Tinea fungal infection (ringworm)
Tinea fungal infections are caused by a particular type of fungi, called dermatophytes, which live off keratin.
Keratin is a tough, waterproof tissue found in many parts of your body, including your skin, hair and nails.
This explains why fungal infections mostly affect your skin, scalp or nails.
The fungi are tiny spores tough enough to survive for months on your skin, in soil or on household objects, such as combs or towels. They thrive in heat and moisture, which helps them to grow and explains why they are often spread in swimming pool changing rooms and communal showers. The spores can be spread in four different ways:
As an adult, you can become a carrier of a scalp infection without developing any symptoms. This is because your body has usually developed a defence against the infection by the time you reach adulthood.
If youre a carrier of a fungal infection, you can unknowingly pass the condition on to children, who may then go on to develop symptoms.
You are more likely to develop a fungal infection if you:
Ringworm is a common and highly infectious skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash on the skin. The condition is medically known as "tinea".
Ringworm often looks like a round, red or silvery patch of skin that may be scaly and itchy.
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Fungi are plant-like organisms that feed on living tissue, including human skin.
Ringworm is usually easy to diagnose from its appearance and location.
Ringworm is easily treated using antifungal creams, tablets and shampoo.
If you or someone in your family has ringworm, follow the advice below to prevent the infection spreading.