Ringworm Rash: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Ringworm (tinea) is a fungal infection, not a worm. It can affect the body, groin, feet, scalp or nails and may look different according to location and skin tone. Other rashes can resemble it, so appearance alone may not confirm the diagnosis.

Possible signs

Skin ringworm may be itchy, scaly and expand outward with a more active edge. On brown or black skin, redness may be less obvious. Scalp infection can cause scale or patchy hair loss, while nail infection can cause thickening or colour change.

How it spreads

Transmission can occur through contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated towels, bedding, clothing, combs and surfaces. Keep skin clean and dry, wash shared textiles and avoid sharing personal items. A pet with suspicious hair loss should be assessed by a vet.

Diagnosis and treatment

A pharmacist or clinician can advise on an appropriate antifungal according to the body site, age, pregnancy, medicines and health. Scalp, nail, extensive, recurrent or uncertain infections may require medical assessment, testing or prescription treatment. Use the product for the instructed course; do not improvise duration or share medicine.

Steroid cream can change the appearance of a fungal rash and allow it to spread when used without an appropriate diagnosis. Seek medical advice if the rash is on the scalp, is widespread, is not improving with advised treatment, or the person has a weakened immune system.

Read the NHS ringworm guide and Revitalize’s skin-conditions overview. Revitalize can confirm a current contracted provider through the contact route; no-wait, free or percentage-saving claims are not guaranteed.

General information only.