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Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It's called "ringworm" because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. Anyone can get ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

Ringworm goes by many names. The medical terms are "tinea" or "dermatophytosis." Other names for ringworm are based on its location on the body - for example, ringworm on the feet is also called "athlete's foot."

Learn more about how steroid creams can make ringworm worse.

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Ringworm is a red circular skin infection caused by fungus. It is called different names based on its location on the body - for example, ringworm on the feet is also called "athlete's foot."

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Ringworm is a type of fungal skin disease that typically displays as a circular rash. It is very common and is caused by fungus on the skin. It can be found on humans and animals. Despite the name, it is not caused by worms. It is known in the medical field as tinea or dermatophytosis. When located on the feet, it is more commonly known as athlete's foot, or when located near the groin it is called jock itch. It can have other names depending on where it is located on the body. Not only can this fungus grow on the skin but also on surfaces and household linens.

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A fungi infection, mold-like parasites, is the cause of ringworm. There are many species of fungi that can cause this disease. A few of them are Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. [More]

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1. itchy skin

2. ring-shaped rash

3. red, scaly, cracked skin

*Note: People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time getting rid of a ringworm infection.

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It is typically easy for a medical professional to diagnose ringworm just by looking at what the infection looks like on the skin. It is likely that they will take a small skin sample to send to a lab for further testing. This usually entails viewing it under a microscope.

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Treatment varies somewhat depending on whether it is located on the skin or the scalp. For the scalp, creams, lotions, and powders won't work.

Treatment for the scalp would include taking antifungal medication anywhere from 1 to 3 months until gone. Other options are to use a medicated shampoo. Some of these are Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole.

Treatment for the skin is typically a form of cream, lotion, or powder. Some common prescribed medicines are Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, and Ketoconazole.

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There has been a reported increase in findings of people with ringworm that is antimicrobial resistant. This means that the fungi has started to develop the ability to resist and/or defeat the drugs previously prescribed to kill them off. This has caused ringworm fungal infections to get worse and go untreated in some cases. There currently is no data on the number of cases reported on these antimicrobial-resistant ringworms due to it not being widely reported or required in the United States. [More]

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Dermatologists have stopped prescribing topical nystatin for tinea infections but is still being prescribed by family medicine physicians. [More]

Muddasani S, Rivin G, Fleischer AB Jr. The Persistence of Nystatin Use for Dermatophyte Infections. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023 Dec 1.

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Keep skin clean and dry.

Allow air circulation in shoes for feet.

Don't go barefoot in public restrooms.

Keep nails clean.

Change underwear and socks daily.

Don't share personal items with someone infected.

Wash your hands after playing with a pet that is suspected of having ringworm.

If you are an athlete, shower after practice or games.

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[Link]

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Gabriella Rivin, MD is a first year internal medicine resident with The Christ Hospital Health Network. [Link]

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Doctor explains Ringworm (aka Tinea) including symptoms, signs, causes and treatment!

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Ringworm, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Myth 1: It is caused by a worm.

Myth 2: It only affects the skin.

Myth 3: You will always get a red ring on the skin when you get ringworm.

Myth 4: Only children get ringworm.

Myth 5: Ringworm is not contagious.

Myth 6: You will always see symptoms when infected.

Myth 7: You can't get it from or give it to your pet(s) or other animals.

Myth 8: Flaky scalp can only be dandruff and is never ringworm.

Myth 9: Only those in the household who are infected need to be treated.

Myth 10: Antibiotic treat ringworm.

Myth 11: Once you have gotten it you can never catch it again.

Click link to learn more about these busted myths.

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At least 2 cases of drug-resistant ringworm infections found in the U.S., CDC says

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Cases of the infection had surged in South Asia over the past decade.