Ringworm
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It can cause a red or silvery ring shaped rash on the skin.
It most often affects the arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body.
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Diagnosis
A pharmacist can help if you think you have ringworm. They'll look at the rash and recommend the treatment that suits you best.
If a pharmacist feels you should speak to your GP practice, they'll let you know.
Should you need to see your GP practice, they'll examine your skin and ask about your symptoms.
Further tests are usually only needed if your symptoms are severe or aren't improving with antifungal treatment.
When more tests are needed, your GP may take a small scraping of the affected skin. This is sent to a laboratory for analysis, to help identify what's causing your symptoms.
Treatment
Talk to your local pharmacist about ringworm treatment. Your pharmacist can:
- give you advice on how to manage your symptoms
- suggest which medicine would suit you best
- let you know whether you should also see your GP practice
You should contact your GP practice if:
- the ringworm hasn't gotten better even after using an antifungal medicine suggested by a pharmacist
- the ringworm is on your scalp, since this usually needs prescription antifungal tablets and a medicated shampoo
- your immune system is weakened, for example because of chemotherapy, steroid use or diabetes
Treatment for ringworm
Most cases of ringworm are mild and clear up well with an antifungal medicine available from a pharmacy. Depending on where the rash is on your body, this could be a tablet, cream, gel or spray.
You may need to keep using the antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to complete the full course, even if the rash seems to disappear before then.
If your symptoms don't improve after trying a pharmacy treatment, speak to your GP practice, as you may need a different type of antifungal tablet.
Sometimes the skin becomes irritated or breaks open, which can allow a bacterial infection to develop as well. If that happens, antibiotics may be needed to treat it.
Who is most at risk of ringworm?
Ringworm can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common in children.
How does ringworm spread?
Ringworm can pass from one person to another through contact with an infected:
- object, such as clothing, towels or bedsheets
- person
- animal
- patch of soil, though this route is less common
If someone in your household has a fungal infection, they don't need to stay away from work or school. That said, it's best for them to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Prevention
There are simple steps that can help stop ringworm from spreading to others.
Do
- start treatment for ringworm as soon as you notice it
- check your skin for signs of infection if you have been near someone who has ringworm
- take your pet to the vet if you suspect it has ringworm, for instance if you notice patches of missing fur
- wash your hands after touching animals or soil
- wash towels and bedsheets regularly
- keep your skin clean
- wash your hands often to help stop the infection from spreading
Don't
- don't share personal items such as a hairbrush, towel, clothing or bed linen if someone has ringworm
- don't scratch the affected area, since this can spread the infection to other parts of your body