You wake up and notice a red, itchy, circular rash on your arm. Initially, you chalk it up to dry skin or a nasty bug bite. Over the next day, however, the rash gets more defined, more uncomfortable, and even starts to spread. You’ve tried an over-the-counter cream with no luck, and now you’re wondering: should I go to urgent care for ringworm?
Ringworm is a common skin infection that can affect just about anyone. When symptoms worsen or don’t respond to home treatment, urgent care may be your next best step.
What Is Ringworm, Anyway?
Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s a fungal infection known medically as tinea corporis. The offending fungi, dermatophytes, live on our skin and feed on the protein keratin, found in hair and nails.
That stomach-churning name hails from the ring-shaped rash the infection creates on a person’s skin. Ringworm is part of a group of related infections that affect different areas of the body, including:
- Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)
- Tinea unguium (fungal nail infections)
What Causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is spread through direct contact, either with an infected person, pet, surface, or soil. It thrives in warm, moist environments and is easily transmitted in places like gyms, locker rooms, and daycare centers.
You can get ringworm by:
- Touching an infected area on another person or animal.
- Using contaminated objects like towels, combs, or gym equipment.
- Walking barefoot in communal areas, like city and neighborhood pools and locker rooms.
What are the Risk Factors for Ringworm?
While anyone can get ringworm, there are certain factors that increase your risk:
- Athletes: People who play contact sports like basketball, soccer, and wrestling, are more susceptible, as well as those who use shared sports equipment.
- Children: Kids are more prone to contracting ringworm due to close contact in daycare centers and schools, and their tendency to share items.
- Pet owners: Cats and dogs can carry ringworm, though they may not show symptoms.
- Weakened immune systems: Individuals with conditions like diabetes or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment are more vulnerable to infection.
- Excessive sweating: This creates a moist environment where fungi thrive.
Symptoms of Ringworm
The classic sign of ringworm is a red, scaly, circular rash with clearer skin in the center—hence the “ring” appearance. Other common symptoms include:
- Itching or burning at the site.
- Cracked or peeling skin (especially on feet).
- Patches of hair loss (if on the scalp).
- Thick, discolored nails (in nail infections).
To reduce your risk of ringworm:
- Keep skin clean and dry, especially between toes and in skin folds.
- Avoid sharing towels, hairbrushes, or sports gear.
- Wear shoes in public showers, gyms, and locker rooms.
- Wash your hands after playing with pets.
- Disinfect household surfaces and launder bedding regularly if someone is infected.
Red Flags: When to Go to Urgent Care
Many mild cases of ringworm respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams. However, you should seek urgent care if:
- The rash is spreading quickly or not improving after a week of home treatment.
- The area becomes swollen, warm, or painful (this could indicate a secondary infection).
- You have ringworm on your scalp, which typically requires prescription medication.
- The rash affects multiple parts of your body.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You’re unsure whether the rash is ringworm or something more serious
Should I Go to Urgent Care for Ringworm?
At FirstCall Medical Center, our team can assess your skin condition, confirm whether a rash is truly ringworm, and get you on the right course of treatment.
- Accurate Diagnosis: We’ll visually inspect the rash and may perform a skin scraping for lab confirmation.
- Prescription Treatment: If over-the-counter remedies aren’t working, we can prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungals.
- Relief from Symptoms: We’ll help relieve itching and discomfort while treating the underlying infection.
- Preventative Guidance: Our doctors will offer tips to stop the rash from spreading to others or returning.
If your ringworm symptoms are persistent, spreading, or causing significant discomfort, visiting urgent care is your smartest move.
At FirstCall Medical Center, we’re ready to help you treat the infection quickly and effectively, so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
