ConditionSkin, hair & nails
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a common fungal infection of the skin, not a worm. It causes a red, scaly, itchy patch with a raised edge that spreads outward in a ring, often with clearer skin in the middle. It spreads by direct contact with infected people, pets (especially kittens and puppies), soil, or shared items like towels and gym mats. Most cases clear with an over-the-counter antifungal cream used for 2 to 4 weeks. Scalp and nail infections need tablets.
Also called: Tinea corporis, dermatophytosis, body ringworm, tinea
At a glance
- What it is
- A superficial skin infection by dermatophyte fungi.
- Looks like
- A red or darker, scaly, itchy ring with a raised border and clearer center.
- Spread
- Skin-to-skin contact, pets, contaminated items, soil, contact sports.
- Diagnosis
- Appearance; skin scraping with KOH test or culture if unsure.
- Treatment
- Topical antifungal (terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole) for 2 to 4 weeks; oral antifungals for scalp, nails or widespread infection.
When to get help
See a doctor within a day or two
- Ringworm that becomes very red, hot, swollen, painful or oozes pus (possible bacterial infection)
- A painful, boggy, swollen patch on the scalp with hair loss (possible kerion)
Book a routine appointment
- Ringworm on the scalp or beard, which needs prescription tablets
- A rash not improving after 2 weeks of antifungal cream, or spreading
- Widespread patches, or ringworm in someone with diabetes or a weak immune system
- Frequent recurrences
Usually safe to manage at home
- One or a few small, itchy ring-shaped patches on the body, treated with over-the-counter antifungal cream
What ringworm looks like
- round or oval patches with a scaly, raised, red (or brown or gray on darker skin) border
- clearer or normal-looking skin in the center, creating a ring
- itching
- patches slowly enlarge and may merge
- sometimes small blisters or bumps at the edge
- one patch or several
Types of tinea
The same group of fungi cause infections named by body site:
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Tinea corporis (ringworm) | Body, arms, legs, face |
| Tinea capitis | Scalp, mostly children |
| Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) | Feet, between toes |
| Tinea cruris (jock itch) | Groin and inner thighs |
| Tinea unguium (onychomycosis) | Nails |
| Tinea barbae | Beard area |
| Tinea manuum | Hands |
Tinea versicolor is caused by a different yeast and is not true ringworm.
How ringworm spreads
- people: direct skin contact, including contact sports such as wrestling ("tinea gladiatorum")
- animals: cats, dogs (especially kittens and puppies), guinea pigs, horses and cattle; pets may have patchy hair loss or show no signs
- objects: towels, clothing, bedding, combs, gym mats, locker room floors
- soil: less commonly
Warm, moist skin, sweating, and weakened immunity increase the risk. Spreading from feet or nails to the body is common.
Ringworm vs conditions that look similar
| Condition | Clue |
|---|---|
| Ringworm | Scaly, raised edge, clearer center, itch; scraping positive |
| Nummular eczema | Uniformly inflamed coin-shaped patches, often oozing, very itchy |
| Psoriasis | Thick silvery scale, elbows, knees, scalp |
| Pityriasis rosea | One "herald patch" then many oval patches on the trunk in a Christmas tree pattern |
| Granuloma annulare | Smooth, non-scaly ring, not itchy |
| Lyme disease rash | Expanding red ring after a tick bite, not scaly |
Steroid creams used on ringworm by mistake can make it spread and look atypical ("tinea incognito").
Diagnosis
Doctors usually recognize ringworm by its appearance. If unsure, they scrape a little scale from the edge and examine it under a microscope with potassium hydroxide (KOH) or send it for fungal culture.
Treatment
Topical antifungals
For most body ringworm:
- terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole or ketoconazole cream
- apply to the rash and 2 cm (about 1 inch) of surrounding skin once or twice a day
- continue for 1 to 2 weeks after the rash clears, usually 2 to 4 weeks in total
Avoid combination steroid-antifungal creams unless a doctor recommends them.
Oral antifungals
Needed for:
- scalp and beard infections
- nail infections
- widespread or deep infections
- people with weakened immunity
- infections not responding to creams
Terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin or fluconazole may be prescribed for several weeks.
Other steps
- keep the skin clean and dry
- wash towels, bedding and clothes in hot water
- do not share personal items
- treat athlete's foot at the same time to prevent reinfection
- have pets checked and treated by a vet
Prevention
- shower after contact sports and clean gym equipment
- wear sandals in locker rooms and public showers
- keep feet dry and change socks daily
- wash hands after handling animals
- avoid sharing towels, combs and clothing
Frequently asked questions
What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by dermatophyte fungi, not worms. These fungi live on skin, animals and in soil. They spread through direct contact with infected people or pets, or with contaminated objects like towels and gym mats.
How long is ringworm contagious?
Ringworm is contagious as long as the fungus is active on the skin. It usually stops being contagious within about 48 hours of starting antifungal treatment, though you should continue treatment for the full course.
What is the fastest way to get rid of ringworm?
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as terbinafine or clotrimazole twice a day to the rash and surrounding skin, keep it dry, and continue for 1 to 2 weeks after it clears. Scalp and nail infections need prescription tablets.
Can I get ringworm from my cat or dog?
Yes. Pets, especially kittens and puppies, are a common source. They may have patches of hair loss or no visible signs. Have your vet check and treat pets if you or your family get ringworm.
Sources
This guide was written from current patient and clinical guidance, including:
- American Academy of Dermatology: Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment
- CDC: Ringworm (fungal diseases)
- MedlinePlus: Ringworm
- NHS: Ringworm
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): Ringworm