Specifically, it is a type of dermatophytosis (or ringworm) that appears on the arms and legs, especially on glabrous skin; however, it may occur on any superficial part of the body.

It may have a variety of appearances; most easily identifiable are the enlarging raised red rings with a central area of clearing (ringworm).

These tiny organisms normally live on the superficial skin surface, and when the opportunity is right, they can induce a rash or infection.

[3] Individuals at high risk of acquiring ringworm include those who:[citation needed] Superficial scrapes of skin examined underneath a microscope may reveal the presence of a fungus.

This is done by utilizing a diagnostic method called KOH test,[6] wherein the skin scrapings are placed on a slide and immersed on a dropful of potassium hydroxide solution to dissolve the keratin on the skin scrappings thus leaving fungal elements such as hyphae, septate or yeast cells viewable.

[citation needed] Because fungi prefer warm, moist environments, preventing ringworm involves keeping skin dry and avoiding contact with infectious material.

[4][8] When the dermatophytic infection presents in wrestlers, with skin lesions typically found on the head, neck, and arms it is sometimes called tinea corporis gladiatorum.