The most common fungi to cause ringworm
are
Trichophyton and
Microsporum.
The type of ringworm is classified
according to where on the body
it’s found. These
fungi attack various parts of the body
and lead to the following conditions:
- Tinea corporis
affects the arms, legs, and
trunk
- Tinea capitis
affects the scalp
- Tinea cruris
(jock itch) affects the
groin area
- Tinea pedis
(athlete's foot) affects the
feet
- Tinea unguium
affects the fingernails and
toenails
- Tinea
versicolor
- Tinea manuum
affects the hands and palm
area
Ringworm is widespread around the
world and in the United States. The
fungus that causes scalp Ringworm lives
in humans and animals. The fungus that
causes Ringworm of the body lives in
humans, animals, and soil. The fungi
that cause Ringworm of the foot and
Ringworm of the nails live only in
humans.