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Ringworm (tinea)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2024.

What is ringworm?

Harvard Health Publishing

Ringworm, also called tinea, is a skin infection caused by fungi, microscopic organisms that are similar to yeast and molds. It does not have any relation to worms, but is called "ringworm" because the infection can produce ring-shaped patches on the skin that have red, wormlike edges.

Ringworm (tinea)

Although ringworm can affect almost any area of the body, it favors places that are warm, dark and moist, such as skin in the groin area, the spaces between the toes and the deep skin folds of obese people. People can catch ringworm in several different ways, including:

Depending on its specific location, tinea may be known by a more common name, such as athlete's foot or jock itch. The various types of ringworm include:

Doctors estimate that at least 20% of all people will develop tinea at some time during life. People who are more likely to get a fungal skin infection include:

Symptoms of ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm vary, depending on the site of the infection:

Diagnosing ringworm

The best way for your doctor to diagnose any type of fungal infection in the skin is by scraping the area, and looking at the specimen under a microscope to see if it contains fungi. He or she also can determine if you have ringworm by the way it looks.

Although you may be able to diagnose yourself, you should call your doctor before you use over-the-counter treatment. Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, including whether you are athletic and routinely walk barefoot in pool or locker room areas; live or work in crowded conditions; share clothing, shoes, towels or grooming items; or have been exposed recently to someone with symptoms of ringworm.

If your symptoms involve the scalp or beard, you should be seen by a doctor before attempting any treatment.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Expected duration of ringworm

With proper treatment, both jock itch and ringworm of the body usually improve within one to two weeks. Ringworm of the scalp or beard may take a few weeks longer. However, athlete's foot can be a chronic (long-lasting) problem that comes and goes over many years. This can be caused in part by an active lifestyle that keeps the feet moist and sweaty.

Preventing ringworm

To help prevent tinea, try the following suggestions:

Treating ringworm

If you have jock itch, athlete's foot, or ringworm of the body, you usually can be treated with a nonprescription antifungal cream, lotion, or powder. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition. Some of the nonprescription topical medications available include terbinafine (Lamisil), tolnaftate (Tinactin), miconazole (Micatin and other brand names), clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), and undecylenic acid (Desenex and other brand names). Be sure to follow the directions carefully when you apply the medication.

If your symptoms do not improve significantly after you have used a nonprescription medicine for about two weeks, call your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a prescription antifungal medication that will cure the problem. For extremely stubborn infections, the antifungal medication may be taken by mouth rather than being applied to the skin.

If you have a fungal infection of the scalp, beard, fingernails, or toenails, your doctor may treat you with an oral antifungal medication, such as oral terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox) or griseofulvin (Grisactin and other brand names). You also will have to apply antifungal creams or shampoos to your hair and scalp. Complete treatment can take two or three months.

When to call a professional

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have symptoms of ringworm that involve the scalp or beard. Ringworm can sometimes be confused with other skin problems. If in doubt, see your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

If your immune system is weakened by illness or medication, contact your doctor promptly whenever you develop any unusual skin symptoms. In particular, people with diabetes should have skin symptoms, especially on the feet, checked as soon as possible.

Prognosis

Although treatment may take several weeks, antifungal medication almost always cures ringworm infections. Hair eventually regrows, and scarring is rare.

However, people do not develop immunity to tinea. Because it is possible to catch the fungus again, follow the suggestions outlined in the Prevention section above to avoid getting infected again.

Additional info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
https://www.niams.nih.gov/

American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org/


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