John Wenlock

Ringworm (tinea) is a type of fungal skin infection. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with worms. Tinea corporis is the name given to the infection when it occurs on the trunk, legs or arms. A small area of infected skin tends to enlarge into a circular, inflamed, scaly and often itchy area. It can be a single ring-like rash or multiple patches.

Antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole and miconazole, usually work well and are available from pharmacies. An oral antifungal medicine is sometimes prescribed if the infection is extensive or severe.

The fungal spores can be spread from humans or animals (for instance, by stroking an infected dog or cat), or from infected objects such as towels, clothing and bedding. Rarely, they can be spread from lengthy exposure to infected soil. However, ringworm would not usually be caused by mud splashes while cycling and is not spread through animal faeces.

Anyone can get tinea, though it prefers warm humid conditions. For this reason, some forms may be associated with cycling. These are tinea affecting the groin (sometimes called jock itch or tinea cruris) and the feet (athlete’s foot or tinea pedis). Good hygiene and clean dry clothing and footwear should help prevent this. Tinea can be similar in appearance to some other skin conditions and therefore if the rash fails to respond to treatment, other diagnoses should be considered.

Dr Matt Brooks

This was first published in the June / July 2013 edition of Cycle magazine.