Ringworm
Also known as Tinea corporis, Fungal skin infection
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, not a worm. It produces a red scaly patch that spreads outward with a raised clearer centre, giving the ring appearance. It spreads by contact with infected people, animals and surfaces, and responds to antifungal cream.
Causes
- Dermatophyte fungi
- Contact with an infected person
- Contact with infected animals, especially kittens and puppies
- Contaminated towels, bedding and floors
- Warm humid conditions
Symptoms
- A red or darker scaly patch that spreads outward
- A raised ring shaped border with clearer skin inside
- Itching
- Several patches that may merge
- Hair loss in patches if on the scalp
- Cracked or flaky skin
Risk factors
- Contact sports such as wrestling
- Communal changing rooms and pools
- Owning or handling animals
- Warm humid climate
- Weakened immune system
- Excessive sweating
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis from the ring shaped appearance
- Skin scraping for microscopy and culture
- Wood lamp examination in some scalp infections
- Distinguishing from eczema and psoriasis, which look similar
Treatment
- Topical antifungal cream such as terbinafine or clotrimazole
- Continue for one to two weeks after the rash clears
- Oral antifungal for scalp infection, which creams cannot reach
- Oral treatment for widespread or resistant infection
- Treating infected pets through a vet
Self care
- Apply antifungal cream slightly beyond the edge of the rash
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Do not share towels, bedding or clothing
- Wash bedding and clothes on a hot wash
- Cover the rash for contact sports or avoid them until treated
- Have pets checked if they have bald or scaly patches
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- The rash affects the scalp or beard area
- No improvement after two weeks of cream
- The rash is widespread or spreading fast
- Repeated infections
- Weakened immune system or diabetes
- Uncertainty about the diagnosis
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Do not share towels, clothing or sports equipment
- Wear sandals in communal showers
- Shower after contact sports
- Keep skin clean and dry
- Have pets treated if infected
- Wash hands after handling animals
Outlook
Skin ringworm clears within two to four weeks of antifungal cream used correctly. Scalp infection needs oral treatment for several weeks and may cause temporary hair loss, which regrows once treated. Recurrence is common where the source, such as an untreated pet, remains.
Common questions
Is ringworm caused by a worm?
No. It is a fungal infection, named only for the ring shaped rash. No parasite is involved and no worming treatment is needed.
Why does scalp ringworm need tablets?
The fungus grows inside the hair shaft where creams cannot reach. Oral antifungals are needed, usually for four to eight weeks, alongside an antifungal shampoo to reduce spread.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.