Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that forms an itchy, scaly, ring shaped rash. Despite the name, no worm is involved. Most ringworm clears with antifungal cream, but scalp ringworm needs prescription medicine.

What Is It

The fungus spreads through skin contact, pets, shared towels, gym mats, and locker rooms. It is common in children, wrestlers, and pet owners. The same fungus causes athlete’s foot and jock itch. It grows best on warm, damp skin.

Symptoms

A red or darker ring with a clearer center
Scaly, raised edges
Itching
A ring that slowly grows outward
Several rings that may overlap
On the scalp, scaly patches with broken hair or bald spots

Not sure it’s ringworm? Eczema causes dry, itchy patches too, but usually without the clear ring. Using steroid cream on ringworm can make it spread, so get it checked if unsure.

Treatment

At your visit: Ringworm is diagnosed by how the rash looks, and a small skin scraping may help. Most cases clear with an antifungal cream. Scalp ringworm or a widespread rash may need antifungal pills. Family members and pets can be the source.

At home:

Apply antifungal cream twice a day, 1 inch past the edge of the rash
Keep using it 1 to 2 weeks after the rash clears
Keep the skin clean and dry
Wash towels, sheets, and clothes in hot water, and have pets checked

Skin ringworm usually clears in 2 to 4 weeks with treatment.

When to Get Care for Ringworm

Watch at Home

One small ring on the body
Improving with antifungal cream
No pain or swelling

Come to Urgent Care Today

Ringworm on the scalp or in the beard
A rash not improving after 2 weeks of cream
Many rings, or a rash that keeps spreading
Ringworm with diabetes or a weak immune system
Pain, oozing, or swelling in the rash

Go to the Emergency Department

Red, hot, swollen skin spreading quickly, with fever
A very sick child with fever and a spreading rash

FAQ

What does ringworm look like?

Ringworm looks like a red or darker ring with scaly, raised edges and a clearer center. It is itchy and slowly grows outward.

Is ringworm contagious?

Ringworm is contagious through skin contact, pets, shared towels, and gym mats. Children can return to school once treatment has started, with the rash covered.

How do you get rid of ringworm?

Get rid of ringworm by applying antifungal cream twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks, and 1 to 2 weeks after it clears. Scalp ringworm needs prescription pills.

Can you get ringworm from a pet?

Yes, ringworm often spreads from cats and dogs. Pets may have patches of hair loss or scaly skin. Have your vet check pets if a family member has ringworm.

Can urgent care treat ringworm?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose and treat ringworm. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can identify the rash and discuss antifungal treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

Why is my ringworm not going away?

Ringworm may not go away if treatment stops too soon, the cream does not cover the whole rash, or steroid cream was used. Scalp ringworm also needs pills.

Last reviewed October 2026