Ringworm symptoms & treatment

Despite its name, ringworm (tinea) isn’t actually a worm. It’s a fungal infection caused by parasites called dermatophytes.

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

Ringworm symptoms

Ringworm appears on your skin as a red, scaly rash with blisters shaped like a ring or bull’s-eye. The inside of the patch is usually clear or scaly. The outside might be slightly raised and bumpy. The rash develops in patches with distinct edges, and it grows outward as the infection spreads. Ringworm can occur on your feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), scalp or nails.

Symptoms of ringworm on the feet

• Itchy blisters
• Itching, burning, stinging or cracking 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 ringworm on the scalp

• Itchy bumps, small sores or boils
• Flaky, scaly patches
• Soreness or tenderness
• Hair falling out in patches

Ringworm causes

Ringworm is caused by fungi that grow and spread on warm, moist skin. It’s very contagious, so it’s important to get ringworm treatment right away. 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.

You can get ringworm by touching infected people or contaminated objects and surfaces – like towels, pools, sinks, doorknobs, toilets and floors, as well as brushes and combs.

Ringworm risk factors

Ringworm is very common, and anyone can get it. People with weakened immune systems may be especially at risk and may have problems fighting it off. People who use public showers or locker rooms, athletes (particularly those involved in contact sports such as wrestling), people whose feet sweat and who wear tight shoes, and people who have close contact with animals may also be more likely to come in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.

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.

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.
• Don’t walk barefoot in locker rooms, pool decks or 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.

Home remedies for ringworm

Several home remedies are commonly used for ringworm symptoms. These remedies rely mostly on anecdotal evidence and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for an over-the-counter fungal cream or ringworm treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Ringworm treatment & when to see a doctor

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

Our team of dermatologists can diagnose and treat ringworm. Find a dermatologist.

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

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

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 (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) 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 (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for one to three months and over-the-counter antifungal shampoo.