Ringworm Symptoms and Diagnosis
According to Mayo Clinic, telltale signs of ringworm can include:
- Circular, ring-shaped lesions that are clear in the center while spreading at the edges
- Skin redness on white skin, and shades of red, purple, brown, or gray on darker skin tones
- Itching
- A circular, flat patch of itchy skin
- Overlapping rings
Nail-based ringworm results in thick, brittle white or yellow nails, the CDC notes. Ringworm may be called different things depending on where on the body the infection is located. On the feet and toes, for example, it’s called athlete’s foot and in the groin area, it’s called jock itch. Other common areas people get ringworm include the scalp, trunk (center of the body), arms, and legs.
Symptoms typically appear between four days to two weeks after your skin comes in contact with the fungus, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Due to its distinct appearance, your doctor may be able to diagnose ringworm with only a physical exam. In some cases, your doctor may want to confirm the diagnosis with additional tests such as a culture or skin scraping.
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