Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection, not a worm. It causes an itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash and usually clears with 2 to 4 weeks of antifungal cream. Urgent Care Center of Westmont confirms the diagnosis and explains treatment, including the prescription medicine scalp ringworm needs.
Ringworm is caused by fungi, not a worm, and can affect the skin, scalp, feet, groin and nails.
The CDC says over-the-counter antifungal creams are usually used for 2 to 4 weeks on the skin.
Scalp ringworm does not respond to creams and usually needs prescription medicine by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
Ringworm spreads through skin contact, pets, shared towels and locker room floors.
Avoid steroid creams on a rash that could be ringworm. They can make it worse.
How we diagnose and treat ringworm at our Westmont, IL clinic
Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, evaluates itchy and ring-shaped rashes for children and adults seven days a week. Our team is led by board-certified physicians. Walk in to either Westmont, IL clinic or check in online.
Look at the rashMedlinePlus notes that a provider can often diagnose ringworm by examining the skin. Your clinician also asks about pets, sports, family members with a rash and any creams you have tried.
Test if neededIf the diagnosis is unclear, your clinician may take a gentle skin scraping to check for fungus.
Treat the right wayYour clinician can recommend treatment, which may include an antifungal cream, or prescription antifungal medicine by mouth when appropriate, such as for scalp or widespread ringworm.
Stop the spreadYou get a plan for laundry, pets and sports, plus guidance on returning to school or practice.
Not every round rash is ringworm. If yours turns out to be something else, see our skin rash evaluation page for other common causes.
Ringworm symptoms and where it shows up
The CDC describes an itchy, scaly rash that is often ring-shaped. It looks red on lighter skin and gray or brown on darker skin. MedlinePlus says it often starts as a raised, pimple-like spot and spreads into a ring with a clearer center and a scaly border.
Types of ringworm by body area (CDC)
Where
Medical name
Common name
Body, arms, legs, face
Tinea corporis
Ringworm of the body
Scalp
Tinea capitis
Scalp ringworm
Feet
Tinea pedis
Athlete's foot
Groin
Tinea cruris
Jock itch
Nails
Onychomycosis
Nail fungus
Scalp ringworm can cause scaly, itchy patches and hair loss. Fungus on the feet is covered on our athlete's foot treatment page.
Is ringworm contagious? How it spreads
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Yes. The CDC says ringworm spreads through:
Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
Touching an infected animal. MedlinePlus notes cats are a common source.
Sharing towels, bedsheets, clothing, combs or sports gear
Walking barefoot on locker room or public shower floors
The CDC lists contact sports such as wrestling, tight shoes, heavy sweating and a weakened immune system as risk factors. MedlinePlus adds skin that stays wet for long periods and small skin or nail injuries.
How to get rid of ringworm
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For a small patch of ringworm on the body, the CDC and MedlinePlus describe these steps:
Wash and dry the area well.
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine, as the label directs. MedlinePlus suggests starting just outside the rash and working inward.
Keep using it for as long as the label or your clinician says. The CDC says creams are usually used for 2 to 4 weeks, even after the rash looks better.
Leave the rash uncovered rather than under a bandage.
Wash your hands after touching the rash or applying cream.
Do not use hydrocortisone or other steroid creams on a rash that could be ringworm. The CDC warns they can make the infection worse, help it spread, and change how the rash looks.
How long does ringworm last?
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Typical treatment length for ringworm
Type
Usual treatment
Typical length
Skin (body, groin, feet)
Antifungal cream
2 to 4 weeks of use. Often clears within 4 weeks.
Scalp
Prescription antifungal by mouth
1 to 3 months
Widespread or stubborn skin
May need prescription medicine
Varies. Your clinician will set a plan.
Nails
Needs a clinician
Often the slowest to clear
Treatment lengths come from the CDC and MedlinePlus. Stopping too soon is a common reason ringworm comes back.
When ringworm needs a clinician
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The CDC recommends contacting a healthcare provider for:
Any suspected scalp ringworm, since creams do not work there
A possible fungal nail infection
A rash that is more severe or widespread than usual
Ringworm that is not getting better with treatment
A rash after contact with someone who has a severe infection
Children: ringworm spreads easily at school and daycare. MedlinePlus says a child can return to school once treatment has started. Our pediatric urgent care team can check a child's rash, including the scalp.
Athletes: wrestlers and other contact-sport athletes should not share gear and should shower right after practice. Check with your coach or league about rules for covering or treating a rash before competing.
Pets: if a cat or dog has patchy hair loss or scaly skin, it may be the source. MedlinePlus advises treating infected pets, so ask your veterinarian. Wash your hands after petting animals.
How to prevent ringworm
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Keep skin clean and dry, especially in skin folds and between toes.
Wear sandals or shower shoes in locker rooms and public showers.
Change socks and underwear every day.
Do not share towels, clothing, combs or sports gear.
Wash clothing, towels and bedding in hot water and dry on the hottest setting.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and CountyCare. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your plan, or see our cost and insurance page. Self-pay general visits start from $125.
For ringworm on the body, use an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine as the label directs. Keep the skin clean and dry. The CDC says to keep using the cream for 2 to 4 weeks, even after the rash fades. Scalp ringworm needs prescription medicine.
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, infected pets, and shared items like towels, bedding and sports gear. It can also spread on locker room floors. Covering up, not sharing personal items and washing hands after touching pets help prevent spread.
How long does ringworm last?
Ringworm of the body often clears within 4 weeks with antifungal cream, according to MedlinePlus. The CDC says to use the cream for 2 to 4 weeks. Scalp ringworm usually needs 1 to 3 months of prescription medicine by mouth. Stopping treatment early can let it come back.
Can my child go to school with ringworm?
MedlinePlus says a child can return to school once treatment has started. Keep the rash clean, wash hands often and avoid sharing combs, hats or towels. Check your school or daycare's policy, since some have their own rules, especially for sports.
Can I get ringworm from my cat or dog?
Yes. The CDC says ringworm can spread from infected animals, and MedlinePlus notes that cats are a common source. Signs in pets include patches of hair loss and scaly skin. Have your veterinarian treat the pet so the infection does not keep coming back.
Should I put hydrocortisone cream on ringworm?
No. The CDC advises against steroid creams, including over-the-counter hydrocortisone, on any rash that could be ringworm. They can make the infection worse, help it spread and change its appearance, which makes it harder to diagnose. Use an antifungal cream instead.
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