Ringworm (medical term: tinea corporis) is a fungal infection of the skin, not caused by a worm despite its name.
It gets its name from the
The infection can affect the body, scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), or nails.
Ringworm is caused by
dermatophyte fungi, mainly:
Trichophyton
Microsporum
Epidermophyton
These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
Risk factors:
Warm, humid environment (sweating, tropical climates)
Poor hygiene or prolonged damp clothing
Sharing personal items (towels, razors, clothes)
Close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated surfaces
Weak immune system
Skin symptoms:
Red, circular, ring-like rash with clearer skin in the center
Itching, burning, or discomfort
Raised edges with scaling or cracking
Sometimes blisters or oozing
Scalp symptoms (tinea capitis):
Itchy patches on the head
Hair loss in round spots
Possible swelling or pus-filled sores
Nail symptoms (onychomycosis):
Thickened, brittle, discolored nails
Nails may crumble or separate from the nail bed
1. Self-care and hygiene:
Keep skin clean and dry
Avoid tight clothing that traps sweat
Do not scratch the rash (it can spread)
Wash clothes, towels, and bedding regularly
2. Medications:
Topical antifungal creams/ointments: clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole
Oral antifungal medications (for severe or widespread cases): terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole
Anti-itch creams (hydrocortisone) may help with irritation but should only be used if prescribed with antifungal treatment (steroids alone can worsen the infection)
The infection may spread to other areas of the body
Chronic or recurring infection that is harder to treat
Permanent scarring or hair loss
Secondary bacterial infections if scratching breaks the skin
Discomfort and reduced quality of life due to itching and visible rashes
✅ Yes. Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through:
Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
Contact with infected animals (cats, dogs, cattle, etc.)
Contaminated objects (clothes, towels, combs, gym equipment)
Damp surfaces (locker rooms, showers, swimming pools)
Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection causing red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes.
Causes: dermatophyte fungi, thrives in warm and humid environments.
Symptoms: itchy circular rash, hair loss, thickened nails.
Treatment: antifungal creams or oral medications, along with good hygiene.
If untreated: infection can spread, cause scarring, hair loss, or secondary infections.
It is contagious, so avoiding sharing items and maintaining hygiene is essential.
Mr. Chris thought he was in the parking lot to help the teachers out. But really, it was so they could give him a life-changing gift.
It doesn’t take having to do monumental things to really shine in your community. Oftentimes, it’s the small acts that help brighten people’s days and make a difference.
Chris Jackson, a custodian at Unity Grove Elementary school, has always been a positive energy at his school. He’s reliable and would never think twice to assist anyone in any way.
But behind his big smiles and joyful attitude, Jackson conceals his struggles and the challenges he’s trying to overcome daily. Even transportation was a hard thing when he fell on hard times.
“We had buses, transportation, but I was quicker than the bus. It would add an hour, hour 45. And I was only an hour from my job. So for me, there’s no stopping me,” Jackson said to 11Alive.
He shows up, does his job well, and makes sure that everything is in order. Even if there were days that were much more difficult, Jackson kept his head up.
“But I didn’t quit. I didn’t run away. I just stay. I put my pride aside. I just come to work, smile, be me.” he said to the news outlet.
“There has never been a day where he has not come in with a smile on his face. The kids here adore him. They love Mr. Chris. And he just works so hard,” Special Ed Teacher Jodi Combs describes Jackson and his work to 11Alive.
After all, what is a school if not a community? And a community always looks after one another.
“We heard that Chris had fallen on some hard times and we pulled together to help with his immediate needs,” she added.
They knew that his most immediate need was a car, and since Jackson already had some money to invest in one, the school decided to raise funds for the rest.
In a video posted on Facebook, Jackson was following a teacher through the parking lot. They told him she needed help, and just like always, Jackson was ready to help. Only this time, the help was for him.
At first, Jackson was stunned. He was just standing there, trying to understand what just happened. The teachers around him were explaining what the staff did and welcomed him to his new car – his dream car.
“If y’all was in my body right now, I can’t move!” Jackson said in the Facebook post. “I’m stuck. I’m really stuck.”
He finally got the break he deserved. It’s all thanks to the community he helped serve, and the staff who did not hesitate to return the favor.
It goes to show that although we each deal with our own struggles – there’s a lot that can be overcome when people stick together.
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