How did ringworm get its name?
Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by a worm Despite its creepy-crawly name, ringworm (also called tinea) is not caused by any worm. The culprit is actually a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which can cause skin infections. Ringworm gets its name from the distinctive ring-like pattern the red spots often form on the skin.
Why is the word worm in ringworm?
Ringworm is a very confusing term because it is really not a worm at all. Ringworm is actually an infection caused by a fungus not a worm. This type of fungus also causes jock itch, scalp and nail infections, and athlete’s foot.
Who discovered ringworm?
The story of ringworm took a turn in 1835 with the observation of Robert Remak, when he first observed the peculiar structures resembling rods and buds in the favus lesion.
Why is ringworm a circle?
The reason it’s called ringworm is because the fungal infection forms a circle of red scaly skin—similar to how a worm looks when it touches end to end. As humans, we have many bacteria and fungi that live on our skin; some are useful and others can cause infections.
Where does ringworm come from originally?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways: Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
What is the history of ringworm?
From the 1850s, ringworm was regarded as a fungus disease. This made it an early candidate to be a germ disease when debates about the causes of infectious and contagious diseases turned to microorganisms in the 1870s.
Is ringworm a virus?
Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy.
Where is ringworm most common in the world?
Frequency and global burden Worldwide and common, with a higher frequency in tropical and subtropical countries. Tinea imbricata is limited to Southeast Asia, India, southwest Polynesia, Melanesia, and Central America.
How long does ringworm last?
How Long Does Ringworm Last? Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
How does ringworm reproduce?
The fungi that cause ringworm live as infective spores in the environment. Direct contact to these spores leads to the disease. These spores may be on the hair of an infected animal or even on items used on the animals like brushes or clippers. Your animal could also pick up these fungi by direct contact with the soil.