Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Body Ringworm
Body Ringworm
Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc..
Last revised: October 6, 2023.
Body ringworm is an infection of the skin that often causes a ring-shaped rash. Body ringworm is also called tinea corporis.
Body ringworm can affect any part of your skin. This condition is easily spread from person to person (is very contagious).
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. The condition develops when these fungi grow out of control on the skin.
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Clothing, bedding, and towels.
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Brushes or combs.
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Gym equipment.
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Any other object that has the fungus on it.
What increases the risk?
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Play sports that involve close physical contact, such as wrestling.
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Sweat a lot.
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Live in areas that are hot and humid.
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Use public showers.
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Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system).
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Itchy, raised red spots and bumps.
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Red scaly patches.
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A ring-shaped rash. The rash may have:
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A clear center.
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Scales or red bumps at its center.
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Redness near its borders.
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Dry and scaly skin on or around it.
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How is this diagnosed?
This condition can usually be diagnosed with a skin exam. A skin scraping may be taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope to see if the fungus is present.
How is this treated?
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An antifungal cream or ointment.
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An antifungal shampoo.
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Antifungal medicines. These may be prescribed if your ringworm:
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Is severe.
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Keeps coming back or lasts a long time.
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Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were given an antifungal cream or ointment:
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Use it as told by your health care provider.
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Wash the infected area and dry it completely before applying the cream or ointment.
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If you were given an antifungal shampoo:
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Use it as told by your health care provider.
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Leave the shampoo on your body for 3–5 minutes before rinsing.
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While you have a rash:
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Wear loose clothing to stop clothes from rubbing and irritating it.
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Wash or change your bed sheets every night.
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Wash clothes and bed sheets in hot water.
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Disinfect or throw out items that may be infected.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
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If your pet has the same infection, take your pet to see a veterinarian for treatment.
How is this prevented?
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Take a bath or shower every day and after every time you work out or play sports.
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Dry your skin completely after bathing.
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Wear sandals or shoes in public places and showers.
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Wash athletic clothes after each use.
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Do not share personal items with others.
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Avoid touching red patches of skin on other people.
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Avoid touching pets that have bald spots.
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If you touch an animal that has a bald spot, wash your hands.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your rash continues to spread after 7 days of treatment.
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Your rash is not gone in 4 weeks.
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The area around your rash gets red, warm, tender, and swollen.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
