Ringworm symptoms are triggered when the body becomes infected.
Despite its name, ringworm is actually a type of fungus capable of surviving several months on soil, changing rooms or household items.
It can be easily picked up from these locations and begin an infection, where it attacks a substance called keratin within the skin, hair and nails, causing specific symptoms.
Signs of a ringworm infection commonly include a ring-like silvery rash, according to the NHS.
“Your skin will look red and irritated around the ring, but healthy inside,” they added.
If the case is more severe, these rings may multiply in number and size, and possibly merge together.
“The rings can also feel slightly raised and the skin underneath may be itchy,” the NHS comments.
“Blisters and pus-filled sores may form around the rings.”
There may be one patch, or several patches of ring worm on the skin if an infection has started.
The impacted areas could be anywhere on the body, including face, neck, and hand.
Ringworm is “very common” among children and cat owners, said American medicinal website Healthline.
“Both cats and dogs can catch ringworm and then pass it on to humans who touch them,” the website said.
“Signs to be aware of in pets include hairless patches of skin that appear circular, crusty or scaly patches and opaque or whitish areas around the claws.
“Patches that may not be completely hairless but have brittle or broken hairs may also be a sign,” they added.
“If you’re often barefoot, you may develop ringworm of the feet (or athlete’s foot).”
You could prevent a ring worm infection and stop them spreading by washing areas of affected skin daily and drying them, said the NHS.
“Pay particular attention to skin folds and between your toes,” they added.
“In the case of a groin or foot infection changing underwear and socks daily can help prevent an infection.
“With a scalp infection, not sharing combs, hairbrushes or hats could help. Washing clothes, towels and bed linen frequently and wearing loose-fitting clothes could help,” they said.
