Ringworm is also called tinea. Ringworm is widespread around the world and in the United States. The fungus that causes scalp ringworm lives in humans and animals. The fungus that causes ringworm of the body lives in humans, animals, and soil. The fungi that cause ringworm of the foot and ringworm of the nails live only in humans.
Ringworm is spread by either direct or indirect contact.
People can also get ringworm indirectly by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or pet has touched, such as hats, combs, brushes, bed linens, stuffed animals, telephones, gym mats, and shower stalls. In rare cases, ringworm can be spread by contact with soil. Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Yellowish crusty areas sometimes develop.