If you have circular red rashes on your skin, you may have ringworm. While it sounds like a parasite, no worms are actually causing your rash. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is round or ring-shaped, which is where it gets its name. At MJR Dermatology, we can diagnose your skin rash and determine if you need ringworm treatment at our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA.
Ringworm and skin fungal infection are synonymous. There are many different types of fungal infections, some displaying the signature red-circle rashes of ringworm, while others may have a different appearance. All are infections that are caused by exposure to fungi or yeast that infect the skin and result in itching, burning, flaking or other symptoms.
Types of Ringworm
When you are exposed to tinea fungus and you are susceptible to fungal infections, you may have a ringworm outbreak. There are different types of tinea infections that go by different names depending on where the infection is located. The name “ringworm” is usually reserved for tinea corporis infections that occur on the torso, arms, legs and face that have round, raised rashes. Other types of ringworm include:
- Athlete’s foot – itchy dry skin on your feet
- Jock itch – red rashes in the groin area
- Nail fungus – discolored, thickened toe or fingernails.
- Tinea manuum – cracked, dry skin on the palms of your hands
- Tinea capitis – rashes on the scalp that can result in patches of hair loss
You can contract ringworm when you touch an animal, human or object that has tinea fungus, but not everyone will get an infection from exposure. If you have a weakened immune system, you are more likely to be susceptible to infection. Those that are exposed more often to fungi are also at higher risk, including those who work with animals or spend time in locker rooms.
If you have symptoms of any type of ringworm, come see our team at MJR Dermatology. We can provide the diagnosis of your skin condition and ringworm treatment. Call our medical center in the North Atlanta area to schedule your skin examination and treatment consultation.