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Overview
Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by worms.
Symptoms
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.
Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch).
The rash is usually ring-shaped, but it may look different on your face, neck or scalp.
The colour of the ringworm rash may be less noticeable on brown and black skin.
Sometimes the rash grows, spreads, or there's more than one rash.
Ringworm on the face or scalp may also cause patchy hair loss.
Causes
Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi.
It can be passed on through close contact with:
- an infected person or animal
- infected objects, such as bedsheets, combs or towels
- infected soil, although this is less common
Treatment Options
Speak to an appropriate healthcare professional if you think you have ringworm. They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is.
You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away.
Prevention Tips
How to stop ringworm from spreading:
- start treatment as soon as possible
- wash towels and bedsheets regularly
- keep your skin clean and wash your hands after touching animals or soil
- regularly check your skin if you have been in contact with an infected person or animal
- take your pet to the vet if they might have ringworm – for example, if they have patches of missing fur
- do not share towels, combs or bedsheets with someone who has ringworm
- do not scratch a ringworm rash because this could spread it to other parts of your body
When To See A Doctor
See a GP if:
- you think you have ringworm
- ringworm has not improved after using antifungal medicine recommended by a healthcare professional such as pharmacist
- you have ringworm on your scalp – you'll usually need antifungal tablets and shampoo
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, from chemotherapy, steroids or diabetes
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