Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Medical Care
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection. Despite the name, it is not caused by a worm. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that can infect the skin, scalp, feet, groin, or nails.
Ringworm can spread through direct skin contact, contaminated surfaces, shared personal items, pets, or damp environments. It is usually treatable, but some cases need medical evaluation, especially if the rash is spreading, recurrent, involves the scalp or nails, or does not improve.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection that often causes a circular or ring-shaped rash. The medical term is tinea. The name changes depending on the body area involved:
Tinea corporis - body
Tinea pedis - feet, also called athlete’s foot
Tinea cruris - groin area, often called jock itch
Tinea capitis - scalp
Tinea unguium - nails
Common causes
Ringworm can spread from:
Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has ringworm
Contact with infected pets, especially cats or dogs
Shared towels, clothing, bedding, hats, brushes, or sports gear
Locker rooms, gyms, pools, or showers
Damp clothing or shoes
Scratching one infected area and touching another area
Close-contact sports such as wrestling
Common symptoms
Ringworm symptoms may include:
Circular or ring-shaped rash
Red, pink, brown, or gray patches depending on skin tone
Itching
Scaling or flaking
Raised border around the rash
Clearer-looking skin in the center of the ring
Cracking or peeling skin, especially on the feet
Hair loss or scaling if the scalp is involved
Thickened, discolored, or brittle nails if nails are involved
Not every ring-shaped rash is ringworm. Eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, granuloma annulare, Lyme disease rash, and other conditions can sometimes look similar.
Risk factors
Ringworm may be more likely in people who:
Sweat heavily
Wear tight or damp clothing
Share towels, clothing, or sports equipment
Use public showers or locker rooms
Have athlete’s foot
Have close contact with animals
Play contact sports
Have diabetes
Have a weakened immune system
Live in warm, humid environments
Have recurrent skin fungal infections
When to seek medical care
Schedule a medical evaluation if you have:
Rash that is spreading
Rash that is painful, draining, or worsening
Rash on the scalp or beard area
Hair loss with scaling or rash
Nail thickening, discoloration, or crumbling
Rash that does not improve
Recurrent ringworm
Diabetes
Weakened immune system
Multiple household members with rash
Possible exposure from a pet
Rash that may be something other than ringworm
Fever or signs of infection
When to seek urgent or emergency care
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or pain
Fever with worsening rash
Pus or drainage
Red streaking from the area
Severe pain
Rash near the eye with swelling or pain
Severe allergic reaction symptoms
Trouble breathing
Confusion or severe weakness
Rapidly worsening symptoms
These symptoms may suggest a bacterial skin infection, allergic reaction, or another condition that needs prompt evaluation.
Can telehealth help?
Yes. Telehealth can often help with mild suspected ringworm by reviewing symptoms, rash appearance, photos, exposure history, risk factors, and whether treatment or in-person evaluation may be needed.
In-person care may be needed if the rash is severe, widespread, near the eye, painful, draining, recurrent, unclear, involves the scalp or nails, or occurs in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Prevention and follow-up
General prevention measures include:
Keeping skin clean and dry
Avoiding shared towels, clothing, hats, brushes, or personal items
Wearing footwear in public showers or locker rooms
Washing clothing, towels, and bedding regularly
Changing out of damp clothing promptly
Cleaning sports equipment
Checking pets if recurrent infection is suspected
Treating athlete’s foot if present
Following up if symptoms do not improve or return
Final thought
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can often be treated, but it can spread or recur if not fully addressed. Rashes involving the scalp, nails, eye area, severe symptoms, repeated infections, or unclear diagnosis should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, signs of infection, severe allergic reaction symptoms, trouble breathing, or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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