Tinea Corporis (Ringworm):

• Appears as a circular, scaly, raised area which is frequently clear in the centre
• There are usually between 1 to 6 lesions on the body
• It may affect the skin, palms, soles, nails, groins, creases and scalp
• Is caused by one of several species of dermatophyte fungus
  • The most common fungal species are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
• Does not affect the blood or internal organs
• Is transmitted by direct skin to skin contact
  • It is commonly found in wrestlers, football players and in other athletes
• May also be transmitted if a person’s skin comes into contact with spores (seeds) that have been spread from an infected person
• This may occur:
  • Walking in bare feet on a change room floor
  • Wearing infected clothing
  • Shaking hands or
  • Other innocent skin to skin contact
• Is not caused by diet
• Is not caused by poor hygiene
• May persist for months or years if left untreated