In adults, more especially males, the inner portion of the upper part of the thighs and scrotum (_tinea trichophytina cruris_, so-called _eczema marginatum_) may be attacked, and here the affection, favored by heat and moisture, develops rapidly and may soon lose its ordinary clinical appearances, the inflammatory symptoms becoming especially prominent. The whole of this region may become involved, presenting all the symptoms of a true eczema; the border, however, is sharply defined, and usually one or more outlying patches of the ordinary clinical type of the disease may be seen.
#Describe the symptoms of ringworm when involving the nails.#
In ringworm of the nails (_tinea trichophytina unguium_) these structures become soft or brittle, yellowish, opaque and thickened the changes taking place mainly about the free borders. Ringworm on other parts usually coexists.
#Describe the symptoms of ringworm as it occurs upon the scalp.#
Ringworm of the scalp (_tinea trichophytina capitis_, _tinea tonsurans_) begins usually in the same manner as that upon the general surface, but, as a rule, much more insidiously. Sooner or later, however, the hair and follicles are invaded by the fungus, and in consequence the hair falls out or becomes brittle and breaks off. The follicles, except in long-standing cases, are slightly elevated and prominent, and the patch may have a puffed or goose-flesh appearance. In addition, there is slight scaliness.
#Describe the appearances of a typical patch of ringworm of the scalp.#
The patch is rounded, grayish, somewhat scaly, and slightly elevated; the follicles are somewhat prominent; there is more or less alopecia, with here and there broken, gnawed-off-looking hairs, some of which may be broken off just at the outlet of the follicles and more or less surrounded by a whitish or grayish-white dust. This type is produced by the small-spore fungus--microsporon.
#Does ringworm of the scalp always present typical appearances?#
Not invariably. In some cases the patch or patches may become almost completely bald, and in others a tendency to the formation of pustules, with more or less crust-formation, may be seen. The affection may also appear as small scattered spots or points.