--- title: "Ringworm of the Body (Tinea corporis)" slug: "ringworm-of-the-body-1" updated: 2026-04-27T17:02:29Z published: 2026-04-27T17:02:29Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/ringworm-of-the-body-1" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Ringworm of the Body (Tinea corporis) ![](https://qrcode.tec-it.com/API/QRCode?data=https%3A%2F%2Fhealthhub.cpcmg.net%2F_questions%2F1259462) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T05%3A34%3A58Z&se=2026-11-10T06%3A34%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2B2av9f0MpnB3aGENv8Ugu%2B0FFmfUfuYq9mQ6LuuDGp4%3D)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T05%3A34%3A58Z&se=2026-11-10T06%3A34%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2B2av9f0MpnB3aGENv8Ugu%2B0FFmfUfuYq9mQ6LuuDGp4%3D)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 ## What is ringworm? ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-9OF29EYM.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T05%3A34%3A58Z&se=2026-11-10T06%3A34%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2B2av9f0MpnB3aGENv8Ugu%2B0FFmfUfuYq9mQ6LuuDGp4%3D) [https://jddonline.com/project-atlas/inclusive-derm/tinea-corporis/](https://jddonline.com/project-atlas/inclusive-derm/tinea-corporis/) - **Ringworm** is a common **skin infection**. - Even though it has "worm" in the name, it is **not caused by a worm**. - It is caused by a **fungus**. - It gets its name because the rash often looks like a **pink, scaly ring** on the skin. - The spots are usually about the size of a coin (half-inch to one inch). - Often, the **center clears up** and looks like normal skin while the **edges stay red and bumpy**. - It can be **mildly itchy**. ## What causes ringworm? - Ringworm is caused by a tiny **fungus** that lives on the skin. - It most often spreads to humans from **pets**, like **puppies or kittens**. - It can also spread from **person to person** through **direct skin-to-skin contact**. This is most common among athletes who have close contact, like **wrestlers**. - In rare cases, the fungus can be found in the **soil**. ## How is ringworm diagnosed? ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-RMWTOYWJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T05%3A34%3A58Z&se=2026-11-10T06%3A34%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2B2av9f0MpnB3aGENv8Ugu%2B0FFmfUfuYq9mQ6LuuDGp4%3D) [https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-corporis-images](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-corporis-images) - A healthcare provider can usually tell if a rash is ringworm just by looking at it. - They look for the **circular shape**, a **raised or scaly border**, and a **clear center**. - If your child has a round, itchy patch that is slowly getting larger, it is likely ringworm. ## How is ringworm treated? You can treat most cases of ringworm at home with **antifungal cream**. You can buy these at the store without a prescription. Common brands include **Lamisil, Micatin, or Lotrimin**. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-3DPXF1T6.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T05%3A34%3A58Z&se=2026-11-10T06%3A34%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2B2av9f0MpnB3aGENv8Ugu%2B0FFmfUfuYq9mQ6LuuDGp4%3D) [https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-corporis-images](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-corporis-images) - **How to apply:** Put the cream on the rash and **one inch past the edges** of the spot. Do this **two times every day**. - **How long:** Keep using the cream for at least **7 days after** the rash has completely disappeared. This helps make sure the fungus is gone. - **School and Daycare:** Your child does **not need to miss school**. After **48 hours of treatment**, the rash does not spread to others. **Wrestlers** can return to matches after **3 days of treatment**. ## How is ringworm prevented? The best way to prevent ringworm is to **avoid contact with infected pets**. If your puppy or kitten has itchy spots or patches of missing fur, take them to a **veterinarian** for treatment. If the rash keeps coming back in your home, a pet is likely the cause. ## When to contact your child’s healthcare team? Most ringworm goes away in **3 to 4 weeks**. Please contact us if: - The rash **gets bigger or spreads** after **one week** of treatment. - The rash is **not gone after 4 weeks**. - The skin looks **worse** (becomes very red, painful, or swollen). - You are **concerned** about your child's symptoms. ## 📚 References This content was adapted from [HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website](https://www.healthychildren.org/), [Rady Children’s Health Library](https://www.rchsd.org/health-library/). Images from [DermNet](https://dermnetnz.org/), [The Full Spectrum of Dermatology: A Diverse and Inclusive Atlas](https://jddonline.com/project-atlas/). Reviewed by AR D.O., Patient Education Committee.