Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin that often causes an expanding scaly rash and responds to antifungal treatment.

It is also called tinea corporis when it affects body skin. The fungus grows in the outer skin layer and can pass between people, from animals, or through shared items. It may form a ring-shaped patch, but the shape is not required for the diagnosis.

A scaly skin rash is a common presentation of ringworm. The border can be raised, more inflamed, or itchier than the centre, and the patch may slowly enlarge. On darker skin, it may appear brown, grey, violet, or darker than nearby skin rather than bright red. Several patches can occur, especially after spread through scratching or contact.

Dermatophyte fungi cause ringworm. Exposure can occur during close skin contact, through contact sports, by handling an infected pet or farm animal, or by sharing towels, clothing, bedding, brushes, or equipment. Warm, damp skin and occlusive clothing can support fungal growth, but the infection is not a sign that someone is unclean.

Without appropriate treatment, an affected patch can enlarge or appear at further sites. Steroid cream used alone may change the appearance and allow a fungal rash to continue, making assessment harder. Infection involving the scalp, nails, beard area, or widespread skin may need a different treatment approach from a small patch on the body.

Risk can be higher with close contact activities, communal changing areas, shared personal items, frequent sweating, or contact with an animal that has hair loss or a scaly coat. People whose immune system is altered by illness or medicines should seek advice early if a possible fungal rash develops or fails to clear.

A clinician examines the edge, scale, and distribution of the rash and asks about household contacts, pets, activities, and products already used. They may gently collect skin scale for microscopic examination or a fungal culture. Testing is particularly useful when the rash is atypical, recurring, widespread, or has not improved as expected.

A clinician may recommend a topical antifungal for limited body skin infection and explain where to apply it, including a small margin around the visible rash. Oral antifungal medicine can be considered for scalp involvement, nail involvement, extensive infection, or infection that has not responded to topical treatment. Complete the recommended course even when the skin starts to look clearer.

Keep the affected area clean and dry, use a separate towel, and wash hands after touching the rash or applying treatment. Avoid sharing clothing, towels, bedding, sports gear, hair tools, or razors. Wash items that touch the area, and have pets checked if they have suspicious skin or coat changes.

Arrange timely review for a painful swollen rash, pus, fever, rapidly spreading changes, scalp hair loss, or eye-area involvement. These signs can indicate inflammation, a secondary infection, or a site requiring different management. Persistent or repeated rash also merits reassessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Do not share personal items, change out of damp clothes, and clean shared surfaces and equipment after use. Covering a treated area when practical can reduce direct contact. Household members with a suspicious scaly rash should be assessed, and animal sources may need veterinary care.

A primary care clinician or dermatologist can assess a possible fungal rash and decide whether skin testing or prescription treatment is appropriate. Mention if you are pregnant, have liver disease, take regular medicines, or have infection in the scalp or nails.