Medically tested by Daniel Gutierrez, PA-C
An itchy red rash isn’t just uncomfortable—in some cases, it’s confusing. For example, ringworm is a possible cause, but what does ringworm look like? Does it always cause a rash with a red circle? How can you say that fungal skin infection in addition to common skin rashes, including rashes that look like ringworm but aren’t?
Read on to learn about ringworm symptoms and how the rash is treated.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms develop during different stages of ringworm. In early-stage ringworm, you’ll see a round, flat, irritated patch of skin. It can be reddish in people with fair skin and brown-gray in people with darker skin. Sometimes the patch may just be very dry or scaly. It usually appears four to 14 days after you come in contact with the ringworm fungus and can appear on almost any area of the skin.
The patch enlarges during the second stage of infection. This is when you will see the telltale red circle rash. The skin in the center of the patch may look relatively normal, but the skin surrounding it is raised, discolored and scaly.
You may notice other symptoms depending on which part of the body is affected.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis): Itchy dry and scaly patches, inflamed red patches, bald spots.
Ringworm of the face and neck (tinea barbae): May be crusted or contain pus.
Ringworm in the rectum, groin or inner thighs (tinea cruris or ‘jock itch’): Itching and, in some cases, blisters.
Ringworm of the hands (tinea manuum): Dry, cracked palms.
Fingernails and toenails the toenails (onychomycosis and tinea unguium): Thick, discolored and deformed nails.
Ringworm of the feet (tinea pedis or athlete’s foot): It starts between the toes and causes tingling, burning, blistering and peeling of the skin.
Rashes that look like ringworm but aren’t
If you’re not sure if your rash is ringworm, it’s important to see your dermatologist to rule out other skin conditions that cause similar symptoms. These include:
How do you get ringworm?
The ringworm fungus usually lives on the surface of the skin. If exposed to warm, moist, dark conditions, it can multiply and become an infection.
A ringworm infection is easily spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact and by sharing clothing, bedding or towels with someone who is infected. Touching the fungus hiding in the showers or changing rooms can infect you.
You can get ringworm from a dog or cat if they have ringworm. Rarely, ringworm can be spread through prolonged contact with soil containing the fungus.
Factors that make you more susceptible to ringworm include high-contact sports, excessive sweating and working with animals that may have the infection. You are also more likely to get ringworm if you have nail or skin injuries, diabetes, obesity, or a weakened immune system.
Does ringworm go away on its own?
It’s unlikely that the rash will go away without treatment, so don’t ignore it. A mild case of ringworm may go away on its own if you follow meticulous self-care measures, such as keeping the area clean and dry, but it can spread to other parts of the body while you wait for it to heal.
How to treat ringworm
Ringworm can typically be treated by applying an over-the-counter topical antifungal product such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin) for two to four weeks. See your dermatologist if you do not see improvement or the rash has worsened. More severe ringworm infections may require an antifungal prescription and may take up to two months to heal.
If treatment doesn’t work, it may mean that the fungus is resistant to the antifungal medicine you used, whether it was over-the-counter or prescription. If this is the case, you may need a stronger or newer antifungal cream.
More severe cases of ringworm may require an oral antifungal medication. The doctor will first do a biopsy to confirm that you have a fungal infection.
Ringworm of the scalp will not go away on its own and requires treatment with oral medication.
During treatment, take steps to prevent the spread of the ringworm rash. Even after the rash is gone, reduce the chance of re-infection with these tips:
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Do not walk barefoot in public showers and changing rooms.
- Change your underwear and socks at least once a day.
- Do not share clothes, linens or personal items.
- Cut your nails short and keep them clean.
- If you play a high-contact sport, shower immediately afterwards and wash/clean your clothes and sports equipment.
- Use disinfectant sprays or bleach to clean surfaces that may harbor the fungus, such as the shower, doorknobs, and bathroom counters.
- Take your pet to the vet if they have signs of ringworm.
Dactylitis Stages of healing
Ringworm can take at least two weeks to heal. The rash will gradually fade and the skin will become smooth. If you stop using the antifungal treatment before the rash clears, the infection may come back and be more difficult to treat, so be sure to follow the treatment instructions.
If the rash is warm to the touch, contains pus, or oozes fluid, it is likely to be infected. See your doctor immediately.
Once the rash is gone, you may have post-inflammatory skin discoloration that persists for months. The skin may be lighter, darker or redder than the surrounding skin. Through the natural process of exfoliation, it will eventually return to its normal color.
Pictures of ringworm
See the photos below for examples of what ringworm looks like. Keep in mind that ringworm looks different at different stages, on different parts of the body, and on different people.
Written by Jessica Brown, health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. He has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
