Do you have itchy, red patches on your skin? It could be ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be caused by a variety of organisms. It’s highly contagious and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing clothes or towels, and contact with an infected pet. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to get rid of ringworm and keep it from spreading. Read on to learn more about ringworm, including what it looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and how to treat it.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. It is not caused by a worm, but rather by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. Ringworm appears as a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin, typically on the arms, legs, torso, or scalp. It is usually itchy and can be treated with antifungal creams.

Causes behind ringworms

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Common causes of ringworm include:

- Coming into contact with an infected person or animal
- Contact with contaminated items such as clothing, bedding, and towels
- Exposure to moist, warm environments such as locker rooms and swimming           pools
- Sweating
- Poor hygiene
- Weakened immune system

Ringworm symptoms

• Itchy, scaly, bumpy patches of skin
• Crusty, red or silvery patches on the skin with raised edges
• Patches of skin that are redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center
• Patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin
• Patches of skin that have small blisters and scales
• Patches of skin that are dry and scaly
• Patches of skin that secrete a fluid or pus
• Patches of skin that are tender or painful to touch

How Does Ringworm Look Like?

Most people recognize ringworm by its circular, red patches with raised edges. It can also appear as a scaly, red ring with a clear center. The center may look like normal skin, or it may be slightly inflamed. The rash may be itchy or cause no symptoms. It may also spread across the body and join together to form larger patches.

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose ringworm by examining your skin. They may take a small scraping of the rash and look at it under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. If you have ringworm on your scalp, your doctor may also recommend a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

Preventing Ringworm

You can help prevent ringworm by practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with an infected person or pet. Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms. Thoroughly wash your hands after touching any infected areas. If you have an infected pet, keep them away from other pets and children.

If you have any suspicious patches on your skin, it’s important to get them checked by your doctor. With the right treatment, you can get rid of ringworm quickly and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

Treatments for Ringworm

Ringworm is a common condition that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by a type of fungus and is characterized by itchy, red, circular patches on the skin. It is usually not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to treat ringworm.

Antifungal Creams:

The most common form of treatment for ringworm is antifungal creams. These creams contain ingredients like miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, and ketoconazole, which are effective at killing the fungus that causes ringworm. They are available over-the-counter and require only a few weeks of regular application to clear up the infection.

Antifungal Soaps:

Antifungal soaps can be used in addition to antifungal creams to help clear up ringworm. These soaps contain ingredients like chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, which help to kill the fungus. They should be used daily in order to be effective.

Oral Antifungals:

For more severe cases of ringworm, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. These medications are taken orally and are effective at killing the fungus that causes ringworm. They can be taken for several weeks in order to clear up the infection.

Antifungal Shampoos:

Antifungal shampoos can be used to treat ringworm on the scalp. These shampoos contain ingredients like ketoconazole and selenium sulfide, which help to kill the fungus that causes ringworm. They should be used daily in order to be effective.



No matter which type of ringworm treatment you choose, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If the infection does not improve after a few weeks of treatment, it is important to see a doctor.

Home remedies for ringworms

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply a small amount of undiluted apple cider vinegar to the affected area two to three times daily.

2. Garlic: Apply a paste made from crushed garlic cloves to the affected area.

3. Tea Tree Oil: After diluting the oil in a carrier oil, apply it directly to the ringworm.

4. Coconut Oil: Apply coconut oil directly to the affected area.

5. Turmeric: Make a paste of turmeric powder and water and apply it directly to the ringworm.

6. Neem Oil: After diluting the oil in a carrier oil, apply it directly to the ringworm.

7. Onion: Apply a paste of grated onion directly to the affected area.

8. Honey: Apply honey directly to the affected area.

9. Oregano Oil: After diluting the oil in a carrier oil, apply it directly to the ringworm.

10. Yogurt: Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt directly to the affected area.