Types of ringworm

Ringworm is named according to the body part it affects. All types are caused by dermatophyte fungi, but treatment differs between them, and some need tablets rather than creams.

Tinea corporis (body) Ring-shaped patches on the trunk, arms or legs. Usually treated with a cream.

Tinea cruris (groin, "jock itch") Itchy rash in the groin and inner thighs, common in hot weather and in people who sweat a lot.

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) Itching, peeling and cracking between the toes, or scaling on the soles. There are also moccasin-type and blister forms.

Tinea capitis (scalp) Mainly affects children. It causes scaly patches and hair loss, and needs oral antifungal medicine because creams do not reach the hair root.

Tinea unguium or onychomycosis (nails) Fungal infection of fingernails or toenails that causes thick, discoloured, brittle nails. It is slow to treat and often needs months of medicine.

Tinea barbae (beard) Infection of the beard area and neck, often with deeper, inflamed bumps. It usually needs oral treatment.

Tinea faciei (face) A scaly or red patch on the face, often mistaken for eczema.

Tinea incognito Ringworm whose look is changed by steroid cream use, so it appears atypical and spreads. Steroid creams should be avoided unless a doctor prescribes them.

Tinea versicolor Not a true ringworm, but a different yeast-related skin condition with light or dark patches.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Traditional texts group such skin conditions under dadru and kushtha types. These categories do not map exactly onto the medical types above.

Remember The right treatment depends on the type, so get scalp, nail and widespread infections checked by a doctor.