Fungal Infection

Motility:Fungal infections such as ringworm are caused by types of fungi that like warm, moist areas of the skin, also between the toes or fingers, in the groin, and on other parts of the body where there are folds of skin. Ringworm is not caused by a worm. The fungus can be carried by kittens and puppies, combs, brushes, pillows, hats, and towels, and is found in areas that are warm and moist, such as locker rooms and showers.

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.