Ringworm

Overview

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. Despite the name, it is not caused by a worm but by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. The infection often appears as a red, ring-shaped rash with clearer skin in the middle, similar to a ring. It can affect different parts of the body, including the scalp, feet (athlete's foot), groin area (jock itch), and other skin areas.

Yes, ringworm is very common worldwide. Millions of people get ringworm each year, especially in warm and humid climates. It is one of the most frequent skin infections seen in doctors' offices.

Ringworm can affect anyone, but it is more common in children, people who sweat a lot, athletes, people with weakened immune systems, and those who live in crowded or humid environments. It also often appears in people who have close contact with animals, as some fungi can spread from pets to humans.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A red, circular, ring-shaped rash with raised edges and clearer skin in the middle
• Itching, which may be mild to intense
• Dry, scaly, or cracked skin in the affected area
• Blisters or oozing in some cases

Symptoms in children

• Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than adults. It may cause scaly, bald patches.
• Children may also get ringworm on the face or body, often from contact with pets or other children.
• Symptoms in children can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff or other skin conditions.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have ringworm on the feet (athlete's foot) or in the groin area (jock itch).
• Symptoms may be less typical, such as widespread, dry, scaly skin rather than the classic ring shape.
• Older adults with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for more severe or persistent infection.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist areas of the body, like between toes, in the groin, or on the scalp.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal (especially cats, dogs, and farm animals).
• Contact with contaminated objects like towels, combs, bedding, gym equipment, or shower floors.

Risk factors

• Living in hot, humid climates or sweating heavily
• Participating in close-contact sports, such as wrestling or football
• Having a weakened immune system (e.g., from HIV, diabetes, or certain medications)
• Sharing personal items, such as towels, combs, or hair clippers
• Having pets, especially those with skin patches or missing fur

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction or a secondary bacterial infection (see emergency section above)

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a rash that doesn't improve after using over-the-counter antifungal cream for 1–2 weeks
• If ringworm appears on your scalp (over-the-counter creams don't work well there)
• If the rash is very large, painful, or keeps coming back
• If you have a weakened immune system and develop ringworm

Diagnosis

A doctor can often diagnose ringworm just by looking at the rash and hearing your description. They may also ask about recent contact with others who have ringworm or with animals.

Tests that may be done

• Skin scraping: The doctor may gently scrape a small amount of skin from the edge of the rash and examine it under a microscope.
• Fungal culture: The sample can be sent to a lab to grow the fungus and confirm the type.
• Wood's lamp: In some cases, a special ultraviolet light is used to see if the area glows, which can help diagnose certain types of ringworm.

What to expect at your appointment

Most of the time, the diagnosis is quick and painless. If a scraping is done, it may feel like a light scrape. Results from a culture may take a week or two. Your doctor will explain the findings and recommend the best treatment.

Treatment

Ringworm is usually treated with antifungal medications. For mild cases on the body, over-the-counter creams, lotions, or sprays often work well. For more stubborn infection, or if it's on the scalp or nails, your doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medicines. Treatment typically lasts several weeks, and it's important to continue using the medicine even if the rash looks better, to make sure the fungus is fully gone.

Self-care at home

• Keep the affected area clean and dry
• Wash towels, bedding, and clothing in hot water and soap
• Avoid sharing personal items with others
• Do not scratch the rash to prevent spreading or infection
• Use over-the-counter antifungal cream as directed on the packaging

Medical treatments

If over-the-counter treatments don't work, or if ringworm is on the scalp or nails, a doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal cream or an antifungal medicine taken by mouth. These treatments target the fungus throughout the body. Treatment duration varies, but often continues for several weeks to months, especially for nail infections.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for ringworm. In very rare cases, if a severe infection causes a collection of pus (abscess) that does not drain on its own, a minor procedure may be needed to drain it, but this is extremely uncommon.

Living with this condition

Managing ringworm is mostly about hygiene and completing your treatment. You can continue your normal daily activities, but avoid close contact sports or shared gym equipment until the rash is gone. Cover the rash with clothing or a bandage if possible to reduce spread.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area
• Keep your skin dry and wear loose, breathable clothing
• Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or pools until the infection clears

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed for ringworm, but a healthy diet supports your immune system. You can exercise as usual, but shower and dry off thoroughly afterward. If you use gym equipment, wipe it down before and after use.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ringworm can be embarrassing or frustrating, especially if it's visible. But remember, it is a common infection that has nothing to do with being unclean. It is temporary and treatable. If you feel self-conscious, talking to a trusted friend or a healthcare professional can help.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often, keep your skin clean and dry, avoid sharing personal items, and wear flip-flops in public showers or locker rooms. If you have pets, check them for bald patches or skin sores and take them to the vet if needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• The rash may spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Secondary bacterial infection from scratching, which may cause pain, oozing, or fever
• In people with weakened immune systems, ringworm can become widespread and harder to treat
• Scalp ringworm can lead to temporary hair loss or, rarely, scarring

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, nearly all cases of ringworm resolve completely within a few weeks to months. Even without treatment, mild cases sometimes clear on their own, but treatment speeds recovery and reduces spread. Serious complications are very rare. The outlook is excellent.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Fungal Infections ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Ringworm ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Ringworm ↗ · United Kingdom
• British Association of Dermatologists – Patient Information ↗ · United Kingdom

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