What does ringworm look like and what are some effective treatments?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that typically appears as a red, ring-shaped, circular rash with raised, scaly edges and clearer skin in the center. It's often itchy and can spread through skin contact or shared items like towels and clothing. Ringworm is usually treated with antifungal medications, including topical creams or oral prescriptions such as fluconazole, terbinafine, or griseofulvin.

Because a ring-shaped rash can also point to other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or Lyme disease, getting clarity on your symptoms early matters. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify likely causes based on your specific symptoms and guide your next steps—whether that's home care or seeing a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary trips.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if ringworm needs urgent care Discover what’s causing your rash See if it could be ringworm Find OTC ringworm treatment options Find a skin doctor near you Explore home remedies for ringworm Understand whether this rash is contagious

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Explanation

Ringworm is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. It usually appears as a red, circular rash that might be itchy or scaly. The edges of the rash are often raised, while the center might be clear, giving it a ring-like appearance.

Treatment Options:

Topical Treatments:
- Creams or lotions applied directly to the skin can help clear up the infection.
Oral Medications:
- For more severe cases, doctors might prescribe oral medications like fluconazole. Studies have shown that fluconazole is effective in treating ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) and groin (tinea cruris). It works by stopping the fungus from growing.

If you're experiencing symptoms that might be ringworm or another skin condition, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your rash. It's important to follow the treatment plan as directed by your healthcare provider to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent it from coming back.

(References)

Stary A, & Sarnow E. (1998). Fluconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis and tinea cruris. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 9568414.
Degreef H. (2008). Clinical forms of dermatophytosis (ringworm infection). Mycopathologia, 18478364.
Kotogyan A, Harmanyeri Y, Tahsin Gunes A, Erboz S, Palali Z, Sabuncu I, et al. (1996). Efficacy and safety of oral fluconazole in the treatment .... Clinical drug investigation, 24610666.

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