Overview

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by from a pharmacy to make it worms. You can usually buy medicine go away.

Title
Tinea Capitis

Symptoms

The main symptom of ringworm is a red or silver rash. 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).

Causes

Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi.

It can be spread through close contact with:

  • an infected person or animal
  • infected objects – such as bedsheets, combs or towels
  • infected soil – although this is less commo
Treatment

Speak to a pharmacist first.

They can look at your rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine. This might be a cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is.

You usually need to use antifungal medicine every day for 2 weeks. It's important to finish the whole course, even if your symptoms go away.

A pharmacist will tell you if they think you should see a GP.

Self-help

Do

  • 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, patches of missing fur)

Don't

  • share towels, combs and bedsheets with someone who has ringworm
  • scratch a ringworm rash – this could spread it to other par