ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm (also known as tinea corporis, tinea manuum or dermatophytosis) has nothing to do with worms. Its name comes from the raised, ring-shaped rash that it forms. This contagious fungal infection affects the skin, hair and nails but can appear anywhere as it thrives on the keratin in our skin. However, if it does, it will not have the itchy, red and ring-shaped pattern that appears on the palms, soles, groin and nails.¹

Parts of the body that can be affected by ringworm include:¹

• Arms or legs
• Buttocks
• Face
• Facial hair
• Feet
• Groin and inner thighs
• Hands
• Neck
• Scalp
• Toenails or fingernails

There are more than 40 types of fungi that cause ringworm.¹ These fungi thrive in tropical areas and during hot, humid summers. Additionally, if you use locker rooms or indoor pools, you increase your risk.

Luckily, ringworm is very treatable. When symptoms appear, you should deal with it in a timely fashion to avoid spreading it to others.

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What are the Symptoms of Ringworm?

The symptoms of ringworm appear between four to fourteen weeks after contact with the fungi that causes this fungal infection. When it appears on your skin, symptoms include:²

• Hair loss
• Itchy skin
• Red, scaly and cracked skin
• Ring-shaped rash

Depending on where the ringworm appears on your body (generally on the skin, the fingernails or toenails), the symptoms may be different:²

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): Ringworm often appears between the pinky toe and the one next to it. It leads to swollen, itchy and red skin that may peel. It can also appear on the sole and heel of your foot, as well as lead to blisters. If you’re looking for more info on athlete’s foot, which is the most common form of ringworm, we have you covered.
• Beard (tinea barbae): Ringworm can appear within facial hair and on the cheeks, upper neck and chin as itchy, scaly red spots. These spots may crust or fill with pus. Any impacted hair may also fall out during the fungal infection.
• Hand (tinea manuum): This version of ringworm is often caused by touching another area of your body that has been infected. The skin of your hand will become dry and you may even see dark cracks in your palms as well as a ring-shaped rash on the back of your hand.³
• Jock itch (tinea cruris): Ringworm of the groin causes a red itchy rash that may grow scaly. It usually affects the skin folds on your inner thighs.
• Nails (tinea unguium): Ringworm impacts toenails more often than fingernails. That’s because tight shoes often create a moist and warm place for fungi to thrive. If your nails become infected, they may crack, lift from the nail bed or become thick and discolored.³
• Scalp (tinea capitis): Most common in children, this fungal infection causes a bald spot to develop on the scalp. It will be red, itchy and ring-shaped. It may grow in size and multiple spots could appear as the infection spreads.

What is the Most Effective Treatment for Ringworm?

Depending on the type of ringworm, the seriousness of the infection and where it appears on your body, treatment may vary.

Skin conditions: Minor ringworm infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch may be treated with over-the-counter non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions or powders. These can be applied directly to the infected areas of the skin for up to one month. Look for products with ingredients such as Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine and Ketoconazole.⁴

When taking these medications, follow the directions on the package. If your infection doesn’t go away or symptoms increase, speak with your provider.

Note: Creams that contain steroids should not be used to treat ringworm. They can lead to rashes increasing in size and severity, as well as intense redness and burning.¹

Scalp conditions: As creams, lotions and powders don’t work on the scalp, you will instead need to take a prescription oral antifungal medication taken by mouth for up to three months. These medications include Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole and Terbinafine. Your provider may also prescribe a medicated shampoo.⁴

Can Ringworm Lead to Serious Complications if Left Untreated?

While complications aren’t common, if left untreated ringworm can spread to other parts of your body or to other people and pets. Other complications may include:¹

• Dark marks on the skin
• Fingernail and toenail deformities
• Hair loss, which may be permanent
• Scarring
• Secondary infection if ringworm bacteria enters any broken skin (this can also lead to a rare infection known as Majocchi’s granuloma, which happens when the fungal infection goes into the deeper layers of the skin)

What Causes Ringworm?

The fungi that cause ringworm can be spread through three main methods:¹

• From another person: If you have any physical contact with someone who already has ringworm, you can get it. You should also avoid sharing personal items, clothing and towels.
• From the environment: Ringworm-causing fungi lives on damp surfaces in places like locker rooms and public showers. If possible, avoid being barefoot in these areas. You may also come into contact with the fungi while digging in soil and dirt.³
• From an animal: Infected dogs and cats (especially younger ones), as well as goats, cows, pigs and horses can all give you ringworm if you touch them. It can also live within any blankets or bedding that an infected pet has touched.

