Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm. Healthcare professionals may call it tinea or dermatophytosis. It can affect people of any age and can spread between people, animals and contaminated objects.
What ringworm looks like
Ringworm often causes an itchy, scaly rash with a raised edge. On lighter skin it may look red or pink. On darker skin it may appear red, purple, brown, grey or darker than the surrounding skin. The center may look clearer, but not every infection forms a complete ring.
- Body: one or more circular or overlapping scaly patches
- Scalp: scaling, itching, broken hairs or patches of hair loss
- Groin: an itchy rash on the upper inner thighs and skin folds
- Feet: peeling, cracking or itching, often between the toes
- Nails: thickening, discoloration, crumbling or a change in shape
Other conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, can resemble ringworm. A healthcare professional can examine the rash and may take a small scraping, hair sample or nail clipping when the diagnosis is uncertain.
How ringworm spreads
The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist environments. Infection can spread through direct skin contact, contact with an infected pet or farm animal, or shared items such as towels, bedding, clothing, combs and sports equipment. It can also spread from floors in communal showers and changing rooms.
The risk is higher with frequent sweating, close contact sports, tight clothing, minor skin injuries, a weakened immune system or living in a warm and humid climate.
Treatment
Localised ringworm on the skin can often be treated with an antifungal cream, lotion, spray or powder from a pharmacy. Follow the product instructions and continue for the full recommended period, even when the rash begins to improve.
Do not treat an undiagnosed ring shaped rash with a corticosteroid cream alone. Steroids can mask the appearance of ringworm, allow it to spread and make diagnosis more difficult. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure which product to use.
Ringworm of the scalp usually requires prescription antifungal medicine taken by mouth because creams do not reach the infected hair follicles effectively. Nail infection, widespread disease, severe inflammation and infection that does not respond to pharmacy treatment also need medical assessment and may require prescription treatment.
Some emerging types of ringworm are harder to treat or resistant to commonly used antifungal medicines. Seek medical advice if a rash is extensive, unusually inflamed, returns quickly, or continues to spread despite correctly used treatment. Recent international travel or close skin contact can be relevant information for the clinician.
Preventing spread and reinfection
- Keep the affected skin clean and dry.
- Wash hands after touching the rash or applying treatment.
- Use a separate towel and wash towels, bedding and clothing regularly.
- Do not share towels, clothing, combs, hats or sports equipment.
- Wear sandals in communal showers and changing areas.
- Avoid scratching because this can spread the infection to other areas.
- Have a pet checked by a veterinarian if it has patches of hair loss or a suspected fungal infection.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and follow the treatment instructions for the full course.
Ask a healthcare professional when it is safe to return to close contact sport, school or childcare. The advice can depend on the location of the infection and whether effective treatment has started.
When to seek medical advice
Contact a healthcare professional if the infection affects the scalp or nails, covers a large area, is painful or severely inflamed, has not improved with pharmacy treatment, or keeps returning. Seek early advice if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.
Get prompt medical care if the skin becomes rapidly more painful, hot or swollen, pus develops, redness spreads, or you develop a fever. These signs may indicate a bacterial infection in addition to ringworm.
Related information
Explore more guidance about common rashes and infections in our Skin Health and Infections sections.
Sources
- NHS: Ringworm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ringworm basics
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment of ringworm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emerging types of ringworm
- American Academy of Dermatology: Diagnosis and treatment
Using this information
This information supports general understanding and preparation for a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. It does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Reviewed: 28 August 2026