Skin
Medicines for Ringworm
A common, contagious fungal skin infection causing a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash — easily treated with antifungal creams, despite the misleading name (there is no worm).
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, and despite its name it has nothing to do with worms — the name comes from the typical ring-shaped rash. It causes a red or silvery, scaly, itchy patch that often clears in the centre as it spreads outward, forming a ring.
- How it is treated: Ringworm on the body is usually treated effectively with antifungal creams available from pharmacies, applied for the recommended time (often continuing for a week or so after the rash clears to prevent it returning).
- Self-care: Keep the skin clean and dry, do not share towels, clothing or bedding, wash these items, treat infected pets, and complete the full course of antifungal treatment to prevent the infection returning.
- When to seek help: A pharmacist can advise on treatment for ringworm on the body.
What it is
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, and despite its name it has nothing to do with worms — the name comes from the typical ring-shaped rash. It causes a red or silvery, scaly, itchy patch that often clears in the centre as it spreads outward, forming a ring. It can appear almost anywhere on the body, and related fungal infections affect the scalp, feet (athlete's foot), groin (jock itch) and nails. It is contagious, spreading through skin contact with infected people or animals (such as pets and farm animals), and via shared items, towels and surfaces.
How it is treated
Ringworm on the body is usually treated effectively with antifungal creams available from pharmacies, applied for the recommended time (often continuing for a week or so after the rash clears to prevent it returning). Scalp ringworm and stubborn or widespread infections may need antifungal medicine taken by mouth, prescribed by a GP. Alongside treatment, hygiene measures — not sharing towels, washing bedding and clothing, treating infected pets, and keeping the skin clean and dry — help clear it and prevent spread and reinfection.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Ringworm
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
By active ingredient
Specific medicines used for Ringworm
Dose-free guides to individual active ingredients used in ringworm — what each is, how it works, how to take it, and its advantages and disadvantages:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keep the skin clean and dry, do not share towels, clothing or bedding, wash these items, treat infected pets, and complete the full course of antifungal treatment to prevent the infection returning.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
A pharmacist can advise on treatment for ringworm on the body. See a GP for ringworm on the scalp, infections that do not improve with antifungal cream, widespread infection, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Ringworm: frequently asked questions
Is ringworm caused by a worm?
No. Despite the name, ringworm is a fungal skin infection — the name comes from the ring-shaped rash. It is treated with antifungal creams or, if needed, tablets.
How do you catch ringworm?
Through skin contact with infected people or animals (including pets), or via shared towels, clothing and surfaces. Good hygiene helps prevent spread and reinfection.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Ringworm
- NICE CKS — Fungal skin infection (body and groin)
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.