ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms – it’s a fungal infection which can appear anywhere on the body. It’s caused by types of fungus called dermatophytes, which live off keratin, the tough, waterproof tissue found in skin, hair and nails.
Around 10-20% of people will have ringworm in their lifetime, it’s more common in children but can affect all ages. People at higher risk include those with conditions that reduce immunity – the very old or very young, people with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, those on steroids or undergoing chemotherapy and obese people.
Fungal infections, medically known as ‘tinea’,) is similar to other fungal infections of the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and nails (onychomycosis).
