Mode of infection:A fungal infection is caused by a type of fungus called a dermophyte that infects the top layer of the skin, hair or nails. Fungal infections of the skin are known as ringworm (tinea). There are many types of ringworm, including body ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), nail ringworm (tinea unguium), and beard ringworm (tinea barbae), which is rare
Symptoms:Ringworm of the body looks like a rash that forms one-half to one-inch, ring-shaped, pink or red patches with a clear center. The rash may itch slightly. Jock itch appears around the groin area and looks like a red, ring-like rash. Athlete’s foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy rash. Scalp ringworm may cause round patches of hair loss, broken hair, and/or an itchy, scaly scalp.
Diagnosed:To diagnose a fungal infection, your doctor will examine the affected area and can usually make a diagnosis by appearance. However, he or she may take a sample of the infected skin by swabbing it or scraping off a small piece to study under a microscope. A simple, quick test can determine whether the infection is caused by a dermophyte.
