What is ringworm?

Ringworm

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus. It causes a rash that can appear on many different parts of the body. It is called ringworm because it sometimes looks like a ring.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

Ringworm usually causes an itchy rash. It often makes a pattern in the shape of a ring, but not always. The rash may be peeling, cracking, scaling, and red. It can affect the face, groin, hands, and other parts of the body.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your skin and the rash. The doctor may diagnose ringworm based on this exam. He or she may look at a scraping from the rash under a microscope to check for the ringworm fungus.

How is ringworm treated?

Most cases of ringworm can be treated with skin creams or ointments that kill fungi. These are called topical antifungals. You can get many of them without a prescription.

You may need to take antifungal pills if ringworm doesn't go away after you've tried topical antifungals or if the infection is widespread.

Your rash may start to heal soon after you start treatment. But use the medicine exactly as the label or your doctor says. This helps keep the infection from coming back. You will probably need to continue treatment for 2 to 4 weeks or longer.

How can you care for yourself when you have ringworm?

In most cases, you can treat ringworm of the skin with antifungal creams or ointments. Many are available over-the-counter.

  • Wash the rash with soap and water, and dry it well. For large areas of blistered sores, use compresses such as those made with Burow's solution (available over-the-counter) to soothe and dry out the blisters.
  • Apply antifungal cream beyond the edge of the rash.
  • To avoid spreading it, wash your hands well after treating or touching the rash.
  • Follow the directions on the package. Don't stop using the medicine just because your symptoms go away. You most likely will need to keep doing the treatment for 2 to 4 weeks or longer.
  • If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, call your doctor.

If your rash does not clear after you have tried different topical antifungals, or if the infection is widespread, you may need prescription antifungal pills.

Ringworm in children: When to call

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • The rash appears to be spreading, even after treatment.
  • Your child has signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks near a wound in the skin.
    • Pus draining from the rash on the skin.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child's ringworm has not gone away after 2 weeks of treatment.
  • Your child does not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.