How do you get ringworm?

Ringworm (tinea) is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails caused by dermatophyte fungi (most often Trichophyton, Microsporum or Epidermophyton species). Despite its name, there’s no worm involved—just fungi feeding on keratin in the outer layer of the skin. Knowing how you get ringworm can help you prevent and treat it effectively.

How Ringworm Spreads
Ringworm is contagious and can spread in several ways:

• Person-to-person contact
  • Direct skin contact with an infected person (e.g., wrestling mats, close sports contact)
  • Sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, hats or hairbrushes

• Animal-to-human contact
  • Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits) and livestock (cattle, goats) can carry dermatophytes
  • Handling an infected animal or touching contaminated bedding

• Contaminated surfaces and objects (fomites)
  • Floors, locker-room benches, gym equipment
  • Clothing, towels, hair accessories, combs

• Soil (geophilic transmission)
  • Direct contact with contaminated soil
  • More common in rural or agricultural settings

• Autoinoculation (self-spread)
  • Scratching an infected area then touching healthy skin
  • Nail scratching can transfer fungi to new sites—especially common with tinea unguium (nail infection)

(Havlickova et al., 2008; Nenoff et al., 2014)

Why Some People Are More Susceptible
Certain factors increase the risk of picking up and spreading ringworm:

• Warm, humid environments that favor fungal growth
• Excessive sweating or tight, non-breathable clothing
• Poor personal hygiene or infrequent washing of clothing and bedding
• Close living quarters (dorms, military barracks)
• Participation in close-contact sports (wrestling, judo)
• Weakened immune system (e.g., diabetes, HIV, immunosuppressive drugs)
• Pre-existing skin damage (cuts, abrasions, eczema)

(Nenoff et al., 2014)

What Happens After You’re Exposed
After contact with dermatophyte spores:

1. Spores adhere to skin, hair or nail keratin.
2. Fungi germinate and grow outward in a circle, feeding on keratin.
3. The body’s immune response creates redness, itching and scaling around the edge of the expanding ring.
4. Central clearing leads to the classic “ring” appearance, though not everyone develops a perfect circle.

Incubation can take 1–4 weeks, so you might not notice symptoms immediately after exposure.

Recognizing Ringworm
Common signs and symptoms include:

• Round or oval patches of red, scaly skin
• Slightly raised, accentuated edge—often clearer in the center
• Intense itching, sometimes burning
• Hair loss or broken hairs if the scalp (tinea capitis) is involved
• Thickened, discolored nails if nail infection (tinea unguium) develops

If you’re unsure whether a patchy rash is ringworm, consider doing a free, online symptom check for ringworm. Early recognition speeds treatment and reduces spread.

Preventing Ringworm
You can greatly reduce your risk by adopting good hygiene and simple precautions:

• Wash hands thoroughly after touching pets or farm animals
• Avoid sharing personal items—use your own towels, clothing and hair tools
• Keep skin clean and dry; change socks and underwear daily
• Wear breathable fabrics (cotton, moisture-wicking blends)
• Disinfect gym mats, locker rooms and shared equipment regularly
• Treat infected pets promptly—ask your veterinarian about antifungal shampoos or medications
• Launder clothing, bedding and towels in hot water and dry on high heat

(Havlickova et al., 2008)

When to See a Doctor
Most ringworm infections respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays or powders (clotrimazole, terbinafine, miconazole). However, seek medical advice if you notice:

• No improvement after 2–4 weeks of self-care
• Widespread rash or severe itching
• Signs of secondary bacterial infection (increased redness, swelling, pus)
• Scalp involvement with hair loss or painful, swollen nodules
• Nail thickening, discoloration or separation from the nail bed
• You have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions

(Nenoff et al., 2014)

Your doctor may recommend prescription-strength topical treatments or oral antifungal medications (terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin), especially for scalp and nail infections.

Key Takeaways

• Ringworm is a fungal infection transmitted by direct contact with people, animals or contaminated objects.
• Warm, moist conditions, close contact sports and weak immunity increase your risk.
• Look for round, itchy, scaly patches with raised edges and central clearing.
• Practice good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and keep skin dry to prevent infection.
• Consider doing a free, online symptom check for ringworm if you notice suspicious rashes.
• Speak to a doctor about any persistent, widespread or severe symptoms, or if you have a high-risk health condition.

Always consult your healthcare provider about any skin infection that doesn’t improve or that might be serious. If you experience fever, spreading redness, pain or signs of systemic illness, seek medical care promptly.