What should you know about itching ringworm?

Ringworm is not caused by a worm. It can affect the body, groin, feet, scalp, or nails and spreads through skin contact or shared items such as towels, clothing, sports equipment, and brushes. The rash may have a raised or scaly edge that slowly enlarges. Scratching can break the skin and move infection to another area. Other rashes can resemble ringworm, so a clinician may inspect the border, scale, hair, or nails before choosing treatment. Scalp involvement, extensive disease, or infection affecting nails often needs a different approach from a small body patch.

Keep the affected skin clean and dry, wash hands after touching it, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, hats, brushes, or bedding. Launder items that contact the rash and keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching. Use an antifungal treatment only as directed and complete the advised course, even if itching improves early. Do not use a steroid cream alone on a suspected fungal rash, because it can alter the appearance and allow it to spread. A clinician can advise on topical antifungal treatment or oral antifungal treatment when location or extent makes cream unsuitable.

Seek assessment if the rash involves the scalp, beard, nails, face, or a large area; if it is painful, swollen, oozing, or rapidly spreading; or if another household member develops a similar rash. Arrange review when correct use of treatment has not helped or when the diagnosis is uncertain. Urgent care is appropriate for fever with rapidly worsening redness or swelling.

Does this look like ringworm or another rash? Which areas and household items need treatment or cleaning? Is topical antifungal treatment enough, or do I need oral treatment?