Dermatophytosis also known as ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. Typically it results in a red itchy scaly circular rash. Hair loss may occur in the area affected. Symptoms begin four to fourteen days after exposure. Multiple areas can be affected at a given time. About 40 types of fungi can cause ringworm. They are typically of the Trichophyton Microsporum or Epidermophyton type. Risk factors include using public showers contact sports such as wrestling excessive sweating contact with animals obesity and poor immune function. Ringworm can spread from other animals or between people. Diagnosis is often based on the appearance and symptoms. It may be confirmed by either culturing or looking at a skin scraping under a microscope