6 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT RINGWORM

Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, is a type of rash caused by a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. Here’s what you need to know about this common skin condition.

1. What does ringworm look like?

A ringworm rash classically shows up as one or more circular raised areas on the skin that have a flaky or scaly border. The rash may initially just feel like dry skin, but tends to be more red in color and have a more defined appearance. Sometimes the rash itches or burns, but not always. The most common locations for ringworm are the neck, chest, abdomen, back, arms, and legs. Ringworm can have a different appearance from the classic look in some cases, depending on body location or hair involvement. Ringworm can sometimes cause enough skin irritation that it leaves a mark behind called hyperpigmentation, which may take months to fade, even after effective treatment.

2. What causes ringworm?

Ringworm is not caused by a worm. Ringworm, also called tinea infection, is actually caused by fungi that thrive on material called keratin naturally found in the skin, hair, and nails. There are several families of fungus that cause tinea infections, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Tinea infections can occur on various parts of the body (scalp, face, beard area, groin, feet, nails, etc.), but ringworm refers to when it shows up the neck, torso, or extremities; the specific medical term for ringworm is tinea corporis.

3. How does ringworm spread?

The fungus that causes ringworm is spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal (cats, dogs, horses, cattle), a contaminated object (towels, clothing, bedding), or environments that have a lot of moisture (locker rooms, pools, public showers, soil).

4. Who is at risk for ringworm?

While anyone can get ringworm, including those with normal or sensitive skin, but it is more commonly seen in the following people or circumstances:

  • Children
  • People who already have a tinea infection somewhere else on the body (scalp, face, beard area, groin, feet, nails)
  • Athletes (particularly contact sports)
  • People in frequent contact with animals
  • People who sweat heavily (especially if also wearing tight clothing)
  • Pregnancy (if in contact with infected children)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Warm, humid climates/environments

5. What do I do if I suspect I or my child have ringworm?

  • Check the scalp, face, neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet for additional rashes Tinea infections are often found on more than one body part. 
  • There are effective treatments that can help ringworm go away within 4-6 weeks. If you are sure the rash is ringworm, you can try a topical over-the-counter antifungal medicated cream like:
  • Terbinafine
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole

Apply the cream directly on and around the rash (~2 cm border of normal-appearing skin around it) 1-2 times daily for 4-6 weeks. 

  • If you are unsure that the rash is ringworm, or if the rash is not responding to over-the-counter antifungal treatment within 2 weeks, book an appointment with a dermatology provider, an expert in skin care. The dermatology provider will examine the skin and may even scrape some scales from the rash to look at under a microscope. If the rash seems to be consistent with a fungal infection, they will prescribe an antifungal cream, or in more complicated cases antifungal pills, to treat the infection. There are other rashes that can look similar to a fungal rash, like eczema or psoriasis, so they may recommend other treatment options.
  • Avoid contact sports until the rash has been treated for at least 48 hours. 
  • Avoid scratching the infected area to prevent worsening or spreading the infection.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, or other personal items until the rash has resolved.
  • Have any household pets checked by a veterinarian to ensure they do not have a fungal infection that needs to be treated.

6. Are there ways I can help prevent ringworm?

  • Personal hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching animals or being in public spaces with commonly-touched objects. Shower after working out or sweating, and dry any moisture-prone areas thoroughly. Avoid tight fitting clothing, ensuring you are changing your underwear and socks at least once daily. Do not share clothing, sports equipment, or personal care items like towels or grooming tools.
  • Clean environment: Wipe down any shared equipment or commonly-touched surfaces. Regularly wash clothing and bedding. Do not share clothing or personal care items like towels or grooming tools.
  • Prompt evaluation: If you suspect you or a family member may have ringworm, promptly treat and/or seek evaluation with a dermatology provider. Get any pets checked out for ringworm if you suspect they have a fungal infection (clues would be missing hair or a rash) or if there have been repeats of ringworm in the household. Treat according to the veterinarian’s recommendations.

Other questions or want to get checked out for possible ringworm? Book an appointment here.


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