If you are not sure about what ring worm (ringworm) looks like, there are a number of websites that offer pictures of ringworms. The most reliable images, however, belong to medical websites and other health related websites. There are a number of hoaxes out there, so please make sure the images are from a trusted source such as medicinenet.com, emedicinehealth.com, medlineplus, or wellsphere.com.

Continue reading to learn all about ring worms, causes, symptoms, and treatments:

Ring worm, also called “circle worms,” is a human parasite. Many people believe that ring worms are actual worms that live in the intestines. The truth is, ring worm is not an actual worm and it does not live in the intestines. Ring worm is a fungal disease of the skin and hair. People refer to ring worms as “circle worms” because of the circle shape that it forms on the skin.

Ring worm comes from dermatophytes or microscopic organisms. The organisms consume the dead outer layers of the skin. The fungus also grows on the hair and nails. On the skin, it can look like the infected person has a worm growing underneath the skin. The worm takes the shape of a ring, hence the name ringworm. Other symptoms of ringworm include sores, itching, and reddened skin. Ring worm can appear on any area of the skin, even the groin area or the feet.

There are a number of different treatments for ring worm, but the treatment type will depend on how mild or severe the case of ring worm is. It will also depend on where the ring worm is located on the body. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, your physician may prescribe a remedy that is as mild as an over-the-counter medicated shampoo or as powerful as a round of potent antibiotic pills. Fortunately, ring worm can be treated fairly easy with most medicated shampoos or oral medications, as well a number of prescription creams. When using most types of ring worm treatment options, symptoms typically disappear within four weeks of treatment.

Topical ring worm treatment options include: Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream, lotion, and solution), miconazole (Monistat-Derm cream), ketoconazole (Nizoral cream), and terbinafine (Lamisil cream and solution). Many of these treatment options are effective for foot fungus as well.

Oral ring worm treatment options include: griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, and Gris-PEG), terbinafine, itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). When used properly, these teatment options are not bad for the liver as many people might believe they are.

Effective medicated shampoos include: Selsun Blue or anti-fungal shampoos that contain ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) or the newer ciclopriox.

Human parasites can cause dozens of different problems in human systems from allergies and asthma to inflammation and immune system deficiency. You can prevent human parasites by cooking foods thoroughly, drinking pure water, washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and washing your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, handling pets or changing diapers.