New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is the medical term for ringworm?

1. Tinea

2. Dermatitis

3. Psoriasis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Tinea

The medical term for ringworm is tinea. This term encompasses a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails, and it is classified by the area of the body that is affected. For example, tinea corporis refers to ringworm of the body, tinea capitis affects the scalp, and tinea pedis is known as athlete's foot. Ringworm is not a worm or parasite but rather a fungal infection that creates a circular, itchy rash on the skin, which is where the name "ringworm" originates. The term tinea is derived from the Latin word for "worm" because it was once believed that the rash was caused by a worm. In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different skin conditions. Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, and eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and red, but none of these conditions specifically describe the fungal infection known as ringworm.