What should you know about a ringworm sore?

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a fungal infection of the outer skin. It commonly forms an expanding patch with a more active, scaly edge. Itching may lead to broken skin, stinging, crusting, or a small open area. A sore appearance can also result from friction, moisture, or a reaction to a product used on the rash; soreness alone does not confirm the cause.

Keep the area separate from cuts, eczema, and other rashes in your thinking. A clinician may inspect the border and surface, and may test a scraping when the appearance is unclear. See more about [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/) and [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/).

Gently wash the area, pat it dry, and avoid picking or covering it with an airtight dressing. Wash hands after touching it, use a clean towel, and do not share clothing or linens until the rash is controlled. Avoid steroid cream on a suspected fungal rash unless a clinician has specifically advised it, because steroids can change its appearance and allow it to spread.

A clinician or pharmacist can help choose [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/). Apply it exactly as directed and keep using it for the advised course, even if irritation settles early. Extensive, recurrent, or hard-to-reach infection may need [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/).

Arrange medical assessment if the area is increasingly painful, warm, swollen, draining pus, developing spreading redness, or forming thick crusts. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly worsening skin, or involvement near the eye. A sore that does not start improving with appropriate antifungal care also deserves review, because another diagnosis or a bacterial infection may be present.

Ask whether the sore needs a skin scraping, whether your treatment should be topical or oral, and how to protect broken skin while it heals. Mention any steroid, antibiotic, or home remedy already used and whether anyone else at home has an itchy rash.