Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Ringworm

Diagnosis of ringworm can often be based on the characteristic scaly red ring on the surface of the skin.

A small sample of skin can be taken by gently scraping the affected area. The sample can be tested and looked at under a microscope. The fungus may also appear fluorescent (glows in the dark) when your skin is looked at using a blue light, called a Wood’s lamp.

In ringworm on the scalp, a sample of the scale and hair (plucked, not cut) are used to look at the organism causing the infection under a microscope.

• RabiesRadiationRadiotherapyRaynaud's phenomenonRectal examinationRed blood countReiter's syndromeRelapsing feverRenin testRepetitive strain injuryRespiratory distress syndromeRespiratory tract infectionRespite careRestless leg syndromeRestricted growthRetinal detachmentReye's syndromeRhesus factor diseaseRheumatic feverRheumatoid arthritisRhinitisRicketsRingwormRisks and benefits of treatmentRoot canal treatmentRosaceaRoundwormRubella

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