Ringworm is an infection of the skin. It may appear on the skin, nails, hands, feet, or scalp. There are no worms, some think the rash can look like a worm.
Ringworm Rash© Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. It can be found in warm, moist areas such as locker rooms, shower stalls, damp clothes, or soil. Both people and pets can pick up the fungus from these areas.
The most common way to get it is from skin to skin contact with someone who has ringworm. You can also pick it up from an infected pet. The fungus can also live on objects for a long time. It can be passed by sharing infected, clothes, hats, towels, and personal grooming items.
Ringworm is more common in children 12 years of age or younger.
Factors that may increase your chances of ringworm:
Ringworm causes reddish patches with raised borders. They often appear as circles. The centers turn clear as the patch grows. This gives it a ring-like appearance. The patches:
Symptoms may appear about 4 to 10 days after contact.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A skin examination will be done. Ringworm is often easily diagnosed by appearance. A sample of the affected area may be taken if it is not healing.
Treatment can get rid of the infection. Options include:
Creams or powders may help to get rid of the fungus. Treatment is often given for at least 4 weeks.
Ringworm on the body, hands, or feet can often be treated with over-the-counter medicine. A prescription may be needed for ringworm that is more widespread or severe.
Pills may be needed for ringworm of the nails and scalp. Early treatment for scalp ringworm is important to prevent permanent hair loss. Prescription pills are given for:
If your pet has ringworm they will need to be treated as well. Check with your pet's veterinarian for treatment.
To help reduce your chances of ringworm:
American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org
Canadian Dermatology Association
https://www.dermatology.ca
Dermatologists
http://www.dermatologists.ca
Higgens EM, Fuller LC, Smith CH. Guidelines for the management of tinea capitis. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(1):53-58.
Kakourou T, Uksal U, European Society for Pediatric Dermatology. Guidelines for the management of tinea capitis in children. Pediatr Dermatol. 2010;27(3):226-228.
Panackal AA, Halpern EF, Watson AJ. Cutaneous fungal infections in the United States: Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), 1995-2004. Int J Dermatol. 2009;48(7):704-712.
Ringworm. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/ringworm. Accessed February 15, 2020.
Tinea capitis. DynaMed website. Available at:
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Accessed February 15, 2020.
Last reviewed February 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD