Ringworm is an itchy, contagious fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped pattern on your skin. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments can stop the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body or to others. Show
OverviewRingworm is a circular-shaped skin rash caused by a fungal infection.What is ringworm?You might be surprised to learn that a fungus — and not a worm — causes ringworm. Fungi thrive in warm and humid areas such as locker rooms and public showers. This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash). It spreads easily and through close contact. You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal or object. Ringworm goes by different names depending on which body part it affects. Ringworm on your body is called tinea corporis. This type of ringworm affects your arms, legs, torso and face. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription. Types of ringwormRingworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere. Ringworm infections include:
What does ringworm look like?Ringworm typically begins as a flat, discolored patch, which may appear red in lighter complexions and brown in darker complexions. The patch has a ring-like or circular shape with a raised, scaly border. Who gets ringworm?Ringworm affects people of all ages. You’re more at risk for ringworm if you:
How common is ringworm?Ringworm is contagious and extremely common. It can affect 20% to 25% of the world’s population at any given time. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the signs of ringworm?Signs typically appear between four and 14 days after your skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, including:
What causes ringworm?Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin. How contagious is ringworm?Ringworm is contagious. It can live on your skin, on surfaces and in soil. The main ways ringworm spreads are:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is ringworm diagnosed?Your healthcare provider can diagnose ringworm by looking at your skin and assessing your symptoms. They may scrape the area to look at the skin cells under a microscope, too. Examining the scales typically confirms ringworm. Management and TreatmentHow is ringworm treated?Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm. Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication. Antifungal creams and powdersOver-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. OTC products include:
If your symptoms get worse or don’t clear after two weeks, you may need an oral prescription medication from your healthcare provider. Oral medicationYour healthcare provider may write you a prescription for oral antifungal medication if you have ringworm on your scalp or on many parts of your body. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. Oral antifungal medications include:
Antifungal shampooAntifungal shampoo, such as ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D®), may stop scalp ringworm from spreading. It won’t cure it, but it may help contain the infection. You also need to take a prescribed oral antifungal medication. Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well. Home remedies for ringwormHome remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree have little to no benefit. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known. Your home may require treatment as well. The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can remove the fungus. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading. Steroid creamsCorticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. In fact, they may worsen the infection. What cures ringworm?Mild cases of ringworm clear up within a few weeks. More serious infections may require treatment for six to 12 weeks. Some other things you can do to promote healing:
Does ringworm go away by itself?Although ringworm can go away by itself, it’s not common. While ringworm is present on your skin, you’re still contagious to others. PreventionHow can I prevent ringworm?Ringworm thrives in damp, warm areas. The fungus can live on towels, clothes, sheets and household surfaces for months. Preventing ringworm involves:
A weak immune system or living in a damp, warm climate increases your risk of a fungal infection. Outlook / PrognosisCan ringworm come back?Yes, ringworm can come back. Ringworm will go away if you treat it appropriately. Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan until the infection clears completely. If you stop treatment or treatment ends too soon, the infection can come back. What are the complications of ringworm?If you suspect you or your child has ringworm, don’t use anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids. These creams weaken your skin’s defenses. They can allow the infection to spread and cover larger sections of skin. On rare occasions, the ringworm fungus goes deeper into your skin, making it even harder to treat. Scalp ringworm can lead to a painful inflammation called kerion. With kerion, you may develop crusty, pus-filled sores, often with hair loss and scarring. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?Call your healthcare provider if the ringworm infection:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You’re sure to have questions if you or your child develop ringworm. You might ask your healthcare provider:
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs ringworm an actual worm?No, ringworm isn’t a worm. It’s a fungal infection that gets its name from its ring-like border. How does ringworm affect pregnancy?Ringworm fungus won’t affect your pregnancy. Still, you should check with your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders. Oral antifungal medications appear to be safe to take during pregnancy. Your pregnancy care provider can discuss potential risks and benefits with you. Can you get ringworm from dogs or cats?Yes, you can get ringworm from dogs, cats and other animals like cows, goats or horses. You can protect yourself by always washing your hands after playing with or petting animals. If your pet has ringworm, disinfect your pet’s bedding and take extra care to clean surfaces your pet has visited in your home. How is ringworm different from eczema?Eczema and many other skin conditions can resemble ringworm. Both ringworm and eczema cause itchy, red skin. Unlike ringworm, eczema isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread from one area to another on your body. Ringworm has a unique, ring-like appearance. Contact a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis. A note from Cleveland Clinic Ringworm can be unpleasant, but antifungal medications will help you get rid of the fungus that causes ringworm. The treatment may take time, but it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan for as long as recommended. Ending treatment too soon can cause ringworm to return and make the infection harder to treat. Ask your provider about how you can keep ringworm from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/21/2022. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information enewsCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesDermatology & Plastic Surgery InstituteOur expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Related Institutes & ServicesDermatology & Plastic Surgery InstituteOur expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. More health news + infoShow More
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Snapchat ActionsAppointments & AccessAccepted InsuranceEvents CalendarFinancial AssistanceGive to Cleveland ClinicPay Your Bill OnlineRefer a PatientPhone DirectoryVirtual Second OpinionsVirtual VisitsBlog, News & AppsConsult QDHealth EssentialsNewsroomMyClevelandClinicMyChartAbout Cleveland Clinic100 Years of Cleveland ClinicAbout UsLocationsQuality & Patient SafetyOffice of Diversity & InclusionPatient ExperienceResearch & InnovationsCommunity CommitmentCareersFor EmployeesResources for Medical ProfessionalsSite Information & PoliciesSend Us FeedbackSite MapAbout this WebsiteCopyright, Reprint & LicensingWebsite Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyNotice of Privacy PracticesNon-Discrimination Notice9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2023 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. How do you get rid of ringworm fast?You can treat most cases of ringworm at home with over-the-counter antifungals. Popular choices include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and tolnaftate topical (Tinactin). Healthcare companies market these products for athlete's foot, but they will also work on ringworm of the body and jock itch.
How long is ringworm contagious for?Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
When do you know ringworm is healing?A four-week course is common , but the time can vary. With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair (glabrous skin) is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment. More serious cases, and infections in the scalp, can require oral antifungal pills.
Does ringworm ever completely go away?The short answer is yes - ringworm can eventually go away on its own. However, this can take anywhere from between a few weeks to a few months. Not seeking treatment for a ringworm or jock itch infection can cause you to experience unnecessary itching and discomfort throughout the entire time you have the infection.
|