Tinea Corporis (Ringworm): What It Looks Like and What to Do

Got a red, round, itchy patch that keeps growing? That could be tinea corporis — the common skin fungus most people call ringworm. It spreads easily between people, pets, and surfaces. Good news: most cases are simple to treat if you act early and follow a few plain rules.

How to recognize it

Tinea corporis usually starts as a small red spot that slowly expands into a ring with clearer skin in the center. It can be scaly, bumpy, or very itchy. Rings often have raised edges and a flatter center. If the face, groin, hands, or feet show similar patterns, it’s likely the same fungal group. If you’ve been around animals, shared towels, or used public locker rooms, that raises the odds.

Doctors confirm it with a quick skin scraping and a KOH test or culture when needed. That’s useful if the rash looks unusual or doesn’t respond to treatment. Don’t assume every red patch is ringworm — eczema, psoriasis, and allergic rashes can look similar.

Treatment and prevention

For most cases, start an over-the-counter antifungal cream like clotrimazole or terbinafine. Apply as directed to the edges of the rash and keep going for the full course — usually at least 2 weeks and often 1–2 weeks after the rash clears. Stopping early is why infections come back.

If the rash keeps spreading, covers a large area, involves the scalp or nails, or you have a weak immune system, see a clinician. They may prescribe an oral antifungal such as terbinafine or griseofulvin. Oral meds are for tougher or widespread infections and need medical monitoring for safety.

One key warning: don’t use steroid creams (like triamcinolone) alone on a suspected fungal rash. Steroids can hide symptoms and make the fungus worse. If a steroid was used and the rash got worse, tell your doctor — you may need a different treatment plan.

Prevent reinfection by washing bedding and clothes in hot water, drying well, and not sharing towels, hairbrushes, or clothing. Treat pets if your vet finds fungus on them. Keep skin dry, especially between toes and in skin folds. Use powder if you sweat a lot and change socks daily.

When to see a doctor: the rash is painful, spreading fast, won’t improve with OTC creams, or you have fever or deeper infection signs. Also consult if the face or genitals are involved, or if you’re on long-term steroids or chemotherapy.

Bottom line: most tinea corporis cases clear with timely antifungal treatment and basic hygiene steps. Catch it early, finish the full treatment, and take simple steps at home to stop it coming back.