What is the technical term for ringworm, a contagious condition caused by a fungal parasite?

The technical term for ringworm is Tinea. This term refers to a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails, with ringworm being one of the most well-known conditions caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungi. Tinea can manifest in different forms depending on the area of the body affected, such as Tinea capitis (scalp), Tinea corporis (body), or Tinea pedis (athlete's foot). The naming convention using "Tinea" followed by a descriptor is commonly used in dermatology to classify these infections effectively.

The other options relate to different conditions. Scabies is caused by a mite and leads to intense itching and a rash, while psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell growth resulting in scaling. Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by flaking skin, often due to dry skin or seborrheic dermatitis. These distinctions highlight why "Tinea" is the appropriate term for ringworm.