Ringworm treatment

MinuteClinic providers can discuss your symptoms, evaluate your rash and develop a treatment plan. They can recommend, and if necessary, prescribe medication.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms 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 and zip code 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, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Even though the word “worm” shows up in the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s caused by a fungus. The fungus that causes ringworm lives on skin and in other places like soil, on floors and even on pets. Common sources of ringworm include:

• Damp places (such as public showers and swimming pool surfaces)
• Other people
• Pets

It’s important to note that ringworm can occur anywhere on your skin. It is given different names based on where it occurs including:

• Tinea barbae (beard)
• Tinea capitis (top of head)
• Tinea corporis (body)
• Tinea cruris (also called jock itch, occurs in groin area)
• Tinea pedis (also called athlete’s foot, occurs on feet)

Ringworm is more common in children than in adults. It often affects athletes such as swimmers. Though regular bathing and handwashing can help to reduce your chances of getting ringworm, it’s important to note that you do not get ringworm “because you are dirty.” Even with the best hygiene, it is possible to get ringworm. Ringworm affects people of all races, ages and income levels.

If it turns out that your rash is due to ringworm, your MinuteClinic® provider can help you treat it with over-the-counter and prescription medications. The medication you need will depend on the location of the rash. Most medications for ringworm are topical creams and lotions you put directly on the rash. In cases of ringworm that are hard to get rid of, or when ringworm affects the scalp, you may need to take medication by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

If you have ringworm, you’ll want to take precautions to avoid spreading it. Make sure people you are in close contact with check themselves for signs of ringworm and get treated if necessary. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or combs. Wash your hands frequently and take pets to the vet if you think they may be the source of the ringworm. Most of all, try not to scratch the rash because you can spread it to other people and other areas of your body.