Ringworm Symptoms

What Are the Signs of Ringworm

Ringworm symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include the following:

Ringworm gets its name from the distinctive ring-shaped or circular rash that appears with the fungal infection. The infection can affect any part of your body. It is highly contagious and spreads easily — especially if you scratch or pick at the infected area.

Itchy, scaly rash — Ringworm commonly starts with a small red or silvery patch of skin that may be scaly, inflamed and itchy.

Ring-shaped, circular rash — As the rash expands outwards on the body, it forms a roughly circular shape. In some people, it may appear as several rings that overlap.

Raised bumps — The rash typically develops a raised border of small bumps or blisters along the edges.

Change in skin colour — The middle of the rash may become less red as the rash spreads outwards.

Blisters — If left untreated, the rash may develop blisters that begin to ooze.

Bald patches — Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) may show as a scaly, itchy bald patch without the ring-shape. As it grows in size, more hair loss occurs. This is more common in children than in adults.

By scratching or touching areas affected by ringworm, the fungus can spread to the hands (tinea manuum) or other areas of the body such as the feet (tinea pedis) or groin (tinea cruris). It is important to wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching infected areas.