| |
ringworm
(ring´wәrm)
the popular name for tinea, a fungal infection of the skin, even though it is not caused by a worm and is not always ring-shaped. It is caused by a
group of related fungi that feed on the body's waste products of dead skin and perspiration; they attack the skin in various
areas, especially body folds such as the armpit and crotch. Most types are named for the part of the body affected. Ringworm
of the beard is tinea barbae; ringworm of the body is tinea corporis; ringworm of the face is tinea faciei; ringworm of the groin area is tinea cruris; ringworm of the hands is tinea manuum; ringworm of the nails is tinea unguium; and ringworm of the scalp is tinea capitis. Ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis) is better known as athlete's foot.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|
