Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm.
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Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection that can cause an itchy, circular rash. Ringworm gets its name because of its ring shape — there is no worm under the skin. The ring grows outward as the infection spreads, sometimes developing as overlapping circles or in separate areas of the body or in a pattern that's not ring-shaped at all.

Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin.

A tinea infection in the groin is called jock itch (tinea cruris). A tinea infection of the foot is called athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

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See more Multimedia Oct. 13, 2022