What it is
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, not a worm. It spreads by skin contact, from pets (often kittens), and through shared hats, brushes and mats. On the body it usually clears with a cream. On the scalp it's a different story: scalp ringworm needs a medicine taken by mouth for several weeks.
What you might notice
- A round or oval patch with a raised, scaly border and a clearer center
- Itching
- Slow growth over days to weeks
- On the scalp: scaly patches, broken hairs or hair loss
What we can do on video
- Confirm from the appearance on camera
- Prescribe or recommend an antifungal cream for the body, usually two to four weeks
- Prescribe an oral antifungal when the scalp is involved
- Tell you when they can return to wrestling, gymnastics or other contact sports
Caring for them at home
- Apply the cream to the patch and an inch beyond it, and keep going a week after it looks clear
- Keep the skin clean and dry
- Don't share hats, brushes, towels or helmets
- Wash bedding, and have any pets checked by a vet
Be seen in person if…
- A scalp patch that is boggy, swollen and painful
- Pus or fever
- Spreading despite two weeks of treatment
- A rash across large areas of the body
This information is educational and doesn't replace an evaluation by a clinician. Hugs is not insurance. Treatment is at the discretion of the clinician and limited to what can be safely assessed over video. Reviewed by the clinicians of LPMD Medical Group. Updated 2026-09-17.