Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, scalp or nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes.

At Banner Health, we know how important it is to understand and manage this infection. Learn more about ringworm, how you catch it and how to treat and prevent it.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, scalp or nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. 

The name “ringworm” comes from the circular, ring-shaped rash it often creates. 

Ringworm is also called tinea, depending on the part of the body affected. 

Is ringworm contagious? 

Yes. Ringworm spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces such as towels, clothing, bedding, gym equipment or floors. 

You can even spread ringworm to other parts of your own body by touching the infected area and then another area of skin. 

What causes ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi live on the skin, hair and nails. Dermatophyte fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails. That’s why ringworm is more common in places like locker rooms, swimming pools and public showers.

You can also get it when you share clothing or share personal items like towels, brushes or sports gear. Pets like cats and dogs and farm animals like cows and horses can carry the fungus that causes ringworm. In rare cases, you can get ringworm from contaminated soil.

Types of ringworm

Ringworm infection can affect different parts of the body, including the scalp, feet and nails. But it most often occurs in the moist areas of the body and around hair. 

The most common types of ringworm are:

• Body ringworm (tinea corporis): This type of ringworm affects your arms, legs, torso and face. 
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): This type occurs on the feet and between the toes. It can cause itchy, scaly skin and blisters on the feet.
• Jock itch (tinea cruris): This rash occurs in the groin, upper thigh area, or buttocks. This problem is more common in males and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). 
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This type of ringworm causes itchy, scaly patches and hair loss. 
• Tinea unguium (onychomycosis): This is an infection of the toenails and sometimes fingernails. It can cause nails to become thicker, discolored and deformed.

Ringworm is named differently depending on where it appears on the body.

What does ringworm look like? 

Ringworm often appears as: 

• A circular, red or darker-colored rash 
• Raised edges with clearer skin in the center 
• Itchy, scaly or cracked skin 
• Blisters in some cases 

On darker skin tones, ringworm may appear brown, gray or purple rather than bright red. 

Who gets ringworm?

Anyone can get ringworm, but it’s more common in children and people who:

• Play contact sports like wrestling (skin to skin contact)
• Use public showers or locker rooms
• Have weak immune systems or autoimmune diseases like lupus 
• Live in warm, humid climates
• Have contact with pets with ringworm
• Have poor hygiene
• Share clothing or objects, such as a brush or towel, with an infected person

You may also be at higher risk if you: 

• Sweat heavily 
• Wear tight or damp clothing 
• Have minor skin injuries 

What are the signs of ringworm?

Ringworm symptoms can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected.

Symptoms by location:

• Skin: Red, scaly patches, often round and ring-shaped. Patches can be itchy and may blister or ooze. 
• Scalp: Scaly patches leading to hair loss; severe cases can cause kerion, pus-filled bumps. 
• Feet: Itchy, cracked and peeling skin, especially between the toes (common in athlete’s foot). 
• Nails: Thick, discolored, brittle or crumbly nails. 

See your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist if you are experiencing symptoms of ringworm. 

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Your health care provider can usually diagnose ringworm by asking about your health history and looking at the affected skin. Sometimes, they may:

• Use a special light to check the skin
• Take a skin scraping or sample to look under a microscope or test in a lab

In some cases, a provider may perform a fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis.

How is ringworm treated?

The treatment of ringworm depends on the infection’s location and how severe it is. Fungi can live for a long time on the skin, so you may have to repeat treatment.   

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available to treat ringworm. These may include:

• Topical antifungal medicine: For mild skin infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions and powders can be effective. Topical products may include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine or tolnaftate. 
• Oral antifungal medications: For more severe cases or infections of the scalp or nails, your provider may prescribe an oral (taken by mouth) medication. Oral medications may include fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine. They may also prescribe a special shampoo to use along with it.

Use the medicine as long as is recommended by your provider or pharmacist. Don’t stop medication early, even if the rash seems to be better. If you do, the infection may come back and spread to other parts of the body. 

To support healing: 

• Keep the affected area clean and dry 
• Wash with soap and water, and dry thoroughly 
• Change clothes daily 

Most mild skin infections improve within 2 to 4 weeks with topical antifungal treatment. Scalp and anil infections often require a prescription oral medication. 

Do not use steroid creams alone for ringworm, as they can worsen the infection.

How long does ringworm last?

Ringworm usually improves within 2 to 4 weeks with proper treatment. More severe infections, especially those involving the scalp or nails, may require treatment for 6 to 12 weeks.

Can ringworm go away on its own?

Without treatment, ringworm may spread or worsen. Some mild cases may iprove slowly, but antifungal treatment speeds healing and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.

Ways to prevent ringworm

You can take steps to prevent ringworm:

• Keep your skin clean and dry: After excessive sweating or swimming, shower and dry off completely.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, bed sheets, clothing, brushes or sports gear.
• Don’t go barefoot: Wear sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms, public showers and around pools.
• Change socks and underwear: Wear clean socks, underwear and clothes each day.
• Handle pets carefully: If your pet has bald spots or scaly skin, take them to the vet. 
• Wash hands: Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of many infections. 
• Disinfect shared surfaces regularly, especially in gyms or locker rooms.

When to see a doctor for ringworm 

Seek medical care if: 

• The rash spreads or worsens 
• You develop fever or drainage 
• The infection affects your scalp or nails 
• Over-the-counter treatment does not improve symptoms after 1 to 2 weeks 

Early treatment is key

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can spread to various parts of the body. Early treatment can prevent it from spreading. If you experience symptoms or need treatment, contact a Banner Health specialist today.