Ringworm is an infectious skin disease caused not by a worm (though people used to think so, thus the name) by mold like fungi called Dermatophytes. This disease usually transmits through direct contact with other ringworm-infected animals or through humans by sharing combs, clothing or by touching infected areas.

Athlete�s foot, a form of Ringworm, affects the moist areas between your toes and sometimes spreads to toenails and the sides of your feet. Symptoms include itching and burning between toes. Athlete�s foot may also form Itchy blisters and causes outer layer of skin to peel. Athlete's foot is often caused when there are common shower areas used for sports teams or sports clubs. In turn, the fungus will be tranferred to household showers and baths, spreading to family.

Another form of ringworms is Jock itch. It usually affects the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. Though, it is comparatively less serious, it is more uncomfortable due to skin sensitivity in these areas. The most common symptoms for this type of ringworms are itching and redness, a burning sensation or peeling of skin around the groin. Jock itch is caused when undergarnments or jock straps are not properly cleaned and aired out between uses.

Ringworm also affects the scalp. It is common among children and presents as a pimple, which forms a circular patch of temporary baldness. The common symptom is red patches that cause itching. Consult your doctor if you think you have ringworm. There are various orally ingested tablets and topically applied sprays and creams to get rid of ringworm.