What should you know about hand ringworm?

On the hand, ringworm may appear on the palm, the back of the hand or between the fingers. The skin can become dry, cracked, itchy or inflamed, and the border may be more noticeable than the centre. Some cases do not form a neat ring. A rash on one hand with scaling on the palm can still fit this pattern. Ringworm is caused by fungi, not a worm, and it can spread through close skin contact or shared towels, gloves and sports equipment.

Keep the area clean and dry, wash hands after touching the rash, and avoid sharing towels or gloves. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose a topical antifungal treatment and explain how long to use it. Do not apply a steroid cream alone to an undiagnosed rash, because it can mask or alter a fungal infection. If the infection is extensive, recurrent, involves the nails, or does not improve with appropriate topical care, a clinician may consider oral antifungal treatment. Check the feet and nails as well, because fungus can move between these areas.

Arrange an assessment if the rash is spreading, painful, swollen, oozing, or associated with fever. Seek prompt advice if you have diabetes, reduced immunity, or a condition that makes skin infections harder to manage. A clinician may examine the scaling and, when the appearance is unclear, test a skin sample before changing treatment.

Could this be ringworm or another cause of a hand rash? Should I use topical antifungal treatment, and for how long? Do my feet, nails or household contacts need checking?