Ringworm often looks like a round, red or silvery patch of skin which may be scaly and itchy.
The ring spreads outwards as it progresses. You can have several patches or just one, and in more serious cases the skin may become raised and blistered.
Scalp ringworm symptoms
- small patches of scaly skin on the scalp, which may be sore
- patchy hair loss
- an itchy scalp
And in more severe cases:
- small, pus-filled sores on the scalp
- crusting on the scalp
In even more serious cases of scalp ringworm, a large inflamed sore called a kerion may form on the scalp. This can ooze pus, and you may also have a fever and swollen lymph glands.
Body ringworm symptoms
- a ring-like red rash on your skin. The skin looks red and irritated around the ring but healthy inside
And in more severe cases:
- The rings may multiply and grow in size, and rings can merge together.
- The rings feel slightly raised to the touch and the skin under the rash may be itchy.
- Blisters and pus-filled sores can form around the rings.
Foot ringworm (athlete’s foot) symptoms
- an itchy, dry, red and flaky rash, usually in the spaces between the toes
And in more severe cases:
- cracked skin in the affected area
- blisters (which may be oozing or crusting)
- swelling of the skin
- a burning or stinging sensation in your skin
- scaling patterns around your sole and on the side of your foot
Read more about athlete's foot.
Groin ringworm (jock itch) symptoms
- red-brown sores (not necessarily ring-shaped), which may have blisters or pus-filled sores around the edge
- itchiness and redness around your groin area, such as your inner thighs and bottom (the genitals are usually not affected)
- the skin on your inner thighs can become scaly and flaky
Exercising, walking and wearing tight clothing or underwear can worsen the symptoms of a groin infection.
It's also quite common to develop a groin infection in combination with athlete's foot. This can happen if you have athlete's foot and you scratch your feet and transfer fungal spores to your groin when dressing or going to the toilet.
Ringworm of the nails symptoms
- a whitish thickening of the nail
- discolouration (the nail can turn white, black, yellow or green)
- the nail can become brittle and start to fall off
- the skin around the nail may be sore and irritated
Read more about fungal nail infection.
Read more about how ringworm is diagnosed.
