Symptoms of ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm depend on the body area, but the infection often causes an itchy, scaly patch that slowly spreads. It usually appears one to two weeks after contact with the fungus.

Skin of the body (tinea corporis)

• A round or oval red patch with a raised, scaly edge and clearer skin in the middle, giving a ring look.
• Itching, which may be strong.
• Patches that grow outward and may join together.
• On darker skin, the patch may look brown, grey or purplish.

Groin (tinea cruris, "jock itch") An itchy, red-brown rash in the groin and upper inner thighs that often spares the scrotum. It worsens with sweat and friction.

Feet (athlete's foot) Peeling, cracking and itching between the toes, or dry scaling across the sole.

Scalp (tinea capitis) Scaly, itchy bald patches, broken hair stubs or black dots, and sometimes painful swelling (kerion). It is most common in children.

Nails (tinea unguium) Thickened, yellow, brittle or crumbly nails.

Beard area (tinea barbae) Red, crusted patches with possible pus and hair loss.

When to see a doctor Get medical advice if the rash does not improve after two weeks of a pharmacy antifungal, covers a large area, affects the scalp or nails, or comes with pus, fever or severe pain. Seek care promptly in people with diabetes or weak immunity, and for infants.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Dadru is described with itching, redness and circular raised patches, which resembles ringworm, but traditional description is not a diagnosis.

Remember A ring-shaped rash is not always ringworm. Eczema, psoriasis and other conditions look similar, so persistent patches need a doctor's check.