Ringworm rash after contact with a dog

Ringworm can appear as an enlarging, scaly patch with a more active edge, itching, or broken skin. Contact with an affected dog is one possible source, but the timing of a rash does not prove its cause. Allergy, eczema, irritation, and other infections can produce similar redness or scale. A clinician may inspect the skin and, when needed, test surface material. Check whether the dog has hair loss, crusting, or scaling and tell both the medical and veterinary teams about the exposure.

Avoid scratching, keep the area clean and dry, wash hands after touching it, and do not share towels, clothing, bedding, or grooming items. Arrange veterinary assessment for the dog and medical assessment for the person rather than treating both with the same product. Avoid steroid cream alone unless a clinician has advised it. Photograph the rash from a distance and note whether its border, scale, or symptoms change. Learn more through [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/) and [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/).

Book a clinical review for a rash that expands, returns, affects the scalp or nails, or appears in several household members after animal exposure. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening redness, pus, marked pain, fever, or swelling close to the eyes. [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) and [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/) describe these symptoms but cannot replace an examination.

Ask whether the appearance fits a fungal infection, whether testing is needed, which treatment is suitable for the body site, and how to prevent spread at home while the dog is being assessed.