How do you know if an animal has ringworm? While most adult animals and those that have longer hair don’t always show signs of fungal infection, younger animals have hairless, circular or oddly shaped areas of skin that may be red, scaly or crusted. They may also have brittle fur or claws that have an opaque look. If you think your pet has ringworm, make sure that it is seen by your veterinarian.⁵

Who Is at Risk of Getting Ringworm?

Ringworm can affect anyone, but there are several people who are at a higher risk:¹

• Anyone who uses public showers or locker rooms
• Athletes who participate in contact sports
• Those in close contact with animals
• Those who sweat excessively
• Those who wear tight shoes
• Those with weakened immune systems

How to Prevent Ringworm

Beyond being aware of your environment, as well as people and pets who may have ringworm, these actions may prevent you from being infected:¹

• After playing or working with any animal, wash your hands with soap and warm water. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Change socks and underwear daily.
• If you play sports, shower immediately after any practice or game. Keep your gear and uniform clean and never share them with your fellow players.
• Keep fingernails and toenails clean and clipped short.
• Never share clothing, towels, sheets, hair brushes or personal items with anyone infected by ringworm (you can sterilize brushes and combs by soaking them in diluted bleach).
• Wear sandals in public locker rooms and public showers.
• Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
• Your skin should be clean and dry as much as possible.

MedExpress Pro Tip: If there is an outbreak of ringworm at your child’s school or day care, start by getting more information from your local health department. Explain to your children that they shouldn’t share clothing, hats, hairbrushes or personal items with other children. Keep an eye on your child for any signs of infection and take them to a provider if they develop any symptoms. If they do have ringworm, your provider can guide you on when they can return to school or day care.¹

How Do You Manage Symptoms of Ringworm?

If you have any symptoms of ringworm, you should see a provider immediately. This will keep you from spreading this contagious fungal infection to others. Your provider can diagnose your fungal infection and determine the next course of treatment. They may also want to take a sample of your skin or a fungal culture for further testing.

They may prescribe either an oral or topical antifungal medication, depending on the type of ringworm you have, as well as recommend over the counter medications.

While you have ringworm, follow these guides to avoid spreading it to others:³

• Dry skin thoroughly after showering.
• Wash bedding and clothing daily.
• Wear loose clothing.

If you are pregnant and become infected by ringworm, speak with your provider. You should also consult with your provider before taking any medication if you are breastfeeding.

What is Scalp Ringworm?

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection on the scalp that can cause small patches of ring-like rashes, itchy and scaly skin, and brittle hair. Other symptoms include a painful scalp, swollen lymph nodes and a fever.⁶

In severe fungal infections of the scalp, crusty pus-filled swellings called kerion form. If left untreated, this may lead to permanent baldness and scarring.⁶

Ringworm on Scalp Treatment at Home

In addition to oral antifungal medications, your provider may decide that a medicated shampoo with ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can help prevent your fungal infection from spreading.

There are also at-home remedies such as using apple cider vinegar on infected areas, applying tea tree or coconut oil to the scalp or using aloe vera to get relief from pain and itching. Speak with your provider before trying any of these remedies, especially if you have sensitive skin.⁷

How Long Does Ringworm Take to Heal?

It may take a month or more to see any improvement. During that time, follow all your provider’s directions and take all medications as directed. Your provider may want to follow up in four to six weeks to see your progress.⁷

Keep in mind that you may get ringworm more than once. The good news is that these recurrences often end with puberty.⁷

Ringworm has many ways that it can infect your body. However, your neighborhood MedExpress is here every day from 8 to 8 to help. Whether you schedule online or walk in, we’ll help diagnose and treat your skin condition as quickly as possible.

References:

1 CDC. Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections Basics. Last updated April 24, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2024

2 CDC. Symptoms of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections. Last updated April 24, 2024 . Accessed August 8,2024

3 Healthline. Everything You Want to Learn About Ringworm. Last updated July 25, 2023. Accessed May 8, 2024.

4 CDC. Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections. Last updated April 24, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2024.

5 CDC. Healthy Pets, Healthy People. Accessed August 8, 2024.

6 Healthline. Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis). Last updated July 19, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2024. 

7 Healthline. Home Remedies for Ringworm. Last updated February 14, 2023. Accessed May 8, 2024.