Express Prescription Request
Refill Prescription
UTI
UTI
Birth Control
Birth Control
STD
STD
ED
ED
Hair Loss
Hair Loss
Acne
Acne
Allergies
Allergies
Asthma
Asthma
IBS
IBS
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis
Trustpilot
bookconsultancy

Hassle-Free Appointment

Booking your ringworm treatment online is fast and easy! Connect with a doctor in just a few clicks and get expert care without stepping out. Start your journey to clear, healthy skin today.

medical

Customised Ringworm Treatment

Our ringworm treatment online service provides personalised care to target the infection effectively. From antifungal medications to prevention tips, we’ll guide you toward fast relief and lasting results.

bookdoctor

Continuous Support

Don’t face ringworm alone. Our online service offers ongoing support, expert advice, and regular follow-ups to ensure you recover quickly and prevent reinfection. Trust us to help you every step of the way!

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, nails, or hair. Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm but by mould-like fungi that thrive on dead tissues in warm, moist environments. The name originates from the infection’s characteristic circular rash, which resembles a ring on the skin.

Ringworm can appear on various parts of the body, and its name changes depending on the location:

  • Tinea Corporis: Ringworm on the body (arms, legs, torso, or face).
  • Tinea Capitis: Ringworm on the scalp.
  • Tinea Cruris: Ringworm in the groin area (jock itch).

The fungi that cause ringworm are highly contagious and spread quickly through contact with infected people, animals, or objects. Places like locker rooms and public showers, which are warm and humid, are common areas where the infection can spread.

Early treatment is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection and alleviate symptoms. Keeping your skin clean and dry, and avoiding the sharing of personal items can help prevent ringworm.

 

Medical Term

Common Name

Affected Area

Tinea Corporis

Ringworm on the body

Arms, legs, torso, or face

Tinea Capitis

Scalp ringworm

Scalp may cause bald spots

Tinea Cruris

Jock itch

Groin, inner thighs, buttocks

Tinea Pedis

Athlete’s foot

Feet, especially between toes

Tinea Barbae

Beard ringworm

The beard area may resemble acne

Tinea Unguium

Nail fungus

Fingernails or toenails

Ringworm Symptoms

Ringworm symptoms can vary depending on where it appears on the body, but it often starts with a scaly, itchy skin patch. Here are common signs to look out for:

General Symptoms

  • A circular or ring-shaped rash with a clear or scaly centre.
  • Raised, bumpy, or scaly edges that may spread outward.
  • Itchiness, stinging, or discomfort in the affected area.
  • Patches may appear red, brown, grey, or purple, depending on your skin tone.
  • Overlapping rings or multiple patches as the infection spreads.

Location-Specific Symptoms

  • Body (Tinea Corporis): Circular, itchy rashes on the torso, arms, or legs.
  • Scalp (Tinea Capitis): Scaly, flaky areas that may cause hair to fall out, leaving bald spots. Pus-filled masses (kerions) or swollen lymph nodes may develop in severe cases.
  • Feet (Tinea Pedis or Athlete’s Foot): Dry, scaly skin between the toes, itching, burning, or peeling. Blisters or a foul odour may also occur.
  • Groin (Tinea Cruris or Jock Itch): A discoloured, itchy rash in the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks, often worse after exercise.
  • Beard (Tinea Barbae): Itchy, scaly patches in the beard area may resemble acne and cause hair loss.
  • Nails (Tinea Unguium): Thickened, discoloured nails that may crack or lift away from the nail bed.

Stages Of Ringworm

  • Early Stage: Dry, scaly patches of irritated skin.
  • Progressive Stage: The lesion grows into a ring shape with a clear or scaly centre and raised edges.

Ringworm symptoms usually appear 4–14 days after exposure to the fungus. Early treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and relieve discomfort.

Ringworm Causes

Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live on the skin, hair, and nails. These fungi are usually harmless, but when their environment becomes warm and moist, they can grow out of control, leading to infection.

How Does Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread in several ways:

  • Person-to-Person Contact: Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has ringworm, especially in warm and damp conditions.
  • Animal-To-Person Contact: Touching an infected pet, like a dog or cat, or other animals, including livestock.
  • Contaminated Surfaces: Contact with items such as gym equipment, locker room floors, towels, or clothing that an infected person has used.
  • Self-Spread: Touching an infected area on your body and touching other parts, like your hands or face.
  • Soil Contact: Rarely, ringworms can spread through contact with contaminated soil.

Keeping your skin clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. If you suspect ringworm, early treatment can prevent it from spreading further.

 

Mode of Transmission

Example

Person-to-person

Skin-to-skin contact

Animal-to-person

Dogs, cats, livestock

Contaminated surfaces

Gym equipment, towels, and locker room floors

Self-spread

Touching the infected area, then other body parts

Soil contact (rare)

Contact with contaminated soil

.

Ringworm Causes

Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live on the skin, hair, and nails. These fungi are usually harmless, but when their environment becomes warm and moist, they can grow out of control, leading to infection.

