Ringworm is a very common skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash on the skin.
The rash can appear almost anywhere on the body, with the scalp, feet and groin being common sites.
The condition, medically known as "tinea", isn't serious and is usually easily treated using creams that you can buy from the pharmacy. However, ringworm is highly contagious and is easily spread among people.
Despite its name, it doesn't have anything to do with worms. It's an infection of the skin caused by a fungus.
When to see a doctor
You need to see your GP if you or your child have ringworm of the scalp. This type of ringworm is treated with antifungal tablets which are only available on prescription.
Other types of ringworm are generally treated with antifungal cream from the pharmacy and you don't need to see a doctor unless the infection persists. However, pharmacists often prefer children to see a GP to confirm a diagnosis.
Read more about ringworm symptoms.
How do you catch it?
Ringworm is passed between people through direct skin contact and by sharing objects such as towels, hairbrushes and bedding.
Pets such as dogs and cats can have ringworm and can pass it on to people they come into contact with.
Read more about the causes of ringworm.
Who can it affect?
Ringworm is very common. It's estimated that 10%-20% of people will have a fungal skin infection at some point during their lifetime.
Though people of all ages can be affected, children are especially susceptible to catching ringworm.
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is most common in children under the age of puberty, especially children who live in urban areas and African-Caribbean children.
Body ringworm can affect anyone of any age, although groin infections are more common in young men.
Ringworm has different names for when it appears on different parts of the body. It is commonly known as:
Read more about the symptoms of ringworm and watch a slideshow of common skin conditions to help you recognise if you or your child has it.
Treatment
Most cases of ringworm are mild and can be treated using a pharmacy antifungal cream.
Scalp ringworm can be treated with antifungal tablets, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoo.
Find out more about how to treat ringworm.
Stopping it spreading
It's really important, where possible, to prevent spreading the infection. This includes avoiding sharing towels, bedding or clothes with someone who has been diagnosed with ringworm.
If you think your pet has ringworm, take it to the vet. If your pet is treated quickly, you will be less likely to catch the infection from it.
If your child has ringworm, they don't need to stay off school. But, in addition to treatment, they should be careful about their hygiene to stop it spreading.
Read more about how to stop the spread of ringworm.
