Search results
Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by worms. You can usually buy medicine from a pharmacy to treat it. Check if it's ringworm. The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. It may look red or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.
- Head Lice and Nits
Head lice can make your head feel itchy. The only way to be...
- Head Lice and Nits
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Complications
- Prevention
- More Information
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
•Overview
•Symptoms
•When to see a doctor
•Causes
•Risk factors
•Complications
Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:
•A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
•Itchiness
•A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin
•Slightly raised, expanding rings
•A round, flat patch of itchy skin
Talk to your doctor if you have a rash that doesn't begin to improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter antifungal product. You may need prescription medication.
Request an appointment
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:
•Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
•Animal to human. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It's also fairly common in cows.
•Object to human. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
You're at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you:
•Live in a warm climate
•Have close contact with an infected person or animal
•Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
•Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
•Wear tight or restrictive clothing
A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:
•Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid infection.
•Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean.
•Stay cool and dry. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
•Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm.
•Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items. And don't borrow such things.
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes an itchy, circular rash on the skin. It can spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
Aug 28, 2024 · Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that can spread between humans and animals. Learn how long it's contagious, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
People also ask
Can ringworm spread to humans?
How long is ringworm contagious?
Can ringworm cause contact dermatitis?
Is ringworm a fungal infection?
Is ringworm a worm?
Can dogs get ringworm?
Sep 2, 2024 · Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Ringworm commonly affects arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails.
Sep 20, 2024 · Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, nails, or scalp. It is highly contagious and can spread from person to person or from pets to humans. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of ringworm.
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash on your skin. Learn how to prevent, diagnose and treat ringworm with antifungal medications and home remedies.
Jun 25, 2023 · Ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread easily from person to person or animal to person. It’s contagious until all the spores are eliminated from your skin, which could take weeks or months with treatment.
