Ringworm

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungal skin infection. It usually starts as a red or brown, flat patch, which has a circular or ring-like shape with a scaly, raised border.

Ringworm is a common, contagious skin infection that can easily spread via close contact. It can be treated with antifungal medication.

Are there different types of ringworm?

Ringworm can appear almost anywhere on the body and is named after the part of the body that is affected. Types of infection with ringworm include:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): Causes a sore and itchy rash between the toes and/or soles of the feet. Athlete’s foot can cause a bad smell and the skin may be scaly and cracked.
• Beard (tinea barbae): Patches on the chin, neck and cheeks may become crusted or filled with pus.
• Hands (tinea manuum): Causes dry, cracked palms with ring-like patches.
• Jock itch (tinea cruris): Causes a red, itchy rash in the groin area, as well as the upper thighs or rectum.
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): A red, scaly, itchy bald patch appears on the scalp which may grow if left untreated and become permanent.
• Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis): The nails become discolored, thick and deformed.

Who is at risk of getting ringworm?

Ringworm can affect people of all ages. It is very common and highly contagious.

You are more at risk of getting ringworm if:

• Your immune system is weakened, or you have an autoimmune disease.
• You participate in contact sports.
• You sweat a lot (hyperhidrosis).
• You regularly use public showers or changing rooms.
• You work with animals that may have ringworm.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

Signs of ringworm include:

• Flat patches with a round, raised border
• Hair loss or bald spots in the affected area
• Itchy skin
• Ring-shaped scales.

The symptoms usually appear between 4 and 14 days after contact with the fungi.

What causes ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm, that naturally lives on our skin, hair and nails. If their environment becomes damp or warm, the fungi grow uncontrollably.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose ringworm by looking at the patches that have appeared and by assessing your symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis, they may take some cells to look at them under a microscope.

How is ringworm treated?

There are several types of over-the-counter antifungal medications (creams and powders) available to treat ringworm. If the infection is widespread or doesn’t clear up after two weeks, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication.

Antifungal shampoos can stop scalp ringworm spreading, but you will need to take oral antifungals as well.

Ringworm fungus can live on surfaces at home for months so your doctor will recommend disinfecting surfaces and washing bed sheets on a high temperature.

Can ringworm be prevented?

The following may help prevent ringworm from thriving:

• Change underwear and socks daily (more frequently if they are damp).
• Disinfect surfaces regularly.
• Never share towels, sheets, clothes, or personal hygiene items.
• Shower after contact sports.
• Wear slippers at public pools and in changing rooms.
• Thoroughly dry the skin after showering.
• Treat pets infected with ringworm and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
• Wash sports clothes and towels in hot water.

Ringworm is a common and highly contagious fungal infection. Talk to your family medicine doctor if you are concerned about ringworm or if a member of your family is infected.