| || | Diseases and Conditions What Is It? Ringworm, also called
tinea, is a skin infection caused by fungi, microscopic
organisms that are similar to yeast and molds. It does not have
any relation to worms, but is called "ringworm" because the
infection can produce ring-shaped patches on the skin that have
red, wormlike edges. Although ringworm can affect almost any
area of the body, it favors places that are warm, dark and
moist, such as skin in the groin area, the spaces between the
toes and the deep skin folds of obese people. People can catch
ringworm in several different ways, including: - Direct skin-to-
skin contact with an infected person - Playing with, or caring
for, an infected pet or farm animal - Using an infected person's
clothing, shoes or personal grooming items such as combs,
brushes or towels - Sharing an infected child's toys, especially
stuffed toys - Touching a contaminated surface -- Some common
high-risk surfaces include floors in bathrooms, showers and
locker rooms; shower stalls; gym