Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Ringwormround, scaly and itchy patches caused by a fungus
Ringworm, medically tinea corporis, is a skin infection caused by fungi that affect the top layer of the skin. On the skin it often looks like a ring: a raised, red, scaly border with a healing centre. It has nothing to do with worms. The patch grows slowly and itches, and does not stop growing without treatment.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a skin infection caused by fungi. Fungi that affect the top layer of the epidermis are called dermatophytes. On the skin a fungus often looks like a ring, which is why it is called ringworm, although it has nothing to do with worms. Fungi can also infect elsewhere: the feet (athlete's foot), the nails (nail fungus with yellow discolouration and crumbling) and the scalp, mainly in children, with bald patches, grey scaling and sometimes redness.
How do you get ringworm?
Fungal spores are everywhere, for example in gyms, swimming pools and other public spaces. They spread easily and survive for a long time, even a wash at 40 degrees. Contact with fungi cannot be fully avoided. It is usually unclear where the infection was picked up, but it often happens through contact with a person or (pet) animal.
What symptoms does ringworm cause?
Ringworm often causes round patches with a raised, red and scaly border, while the centre heals. The patch grows slowly and itches or burns; without treatment the fungus does not stop growing. Fungi from animals often also cause small pustules, especially around the hairs, and these usually need tablets as well as cream. The patches are often in the groin but can appear anywhere. The fungus often comes from the feet and spreads via clothing; fungi on the neck often come from animals such as guinea pigs.
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes. Ringworm is contagious. Household members can become infected, although this does not happen often. People with a weakened immune system through illness or medicines are at higher risk.
How is the diagnosis made?
To be sure, flakes of skin are taken for microscopic examination, which can detect fungi quickly. A second method is culturing skin flakes; that result takes about two to six weeks. Occasionally a piece of skin is examined to make the diagnosis.
What treatments are there?
Ringworm is usually treated with a cream containing an antifungal or growth-inhibiting agent, applied once or twice a day up to about a centimetre around the patch. Keep applying the cream for a week after the skin has cleared; in total this takes about three weeks on average. For an extensive infection, tablets or capsules are needed, usually terbinafine or itraconazole, for about four weeks. These are usually well tolerated. Do tell your doctor if you take other medicines or have liver problems.
Can ringworm be cured?
Ringworm can be treated well, but the infection can return. How great that risk is differs per person.
What can you do yourself?
Wear flip-flops in public spaces to help prevent skin fungi. Wash underwear, socks and if possible clothing at at least 60 degrees to remove the fungus. If you find ringworm on a pet, often scaly and sometimes balding patches in the coat, see the vet for a ringworm treatment, because the animal can infect you or others.
Frequently asked questions about ringworm
Is ringworm the same as a worm?
No. Ringworm is a fungal infection named for its ring shape; it has nothing to do with worms.
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes. Household members can be infected, and the fungus often comes from a person or pet. Flip-flops in public spaces and washing at 60 degrees reduce the risk.
How long does treatment take?
With cream about three weeks on average, including a week after the patch has cleared. For an extensive infection, tablets for about four weeks.
Did it come from my pet?
It can. Scaly or balding patches in the coat may be ringworm. Have the animal treated by a vet, otherwise it keeps reinfecting you.
Does ringworm come back?
It can. How great the risk is differs per person; good hygiene and treating athlete's foot help prevent recurrence.