Erysipelas is not strictly speaking a true ringworm because it is not a type of skin damage due to a fungal infection. The disease is primarily due to an infection by the rod-shaped fungus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection of the skin by this microorganism may result in a clear, irregular patchy skin lesion that is generally red in appearance, which is why it is also called ringworm. Some cases of erysipelas may develop and become reddish-brown in color, and new lesions are usually smooth, but more mature lesions may have large amounts of fine scales. It may occur on the thighs or in the groin area where the scrotum touches, or it may be seen in the armpits or the lower edge of the breasts in women. There are often no obvious self-reported symptoms of the disease, and in some cases repeated irritation may lead to localized tinea-like changes in the skin.