Ringworm, or tinea, refers to several types of contagious fungal infections of the top layer of the skin, scalp, and nails. People call it ringworm because it causes an itchy, red rash with a ring-like appearance.
Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. This fungal infection can affect different parts of the body. When it affects the scalp, it can cause hair loss.
Ringworm is a
Ringworm that affects the skin is called tinea corporis. However, different types of ringworm affect other parts of the body, including:
- Scalp: Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is
more common in children and hot, humid climates. - Groin: Jock itch (tinea cruris) is
more common among people who sweat, such as athletes. - Feet: Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a foot infection that
usually affects the skin on the soles, sides, and toes. - Nail bed: Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail bed. When dermatophytes cause an infection,
it is called tinea unguium. - Beard: This affects people who can grow facial hair, and it
often results from contact with an animal or human with ringworm.
Different types of ringworm
| Affected area: | Symptoms: |
|---|---|
| body or skin | • a raised rash with a ring-like appearance • red bumps inside the rash on light skin tones • red-purple, brown, gray, or black bumps inside the rash on dark skin tones • merging rings • itchiness |
| scalp | • small patches of scaly skin on the scalp • tenderness, pain, or inflammation • hair breakage or baldness |
| groin | • itchiness • redness and other color changes • flaky and scaly skin on the inner thighs • symptoms that worsen with exercise or tight clothing |
| foot | • redness and other color changes • peeling skin • itchiness • blisters, in severe cases |
| beard | • redness and other color changes • itchiness • spots that crust over • pus-filled bumps |
Ringworm occurs
- nails
- hair
- outer layer of the skin
Dermatophyte spores can spread from:
- human to human
- animal to human
- objects to human
If a person or animal has ringworm, they may deposit fungal spores on objects and surfaces they touch. Anyone who touches those objects may contract a ringworm infection.
The following
- contact sports, such as wrestling
- walking barefoot, especially in places such as locker rooms or public showers
- wearing tight socks and shoes
- close contact with animals
- excessive sweating
- a weakened immune system
The stages in which ringworm develops depend on the type of ringworm.
On the body, patches grow slowly in size, and more patches can appear on other parts of the body. The center of the patch may clear, leaving a ring. If there are several rings, they may merge.
Athlete’s foot tends to start between the toes before spreading to the bottoms or sides of the feet, or both. The skin between the toes can then turn white and become soft.
On the nails, ringworm starts with discoloration of the nails. Over time, the nails will lift and crumble.
In the groin, the first sign is
- groin
- inner thigh
- waist
- buttocks
A doctor or pharmacist can typically diagnose ringworm after examining the affected area and asking the patient about their medical history and symptoms.
A doctor
The doctor will assess whether the rash is due to another condition, such as psoriasis. Further testing may be necessary if symptoms are particularly severe.
If symptoms do not improve after treatment, the doctor may remove a small piece of affected skin and send it to a lab for analysis.
Treatment
Scalp ringworm treatment
Scalp ringworm typically requires oral antifungal medications, such as:
- terbinafine (LamISIL)
- griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
- itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
Skin ringworm
Treatments for athlete’s foot and jock itch may be the same as treatment for ringworm elsewhere on the skin.
Doctors or pharmacists will usually recommend over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as antifungal:
- creams
- lotions
- ointments
- powders
- medications, such as:
- miconazole (Aloe Vesta, Micaderm)
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
People may need to continue applying these treatments for
Nail infections
Seeking early help for nail fungal infections
A healthcare professional may suggest prescription medications or may wish to remove the nail entirely. It may take up to a year to treat a fungal nail infection.
Learn the best medication for nail fungus.
The American Academy of Dermatology offers the following tips to encourage recovery and prevent the spread of ringworm:
- complete treatment plans, do not finish treatment early even if symptoms improve
- wash the hands after touching the affected area
- keep the affected area clean and dry
- use clean towels and avoid sharing towels
- avoid clothing that causes sweating, such as overly tight clothes
- treat all instances of ringworm at the same time
- change into new, clean clothing every day and wash clothing before wearing them again
- shower after exercising
- wear protective clothing, such as shoes, in public showers and locker rooms
- take pets to the veterinarian if they may have ringworm
- speak to a healthcare professional if treatment does not seem to be working
People
A doctor may suggest OTC treatments or recommend a more extensive diagnosis to identify any underlying causes or rule out other conditions. They may also wish to know about a person’s travel history.
If a person is undergoing ringworm treatment, they should contact a doctor in the following instances:
- treatment is complete, but symptoms are still present
- symptoms worsen
- symptoms appear in a new location
Ringworm is a common type of fungal infection that can affect the skin, scalp, nails, and more. Symptoms may include a raised, itchy rash in a ring shape.
People may be able to treat ringworm with OTC treatments, such as antifungal medications, creams, and ointments. However, they should contact a doctor if these do not work.
People can take steps to prevent the spread of ringworm, such as not sharing towels, keeping the skin clean and dry, and minimizing excessive sweating.