Ringworm symptoms & treatment

Despite its common name, ringworm isn’t actually a worm. Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by parasites called dermatophytes.

Ringworm is contagious, so it’s important to seek ringworm treatment right away. If you have an active infection, you can give it to someone else. You can get ringworm by touching infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of ringworm on the feet

• Itchy blisters
• Itching, burning, stinging or cracking skin between your toes or on your soles
• Dry skin on your soles or sides of your feet
• Unpleasant foot odor
• Discolored and crumbling toenails

Ringworm symptoms on the groin

• Burning, itching scaly skin on the groin, upper thighs or buttocks areas
• Red, scaly circular rash

Symptoms of scalp ringworm

• Itchy bumps, small sores or boils
• Flaky, scaly patches
• Soreness or tenderness
• Patchy hair loss

Will ringworm go away on its own?

Ringworm may occasionally go away on its own, but it could take several months . While you have it, there’s a risk of it spreading to other areas of your body or to other people.

Home remedies rely on anecdotal evidence and may not work as well as over-the-counter fungal creams or ringworm treatments prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if ringworm isn’t treated?

If ringworm isn’t treated, it can cause complications such as:

• Hyperpigmentation: After healing, dark patches may appear on the previously affected area. More common among people of African, Asian or Hispanic descent.
• Nail deformities: When ringworm affects your nails, they may become deformed, discolored or broken.
• Secondary infection: Untreated skin that has cracks may become infected with bacteria and cause a high fever, chills or a smelly discharge from the affected area.
• Kerion: A complication of scalp ringworm that causes pus-filled swellings with a yellow crust. If left untreated, it can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.

Ringworm causes

Ringworm is caused by fungi that grow and spread on warm, moist skin. It’s commonly found in gyms, locker rooms, pools and playgrounds where it spreads easily because of the number of people using these facilities. The warm, wet environment is also ideal for keeping it alive on floors, sinks, doorknobs and toilets, as well as on personal items like towels, brushes and combs.

Ringworm risk factors

Ringworm is very common. People with weakened immune systems may be especially at risk and may have problems fighting it off. Other risk factors for ringworm infections are:

• Living in a tropical climate
• Spending time in hot, humid weather
• Playing contact sports such as wrestling and football
• Using public locker rooms or public showers without footwear
• Living in close contact with others (such as in military housing)
• Sharing towels or clothes without washing them first
• Not drying your feet before putting on socks and shoes
• Being obese
• Wearing clothes that are tight or might chafe your skin
• Having diabetes

Ringworm prevention

Although it’s a common skin infection, you can take precautions to prevent getting ringworm.

• Wear fresh socks and underwear every day.
• Shower or bathe and dry off thoroughly after participating in sports or other activities that cause you to sweat.
• Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed.
• Wear gloves if you’re working in soil for long periods of time.
• Disinfect gym equipment, including exercise mats.
• Wash bedding, towels and clothes in hot water with detergent.

If you do get ringworm, here are ways you can prevent spreading it to others:

• Wash your sports gear and clothing regularly and don’t share it with others.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Don’t share towels, clothes or combs with others.
• Wear footwear in locker rooms, on pool decks or in public showers.
• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet.

Contact with animals infected with ringworm

Ringworm can transfer easily from cats and dogs to humans. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your pets:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching your pet.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves when you handle animals with ringworm.
• Thoroughly vacuum your home to remove infected fur or skin flakes.
• Completely clean your home, especially floors, countertops and bedding.

Ringworm treatment & when to see a doctor

Over-the-counter ringworm treatments are available, but severe cases must be treated with oral prescription antifungal drugs such as terbinafine to prevent the infection from coming back. Your primary care provider or dermatologist may also prescribe an antifungal cleanser or shampoo, powder, cream or lotion.

Diagnosing ringworm requires ruling out other types of rashes like eczema and dermatitis. Our team of dermatologists can diagnose and treat ringworm. Find a dermatologist near you.

It may seem logical to keep the ringworm rash covered with a bandage to prevent spreading the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process. Instead, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as long-sleeved shirts and pants to speed healing and avoid spreading the ringworm rash to others.

If ringworm develops on your feet or groin area, keep these areas clean and dry. If you sweat a lot during the day, bathe with an antifungal cleansing bar and then apply antifungal powder or lotion. Make sure the affected area is completely dry before putting on clean socks or underwear.

The treatment for ringworm depends on its location on the body and how serious the infection is.

• Ringworm on the skin like athlete’s foot and jock itch can usually be treated with nonprescription antifungal creams, lotions or powders applied to the skin for two to four weeks. For non-prescription creams, lotions or powders, follow the directions on the package. Contact your health care provider if your infection doesn’t go away or gets worse.
• Ringworm on the scalp usually needs to be treated with prescription ringworm medication taken by mouth for one to three months and over-the-counter antifungal shampoo.