Ringworm, despite its name, is not caused by a worm but by a type of fungus. It is a common fungal infection of the skin, and its medical term is "tinea." Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet (where it's known as athlete's foot), groin (known as jock itch), and nails. The infection gets its name from the characteristic ring-shaped, red, itchy rash that appears on the skin. ### Symptoms of Ringworm: - **Red, scaly, and itchy patches** that may develop into raised, ring-shaped rashes with clearer skin in the center. - The edges of the rash may be slightly raised. - Over time, the rash can spread and form multiple rings. - In the case of scalp infection, it may cause hair loss in patches. ### Causes: Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. It spreads through: - **Direct skin-to-skin contact** with an infected person or animal. - **Indirect contact** wi...