Ringworm prescription: what to know

Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. A clinician may examine the border, scale, and location of the rash and may check whether another skin problem looks similar. A small area on the skin can often be treated with a cream or other topical medicine. Infection involving the scalp, hair follicles, nails, widespread skin, or treatment-resistant areas may need medicine taken by mouth. A prescription choice also depends on age, pregnancy, other medicines, liver health, and the exact body site.

Use the medicine exactly as directed and complete the advised course, even when the edge of the rash looks calmer. Keep the area clean and dry, wash hands after applying cream, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, hairbrushes, or sports equipment. Do not use a steroid cream alone on a suspected fungal rash because it can change the appearance and allow the infection to spread. Take photographs or note changes so the prescriber can judge progress. Read about [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) and [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/).

Arrange a review if the rash is on the scalp, causes broken hairs or tender swelling, involves the face or nails, keeps expanding, or does not improve with the advised treatment. Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing redness, warmth, pus, marked pain, fever, or swelling near the eyes. A [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) or [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/) page can help you describe what you are seeing, but neither confirms the cause.

Ask which body sites need treatment, how long to use the medicine, what to do after a missed dose, and whether household contacts or pets should be checked. Ask which side effects need a call and when the diagnosis should be reconsidered.