What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a skin rash caused by a fungus; it is not caused by a worm.
(Fungus is a plant-like structure.) Health care providers call ringworm "tinea."
"Athlete's foot" (tinea pedis) and "jock itch" (tinea cruris)
are types of ringworm. Fungi that cause these rashes thrive in areas of skin
that are kept warm, damp and dark, such as the area between the toes and near
the groin. Athlete's foot and jock itch are common in adolescents and adult
males. These rashes do not spread easily, and both infections can be treated at
home.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is different. It is most common in
children and easily spreads. In rare cases, the fungus will be caught from an
infected pet. Treatment requires medication ordered by a health care provider. A
child with ringworm may need to stay at home until treatment begins.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
You may have athlete’s foot if you have:
- Itching and burning between the toes
- Red, scaly, cracked skin between the toes
- A rash that becomes raw and weepy when scratched
- A rash that may have blisters (severe cases)
- Feet that have an unpleasant odor
- A rash that occurs on the bottom of the feet
How is athlete's foot treated?
Athlete's foot can be treated with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or
powder, such as Tinactin®, Micatin®, Lotrimin-AF® or Lamisil®. First, rinse and dry your feet, especially between the toes. Spread the cream over the rash and
beyond its borders. Continue to apply the cream twice day for several weeks
until the rash clears.
How can I prevent athlete's foot?
You can prevent athlete’s foot if you:
- Bathe your feet regularly, using soap between the toes.
- Keep your feet dry and clean.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks made from natural fibers such
as wool and cotton.
- Dry feet completely before putting on socks and shoes.
- Use an anti-fungal powder, lotion, or spray on a regular basis
if you are prone to athlete’s foot.
What are the symptoms of jock itch?
Symptoms of jock itch include:
- Burning, itchy rash in the groin and upper, inner thigh.
- A rash that may be ringed by a scaly border. The border may
have blisters.
How is jock itch treated?
As with athlete's foot, you can treat jock itch with an over-the-counter
anti-fungal medication. Apply the medication twice a day until the rash goes
away. Contact your health care provider if the rash does not improve after
several weeks of treatment.
How can I protect myself from jock itch?
Ways to prevent jock itch include:
- Wear loose fitting cotton underwear and pants.
- Keep the groin area clean and dry.
What are the symptoms of ringworm of the scalp?
Symptoms of ringworm include:
- Round patches of hair loss that slowly increase in size. The
rash may be slightly raised or have a black-dot, stubbled appearance.
- Scaly patches that are swollen and pink with blisters. The
scaly patches may develop a white pus-filled center that clears, leaving a
scaly ring. This type of ringworm is more common among black children and
can lead to scarring and hair loss.
- A dry, crusty scalp that flakes like dandruff in children who
have outgrown cradle cap.
- A mildly itchy area on the scalp.
How is ringworm of the scalp treated?
Ringworm of the scalp cannot be treated with lotions. Your health care
provider must order a medication taken by the mouth. In most cases, medication
is taken once a day for six to eight weeks. Your child may also need to use a
prescription shampoo or an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo that contains
selenium sulfide, such as Selsun Blue®. (The shampoo will help prevent the spread
of ringworm, but it will not cure it.)
How can I keep my child’s ringworm from spreading to others?
Until treatment begins, you should:
- Prevent others from using your child's hair care items.
- Prevent others from using your child's personal items, such as
clothing, towels and bed linens.
- Limit your child's play with other children.
How can I protect my child from ringworm?
Ways to prevent ringworm include:
- Avoid braiding hair tightly or using gels on the hair. (Gels
may encourage fungus to cling to the scalp.)
- Limit contact with children who have ringworm.
- Limit contact with personal items of children who have ringworm
(clothing, towels, bedding and so forth).
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 11/4/2005...#4560