How Does Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread in several ways:

  • Person-to-Person Contact: Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has ringworm, especially in warm and damp conditions.
  • Animal-To-Person Contact: Touching an infected pet, like a dog or cat, or other animals, including livestock.
  • Contaminated Surfaces: Contact with items such as gym equipment, locker room floors, towels, or clothing that an infected person has used.
  • Self-Spread: Touching an infected area on your body and touching other parts, like your hands or face.
  • Soil Contact: Rarely, ringworms can spread through contact with contaminated soil.

Keeping your skin clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. If you suspect ringworm, early treatment can prevent it from spreading further.

 

Mode of Transmission

Example

Person-to-person

Skin-to-skin contact

Animal-to-person

Dogs, cats, livestock

Contaminated surfaces

Gym equipment, towels, and locker room floors

Self-spread

Touching the infected area, then other body parts

Soil contact (rare)

Contact with contaminated soil

Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm is treatable with antifungal medications, which can be applied to the skin or taken orally, depending on the severity and location of the infection. Mild cases often clear up with over-the-counter treatments, while more severe cases may require prescriptions.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Treatments

For mild infections, antifungal creams, gels, or powders can effectively manage symptoms. Popular options include:

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
  • Miconazole (Desenex)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
  • Tolnaftate (Tinactin)

These products should be applied as directed, even if the rash improves, to prevent the infection from returning.

Prescription Antifungal Medications

Oral antifungal medications may be necessary for severe or widespread infections. These include:

  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Griseofulvin
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • Terbinafine

Scalp ringworm often requires a combination of oral medications and antifungal shampoos, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), to prevent further spread and recurrence.

Home Care Tips

  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Avoid touching the rash, and wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication.
  • Wash clothing, bedding, and towels daily in hot water to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing over the affected area.

Home Remedies

While some individuals try remedies like tea tree oil, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar, these methods lack scientific backing. They should not be used as a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.

Special Considerations

Doctors usually recommend topical antifungals, such as clotrimazole or ciclopirox, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they are considered safe. Oral antifungals are typically avoided due to potential side effects.

With consistent treatment, most cases of ringworm clear up within a few weeks. Severe infections, such as those on the scalp or nails, may take 1–3 months to resolve fully. Consult a doctor if symptoms don’t improve with OTC treatments.

 

Type of Treatment

Examples (Brand/Generic)

Best For

Notes

Over-the-Counter Antifungals

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Miconazole (Desenex), Terbinafine (Lamisil AT), Tolnaftate (Tinactin)

Mild skin infections

Apply as directed, continue even after rash improves

Prescription Oral Antifungals

Fluconazole (Diflucan), Griseofulvin, Itraconazole (Sporanox), Terbinafine (oral)

Severe, widespread scalp or nail infections

May require weeks to months of treatment

Antifungal Shampoos (Adjunct)

Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Selenium sulfide

Scalp ringworm

Used along with oral medication to reduce the spread

Ringworm Prevention

Ringworm is highly contagious, but you can take simple steps to reduce your risk and prevent it from spreading.

Tips To Prevent Ringworm

  • Keep Skin Clean And Dry: Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so ensure your skin, especially folds and creases, stays dry.
  • Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Don’t share towels, combs, hairbrushes, hats, or clothing with others, as these can carry the fungus.
  • Wear Flip-Flops In Public Areas: Use sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers to prevent contact with infected surfaces.
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching animals, as pets and livestock, as they can carry ringworm.
  • Keep Pets Clean: If you suspect your pet has ringworm, consult a veterinarian and limit close contact until the condition is treated.
  • Disinfect Shared Surfaces: Clean gym equipment, mats, and other communal surfaces with disinfectants to reduce fungal contamination.
  • Wear Breathable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibres like cotton to avoid trapping sweat and moisture.
  • Treat Fungal Infections Promptly: If you have conditions like athlete’s foot or jock itch, treat them promptly to prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body.

Following these preventive steps can reduce your chances of getting ringworm and stop the infection from spreading to others. If you suspect you’ve been exposed, monitor your skin closely and start treatment early if symptoms appear. Mobi Doctor can help diagnose and treat ringworm with personalised online consultations. Get expert advice and effective treatment plans from the comfort of your home.

FAQ

Yes, you can get ringworm treatment online through Mobi Doctor. Our doctors are available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to provide expert advice, prescribe antifungal medication, and guide you on the right treatment plan for fast relief.

During an online consultation for ringworm, you speak with a qualified doctor who reviews your symptoms, checks the affected area if needed, and recommends the right antifungal cream or oral medication. This makes treatment simple, convenient, and effective.

The best antifungal medicine for ringworm depends on the severity and location of the infection. Mobi Doctor may recommend clotrimazole or terbinafine cream for mild infections or oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole for more persistent cases.

Yes, scalp ringworm can be treated through online consultation with Mobi Doctor. Our doctors typically prescribe oral antifungal tablets, combined with medicated shampoos, to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading. Early treatment is highly recommended.

Yes, nail ringworm infections can be treated effectively online. Mobi Doctor doctors may prescribe oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine or itraconazole, as nail infections often require longer treatment compared to skin infections.

The duration of online ringworm treatment depends on the type of infection. Skin infections typically improve within 2–4 weeks, while scalp and nail infections may take several months to resolve. Following the doctor’s advice ensures the best results and prevents recurrence.


Swipe up to see a Dr.

close