Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Transmission Of Ringworm

Tight Clothing

An individual who is known to wear clothing that is constrictive, tight, and has poor ventilation is at a higher risk of contracting ringworm than an individual who does not. The most common type of ringworm infection that develops due to tight clothing is referred to as jock itch or tinea cruris. Jock itch describes when the ringworm infection affects the skin around the buttocks, inner thighs, and groin. This risk factor is most common among adolescent men.

Individuals who tend to wear tight closed-toe shoes are also at a greater risk of developing tinea pedis or athlete's foot, where the ringworm infection affects the foot. Individuals who do not wear socks with closed shoes and do not change their socks at least once a day are also more susceptible to contracting ringworm. Tight clothing generally allows the surface of the skin to retain more moisture in warm climates, and it produces friction between the skin and fabric that produces vulnerability for arthrospore penetration.

Warm Climate

One of the biggest risk factors for the development of ringworm in an individual is when they live in a hot and humid climate. Almost half of all ringworm infections are caused by a type of fungus referred to as T. rubrum. Most of the fungi responsible for ringworm can survive the best in warm and moist spots. Individuals who live in a hot and humid climate tend to sweat more frequently, which makes them more susceptible to the fungi because their skin is wet.

Individuals who live in a warm climate tend to use facilities meant for leisure, competitive swimming, or other water activities. This also puts them at an increased risk of contracting ringworm. Another reason why warm climates hold a greater risk of ringworm infection is that these areas tend to be crowded and more densely populated because of the desirable climate. The more contact an individual has with other people and objects used or touched by others, the greater their risk of contracting the fungus that causes ringworm.