Ringworm

Common symptoms of ringworm include:

• Circular, ring-shaped rash with raised edges
• Red, scaly, or flaky skin
• Itching or burning sensations
• Clear or scaly skin in the center of the rash
• One or multiple overlapping rings
• Flat, itchy patches that slowly expand

Ringworm often begins as a small, itchy red patch that gradually grows outward, forming a ring. As the infection spreads, the border may become raised and scaly while the center clears. Symptoms usually appear 4–14 days after exposure to the fungus.

Ringworm is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. It spreads through direct contact with infected skin, animals, or contaminated surfaces.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Live in a warm or humid climate
• Have close contact with infected people or animals
• Share towels, bedding, or clothing
• Participate in contact sports (such as wrestling)
• Wear tight or non-breathable clothing
• Have a weakened immune system

With proper treatment, mild ringworm infections usually clear within 2–4 weeks. More severe or widespread cases may require 6–12 weeks of treatment.

Yes. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread:

• Through skin-to-skin contact
• From pets or farm animals
• Via contaminated surfaces (floors, clothing, gym equipment)
• By sharing personal items like towels, brushes, or bedding
• Through contact with infected soil

Ringworm can affect many areas of the body. The name varies based on location:

• Body (Tinea corporis): Ring-shaped rash on arms, legs, or torso
• Face/Beard (Tinea barbae): Inflamed or crusted facial patches
• Feet (Tinea pedis / Athlete’s foot): Itching or burning between toes or soles
• Scalp (Tinea capitis): Scaly patches, redness, and hair loss
• Hands (Tinea manuum): Dry, cracked palms or ring-shaped lesions
• Groin (Tinea cruris / Jock itch): Itchy rash, sometimes with blisters

Ringworm typically has a round shape with a raised, scaly border. Other conditions may look similar but have distinguishing features:

• Nummular eczema: Multiple coin-shaped patches instead of a single expanding ring
• Pityriasis rosea: Starts with one patch, then spreads in a “Christmas tree” pattern
• Psoriasis: Thick plaques without the classic ring border
• Granuloma annulare: Smooth, raised bumps that are usually not scaly
• Lyme disease rash: Target-like rash that is not itchy or flaky

While rare, mild cases may resolve without treatment. However, antifungal therapy is usually needed to fully clear the infection and prevent spreading.

Most people see improvement within 1–2 weeks of starting treatment. Complete resolution typically occurs within a few weeks, though severe cases may take longer.

To reduce your risk of ringworm:

• Change socks and underwear daily
• Shower after workouts or contact sports
• Wear sandals in locker rooms and public showers
• Keep skin clean and dry
• Avoid sharing personal items
• Wash clothes and towels in hot water
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Treat infected pets promptly
• Wash hands after animal or public contact

Ringworm is treated with antifungal medications, including:

Topical (OTC or prescription):

• Ketoconazole 2% cream
• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine
• Tolnaftate

Prescription oral antifungals (for severe cases):

• Fluconazole
• Griseofulvin
• Itraconazole
• Terbinafine

No. Jock itch treatment is the same regardless of gender.

Yes. Many mild cases respond well to OTC antifungal creams used consistently. For persistent, severe, or widespread infections, prescription treatment may be needed.

You can start a $39 online consultation to confirm your diagnosis and receive prescription treatment if appropriate.

Untreated ringworm can spread to other areas of the body or to other people and animals. Scalp ringworm may cause permanent hair loss or scarring if left untreated.

Ringworm remains contagious until the rash has fully resolved. Continue treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve early.

Yes. With telehealth services like Future Now Rx, you can consult with a licensed provider online. If medication is prescribed, it can be delivered to your home or sent to a local pharmacy for pickup.