What is “ring worm”?

Ringworm is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm may affect the skin on the body, scalp, groin area (jock itch), feet (athlete’s foot) or nails. The infection is not related to an infestation of worms. Ringworm occurs when a particular fungus grows and multiples anywhere on the body. Ringworm can affect anyone at any time due to the microscopic organisms that live off the dead outer layer of skin. Symptoms may not appear for 10-14 days after contact.