Contrary to what you may have heard, ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, not an actual worm. (Photo Credit: Science Photo Library/Getty images) Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by a worm.

Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, occur when one type of fungal microbe becomes too prevalent in one area of the body so that the immune system cannot defeat it.

Ringworm is caused by infection of the hair and surface layers of the skin by fungi. It occurs in all species of animals including man. Fungal infections cause little, if any, permanent damage or ...