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Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-shaped, itchy, red or silvery rash with a clearer centre, despite the name having nothing to do with worms. It can affect the body, scalp, feet (athlete's foot), or groin.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance for Ringworm, covering the article's core clinical information and relevant assessment, management or safety considerations.
Public health education article
Self-care advice — See your GP if ringworm affects the scalp, doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatment, or is widespread.
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Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-shaped, itchy, red or silvery rash with a clearer centre, despite the name having nothing to do with worms. It can affect the body, scalp, feet (athlete's foot), or groin.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
The rash doesn't improve after using an over-the-counter antifungal treatment for a couple of weeks
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-shaped, itchy, red or silvery rash with a clearer centre, despite the name having nothing to do with worms. It can affect the body, scalp, feet (athlete's foot), or groin.
It spreads through direct skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or from infected animals, and is usually straightforward to treat, though it can take a few weeks for the rash to fully clear.
See your GP if ringworm affects the scalp, doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatment, or is widespread.
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Ringworm usually clears within a few weeks with consistent antifungal treatment, though scalp ringworm typically needs treatment from a doctor.
Continue antifungal treatment for the full recommended course, even once the rash looks like it's gone, to fully clear the infection.