Quick answer
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection — no worm is involved. It causes a ring-shaped, red or silvery rash that can be itchy and scaly. It is easily treated with antifungal creams from a pharmacy and spreads through skin contact, shared items and pets.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. Despite the alarming name, no worm is involved — the “ring” refers to the shape of the rash. It is related to the same family of fungi that cause athlete’s foot, and it is usually mild and easy to treat.
Symptoms
Ringworm typically causes:
- a ring-shaped patch, red or silvery, with clearer skin in the centre
- scaly, dry skin
- itching
Patches can appear almost anywhere — the body, groin, feet or scalp — and may slowly grow outwards.
How it spreads
The fungus spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected people or animals (cats and dogs can carry it), and through shared towels, bedding and clothing. It can also survive on surfaces for some time.
Treatment
Antifungal creams from a pharmacy clear most cases — apply for the full recommended course, even once the rash has faded, to stop it returning. Scalp ringworm is different: it usually needs antifungal tablets prescribed by a GP.
While treating it: wash towels, bedding and clothes, avoid sharing them, and keep the area clean and dry. If a pet has patches of hair loss, a vet visit helps prevent reinfection.
When to see a GP
See a GP if the rash has not improved after two weeks of pharmacy treatment, is on the scalp, is widespread, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Common questions
- What does ringworm look like?
- A round, ring-shaped patch that is red or silvery, scaly and often itchy, with clearer skin in the middle. The ring can grow slowly outwards, and you can have more than one patch.
- How do you catch ringworm?
- Through skin contact with an infected person or animal (cats and dogs can carry it), or via contaminated items like towels, bedding and clothing. The fungus also lingers on surfaces.
- How is ringworm treated?
- Antifungal creams from a pharmacy clear most skin cases — used for the full course, even after the rash fades. Scalp ringworm usually needs antifungal tablets from a GP.
- Is ringworm serious?
- No, it is usually mild and clears with treatment. It is contagious though, so treat it promptly, avoid sharing towels, and wash bedding and clothes to prevent it spreading.