serious cases your skin may become raised and blistered.
Small patches of scaly skin may appear on the scalp, which may be sore and itchy and cause patchy hair loss.
In more severe cases, symptoms can also include small, pus-filled sores and crusting on the scalp.
