Ringworm

Ringworm is a very common skin infection caused by a fungus that can appear anywhere on the body. Athlete’s foot, jock itch and nail infections are all types of a ringworm infection.

The most common symptom of ringworm* is a circular, red rash that is itchy and scaly. Other symptoms* may appear on different parts of the body:

• Beard: hair loss or pus
• Feet: blisters or red, itchy skin between the toes
• Nails: cracked, discolored, fragile or thick nails
• Scalp: hair loss or scaling

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, evaluate the affected area and develop a treatment plan. They can prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication, if necessary. 

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Even though the word “worm” is in the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s caused by a fungus that naturally lives on hair, nail and skin as well as on surfaces in homes, public areas and soil.

Ringworm is contagious and can spread from skin-to-skin contact and through shared objects and surfaces. It can also spread by touching animals that have ringworm.

Most medications for ringworm are topical creams and lotions applied directly on the rash. More serious cases may require oral medication.

People can take certain precautions to avoid getting ringworm:*

• Change socks and underwear if they become damp
• Don’t share personal hygiene items
• Dry skin thoroughly after a bath or shower and after swimming
• Shower after exercise and sports
• Wear shoes in public locker rooms and showers

If someone has ringworm, they can help prevent it from spreading. They should wash their hands regularly and avoid scratching the rash. They shouldn’t share personal items and should avoid contact with shared surfaces, like walking barefoot in public bathing areas.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, evaluate the affected area and develop a treatment plan. They can prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication, if necessary.