Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungus that can affect the scalp , skin, fingers, toenails , or feet . The fungi which are usually responsible for ringworm are zoophile and transmitted primarily through contact with animals. It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Most mammals have at least one type of fungus and usually the animal and the fungus live in peaceful coexistence without the animal ever showing any symptoms. This, however, does not mean that the fungus cannot be transmitted to humans.
Children are particularly susceptible to ringworm and can pass it on easily to other children.
In rare cases, adults can also become infected. Farmers and people who work with animals with fur are at increased risk. Typically scaly red patches on the skin, the size of which varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. The patches are ring-shaped or oval and the edges are red and scaly. Inside the ring, the skin may be a bit scaly but looks normal in all other respects.