Ringworm — How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent It

Got a circular, itchy patch on your skin? That’s often ringworm — a common fungal infection (also called tinea). It’s not caused by a worm but by fungi that live on skin, hair, or nails. Ringworm spreads easily, but most cases respond well to simple care and over-the-counter medicine.

How to recognize ringworm

Typical signs are a red or pink ring with clearer skin in the middle, raised edges, and itching. On the scalp you may see scaly bald patches or broken hairs. Nail infections cause thick, yellow, crumbly nails. The rash can show up anywhere: body (tinea corporis), feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), scalp (tinea capitis), or nails (tinea unguium).

Ringworm spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact, shared towels or clothing, and from infected pets. It can take days or weeks after contact for symptoms to appear.

How to treat ringworm

For most skin infections, start with an OTC topical antifungal cream. Look for clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. Clean the area, dry it well, and apply the cream as the package instructs — usually once or twice daily for 2–4 weeks. Keep using it for the full course even if the rash looks better sooner.

If the infection is on the scalp, nails, or covers a large area, you’ll likely need a prescription oral antifungal. Common options are oral terbinafine or griseofulvin; the exact choice and length of treatment depend on the site and your age or medical history. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should see a clinician early.

Avoid using steroid creams unless a doctor prescribes them. Steroids can hide symptoms and make a fungal infection worse. Also avoid cutting or picking at infected nails or scaly skin — that can spread the fungus.

Some natural products, like tea tree oil, show mild antifungal effects in small studies. They can be supportive but shouldn’t replace proven antifungal medications for active infections.

Preventing ringworm & when to see a doctor

Prevent spread by keeping skin dry, changing socks daily, not sharing towels or hair tools, and washing bedding and clothing in hot water if someone in the home is infected. Check pets — dogs and cats can carry the fungus without obvious signs; ask your vet about treatment if you suspect a pet is involved.

See a doctor if the rash gets worse despite OTC treatment after 2 weeks, if the scalp or nails are involved, if you have a large or painful area, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Early treatment shortens recovery and lowers the chance of spreading it to others.

Ringworm is annoying but treatable. With the right antifungal approach and simple hygiene steps, most people clear it up quickly and avoid reinfection.