Ringworm – What is it?

Ringworm – What is it?  Do Dietary Supplements or OTCs Help?

Jane Jackson, RN, CRC     BHealthyRN         April 27, 2026  

The word “ringworm” was searched 1M times in March 2026 — according to Wordstream.   Amazing!  So, what is a Ringworm?

Ringworm – also called “tinea” or “dermatophytosis” – is a skin infection caused by a mold–like fungus.  The name ringworm comes from the fact that it leaves a circular rash on the skin – not that it is caused by a worm.  The telltale sign of ringworm is a flat red, scaly patch on light skin or a flat brown/gray patch on darker skin. The inside of the patch is usually clear, scaly, and itchy.

Types of Ringworm

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – affecting the skin between the toes or on the soles of your feet. 
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) – in the groin and thigh area.
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) – on the scalp and head.   
• Ringworm on the hands (tinea manuum) – on the palms and back of the hands.
• Beard ringworm (tinea barbae) – on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck of men with beards.
• Ringworm on the nails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis) – on toenails and occassionally fingernails.
• Ringworm of the body (tinea Corporis) – on any other areas of the body such as face, chest, arms, legs.

Ringworm can survive for long periods

• On skin – can live on humans up to 20 months without treatment
• On surfaces including clothing – can survive for 12 to 20 months
• On pets – can remain viable for up to 18 months

Some factors that increase susceptibility to getting ringworm include:

• Having a weakened immune system
• Living in a damp, tropical climate
• Participating in contact sports such as football or wrestling
• Using public showers or locker rooms without protective foot covering
• Living in close quarters with others – dorms, barracks
• Sharing linens or clothing without washing them first
• Not drying out your feet properly
• Overweight or obesity
• Being a diabetic

Treatment of ringworm depends on where it is and the severity. If ringworm is on your skin, an antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may be recommended. 

Common over-the-counter antifungal creams include

• clotrimazole
• terbinafine
• miconazole
• tolnaftate 

Natural products do not treat ringworm, but some may help soothe general skin discomfort.  

These include

• Honey
• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera

Scalp ringworm often needs evaluation by a healthcare provider, who may prescribe antifungal medication and possibly an antifungal shampoo such as

• Nizoral Anti-Dandruff (ketoconazole)
• Selsun Blue Medicated (selenium sulfide).

With proper treatment and care, ringworm usually clears up within two to four weeks, but severe cases may take longer. These steps support good hygiene while using antifungal cream. 

• Address all ringworms simultaneously.
• Avoid touching the affected area; ringworm spreads.
• Change socks, underwear, and other clothes daily.
• Keep the affected area dry—fungi thrive in moisture.
• Complete the entire course of antifungal therapy as directed.

Some recommendations to lower your chances of getting ringworm

• Wear shoes in a locker room and/or public shower.
• Change underwear and socks at least daily.
• Don’t share towels, clothes, combs, brushes
• Keep your sports gear clean and dry.  
• After playing with pets, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Disinfect surfaces frequently.  
• Wash all linens in hot water with detergent.
• Keep your skin clean and dry.

How to maintain a healthy skin barrier

• Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
• Apply moisturizer after fully absorbing antifungal treatments to prevent dilution and ensure maximum effectiveness.

For sufferers of frequent fungal infections, consider moisturizers with ingredients like

• • ceramides
  • niacinamides.

For a confirmed diagnosis, see your doctor or a dermatologist (who specializes in skin conditions).  There are several diagnostic tests to confirm the type of fungus causing the ringworm.