Causes of Ringworm (Tinea)

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Causes of ringworm (tinea)

There are a number of causes of ringworm:

Fungal spores - certain fungal spores that exist in the air and soil can enter the body through broken skin - that is either cut or scratched. Fungal spores also live on the dead layers of skin of people (as well as animals) that can easily enter the body through broken skin (cut or scratch)

Fungus from animals - there is a fungus that can be transferred from cats or dogs which produces a more rare, but serious ringworm (tinea) infection
Referred infection - sometimes fungal spores from one area in the body can spread to other areas. If a person has an athlete's foot infection, they can inadvertently spread it to their groin area (jock itch) if they touch the infected area of the feet with their hand and then infect their groin area if they touch it with their hand (that has the fungus spores). In addition to this, touching someone else with an active ringworm infection can cause the same referred infection to another part of their body

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Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 10 February 2009

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Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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