A graduate student recently turned to Reddit to seek advice after noticing a strange patch on their arm that would not go away. The user, known as economics3, posted a photo showing a ring-shaped rash and described it as a “weird patch” that didn’t come off. The post quickly gained attention, gathering 24,000 upvotes and sparking a discussion in the comments where many users suggested the rash was likely ringworm. The original poster later confirmed that a doctor had diagnosed the condition as such.
Dr. Sabina Hanoman-Singh, a consultant private GP in England, explained to Newsweek that ringworm, medically called tinea corporis, is a common superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. The infection typically spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, but it can also be transmitted via shared objects like towels, bedding, clothing, hairbrushes, and gym equipment, as the fungus sheds microscopic spores capable of surviving on surfaces. This condition affects individuals worldwide, with higher prevalence among children and young adults, especially in warm and humid environments where fungi thrive.
In response to questions from other Reddit users, the original poster mentioned recently adopting a cat and planned to visit a doctor for treatment with antifungal cream. They also intended to have the cat tested, despite the pet’s adoption paperwork indicating it was free from illnesses. Dr. Hanoman-Singh confirmed to Newsweek that ringworm can indeed be passed from animals to humans, a process known as zoonotic transmission. Household pets such as cats and dogs, as well as farm animals like cattle, can carry the fungus. Regular veterinary care and good hygiene are important to prevent this type of transmission.
If untreated, ringworm can spread across the body and to other people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 25 percent of people worldwide may experience ringworm at some point in their lives. The infection typically causes itchy, red, scaly, ring-shaped rashes, and persistent cases can lead to skin damage, discomfort, and secondary bacterial infections. In individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can become more severe and extensive, necessitating timely medical care.
The Reddit post has attracted over 1,700 comments, with many users sharing their own experiences or speculating about common sources of infection. One user noted that ringworm is often spread in gyms, particularly through wrestling. Another shared a personal story of initially misunderstanding the diagnosis, thinking it involved an actual worm. A third user expressed gratitude for learning that their own mysterious rashes were likely caused by ringworm rather than stress, highlighting how the internet helped clarify their condition.
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