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Urgent Care Ringworm
Urgent Care Ringworm

Ringworm (tinea) treatment: online prescription available

Request treatment for ringworm online from our trusted, board-certified primary care doctors and find relief today. Ringworm (tinea corporis) is an itchy, circular rash caused by a fungal infection. Get a new prescription to treat ringworm or refill an existing prescription today.* Same-day appointments available.

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of ringworm. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Learn about ringworm (tinea)

Ringworm, also called tinea or dermatophytosis, is a type of fungal infection characterized by red or pink scaly rashes or patches, usually surrounded by a ring. There are a few different types of ringworm, named according to the location they appear in.

 

These different types of ringworm infections include:

  • Tinea corporis: This tinea appears on the body

  • Tinea capitis: This ringworm infection appears on the scalp

  • Tinea cruris: Also called "jock itch," this tinea usually appears in males in the groin area or buttocks

  • Tinea pedis: Also called "athlete's foot," this ringworm infection appears on the feet, including in between the toes.

 

There are about 40 different species of fungi that can cause ringworm rashes. It is important to see a doctor for ringworm treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread to others.

Ringworm causes

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is caused by small “filamentous” fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm and damp environments, so ringworm often occurs in regions with hot and humid summers, and on parts of the body that are warm or moist. 

 

Is ringworm contagious? Yes it is, and it can spread in the following ways:

From an infected person

Ringworm can easily spread from an infected person to others via direct skin to skin contact, or through personal items such as clothing, towels or combs.

From an infected animal

Ringworm can also spread from an infected animal to people. Household pets such as dogs and cats, and farm animals such as cows, pigs, and horses can spread the infection to their owners.

From the environment

The ringworm fungus grows on surfaces of damp areas like locker rooms, public showers and pool areas. When a person walks barefooted in these places, the fungal infections can spread to the feet.

Symptoms of a ringworm infection

Ringworm can infect almost any part of the body, including the nails. Ringworm symptoms may vary depending on the affected area, but for the most part, they include:

 

  • Red, cracked skin, often with a scaly patch

  • A ring-shaped rash

  • Slightly raised, expanding, or overlapping rings

  • Itchiness

  • Hair loss


Below are some more specific symptoms based on the location on the body:

 

  • Scalp (tinea capitis): Single or multiple bald spots on the scalp. The bald spot is typically red, scaly, and itchy.

  • Feet (tinea pedis): Red, swollen, and itchy skin between the toes or on the sole and heel of the foot. Sometimes the skin appears white, “dead,” or can flake or blister in severe cases.

  • Beard (tinea barbae): Red, itchy, and scaly spots on the face, specifically, cheeks, chin, and upper neck. These can appear under the facial hair.

  • Groin (tinea cruris): Red, itchy and scaly spots on the inner thigh or groin.

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How to treat ringworm (tinea)

Ringworm treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. In many cases, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch can be treated at home effectively, but for more severe or widespread cases, your doctor may suggest prescription strength anti-fungal cream or oral medications. If the ringworm is on the scalp, doctors will prescribe antifungal pills to be taken by mouth for 1 - 3 months. 

During the course of the treatment, wash the skin thoroughly when bathing and then dry the skin very well to keep the infection dry. Always wash your hands, change your clothes and undergarments from one day to the next, and try to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. 

Ringworm (tinea) medication

There are different types of antifungal medicine available, depending on the location and severity of the infection. 

Over-the-counter antifungal cream

Most cases of athlete’s foot and jock itch can be treated with OTC treatments. Follow instructions and apply the antifungal medicine on the affected area. Some examples with common brand names (in bracket) are listed below:

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)

  • Ketoconazole (Xolegel) - aside from topical gel, this is also available as an antifungal shampoo (Nizoral)

  • Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, secura antifungal, carrington antifungal, critic aid clear)

  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Prescription-strength topical antifungal medicine

For more severe cases, prescription medicine is needed. Typically, the same over-the-counter treatments medicines also carry prescription-strength counterparts:

  • Clotrimazole, also known as cruex (prescription strength) (Lotrimin Ultra)

  • Miconazole (Desenex prescription strength)

  • Ketoconazole (Ketozal, prescription-strength antifungal shampoo)

  • Ciclopirox (Loprox cream or solution, Penlac nail lacquer) 

Oral antifungal pills

If the ringworm is on the scalp or very widespread on the body, your doctor will prescribe oral antifungal medicine:

 

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How to prevent ringworm

The fungus causing ringworm thrives in areas that are moist, so it is important to take basic sanitary precautions to prevent these fungal infections.

  • Wash your hands frequently

  • Keep skin clean and dry: if you play contact sports, shower right after the workout.

  • Keep shared areas like locker rooms and showers clean 

  • Do not share personal items: use your own clean towel, hairbrush or personal items. 

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When to see a doctor for ringworm (tinea)

If home treatments don’t improve your symptoms in two weeks, or the fungal infection spreads, make an appointment with a doctor to start treatment with prescription-strength medicine.

 

Ringworm treatment FAQs

What is the best treatment for ringworm?

Ringworm treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. In many cases, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch can be treated effectively with OTC anti-fungal cream, but for more severe cases, your doctor may suggest prescription strength forms. If the ringworm is on the scalp, doctors will prescribe antifungal pills to be taken orally.

What cures ringworm fast?

Most of the time, athlete’s foot, and jock itch can be cured relatively quickly with OTC anti-fungal cream. Some examples with common brand names (in bracket) are listed below:

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)

  • Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, secura antifungal, carrington antifungal, critic aid clear)

  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)

How much does ringworm treatment cost?

In most cases, athlete’s foot and jock itch can be cured relatively quickly with OTC anti-fungal cream. OTC treatments are relatively affordable and can be purchased without a prescription at local pharmacies. Prescription medications are often covered by insurance with a small co-payment or can be bought without insurance for a reasonable cost. 

How is ringworm passed on?

Ringworm is contagious and can spread from infected people, animals or the environment through direct contact. The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm and damp environments.

Can I treat ringworm at home?

Yes. Athlete’s foot, and jock itch can generally be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal medicine. 

Does ringworm go away by itself?

Maybe. In a healthy person, ringworm may go away by itself in a few months. However, it may not and can spread to other parts of the body and even cause permanent skin discoloration. Mild case can be easily treated with OTC antifungal medicine. 

3 simple steps to request treatment for ringworm today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a ringworm treatment request appointment.

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How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your ringworm symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up prescription to treat ringworm.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to ringworm

Other conditions may appear with symptoms that look very similar to the rashes caused by ringworm. These include:

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by certain ticks. Lyme disease infection can cause a rash that looks like a ring or circle, similar to ringworm. While this symptom looks like ringworm, Lyme disease is caused by bacterial and needs antibiotics to treat it. 

Spider bites

In some spider bites, the wound has a pale center with a red ring (like a bull eyes). The red ring can be mistaken for ringworm.

Contact or atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry skin rashes and scaly patches. Contact dermatitis causes local skin irritation and rashes after exposure to a certain substance or environmental allergen. Both can look similar to ringworm. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. A trained primary care physician or dermatologist is able to tell the difference between psoriasis and ringworm. 

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematous (SCLE) is a type of lupus that presents as a rash with red ring-like pattern. This ring-like pattern often gets mistaken as ringworm.

Ringworm treatment pricing details

To request treatment for ringworm and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

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  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
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  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Ringworm treatment resources

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.