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Ringworm: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Key Information
- What is it?: Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It is a common fungal skin infection.
- What does it look like?: It often appears as a ring-shaped rash that can be red, scaly, itchy, and slightly raised.
Types of Fungal Rashes
Fungal infections can occur in different areas of the body and may have different names:
- Athlete's Foot: A scaly, itchy rash on the feet.
- Jock Itch: A fungal rash in the groin area.
- Scalp Ringworm: An infection on the scalp that can cause patches of hair loss.
Treatment: See Your Pharmacist First
- No Prescription Needed: Your pharmacist can confirm if it looks like ringworm and recommend an antifungal treatment.
- The Golden Rule: Use the treatment daily for the full recommended course, even if the rash clears early.
Stop the Spread
Ringworm is contagious, so it is important to reduce the risk of spreading it:
- Wash towels, bedding, and clothes on a hot wash.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, or bedsheets.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Wash your hands after touching the rash.
When to Contact Us
Please contact us if:
- Scalp Infection: The rash is on your scalp.
- No Improvement: The rash has not improved after completing pharmacy treatment.
- Low Immune System: You have a weakened immune system.
What Happens Next?
If you need further help, please get in touch by completing a triage form.
Further Information
To learn more about ringworm, including how to stop it spreading and examples of what it looks like, please visit the NHS website.
Last reviewed: 02 April 2026
Next review due: 02 April 2029
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107