Patient education: Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch (The Basics)

What are ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch? — 

These are all skin infections caused by a fungus. These types of fungal infections are also called "tinea."

These fungal infections are also sometimes called "ringworm." This is because they often cause a ring-shaped rash on the skin (picture 1). But a ring-shaped rash is not always there. Depending on where the infection is, it can look different:

●People with athlete's foot might instead have moist, raw skin between their toes, or flaking skin on the bottoms of their feet (picture 2 and picture 3).

●People with jock itch often just have a rash on their groin. It usually starts in the fold where the thigh meets the groin area (picture 4).

●Sometimes, especially in children, the fungus can infect the scalp. It can look like a bald spot or a round flaky patch of skin on the scalp (picture 5 and picture 6).

How are fungal infections spread? — 

You can catch fungal infections through skin-to-skin contact with a person who is infected. You can also catch them from an infected animal, such as a dog or cat.

You can also get the infections from places where the fungus might be, such as:

●A shower stall

●A locker room floor

●The area near a pool

If you have a fungal infection on 1 part of your body, you can also spread it to other parts. For instance, a fungal infection on your feet could spread to your groin.

How are fungal infections treated? — 

The treatment depends on which body part is affected:

●If you have a fungal infection on your scalp, you take pills to kill the fungus. Treatment for scalp infections usually lasts 1 to 3 months.

●If you have a fungal infection on your feet, groin, or another body part, most of the time, you do not need pills. Instead, you can use a special gel, cream, lotion, or powder to kill the fungus. Treatment with these products lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

●If you have a fungal infection on your groin and on your feet, you treat both infections at the same time. If you don't, the infection on your feet can spread to your groin again.

How can I prevent getting a fungal infection again? — 

If someone in your home had a fungal infection on their scalp:

●Get rid of any combs, brushes, barrettes, or other hair products that could have the fungus on them.

●Make sure a doctor or nurse checks everyone in the house for a fungal infection on the scalp. If anyone does have an infection, they need treatment, too.

If no one else in the house has signs of a fungal infection, the doctor or nurse might still suggest everyone use an antifungal shampoo for a few weeks.

●If the fungal infection might have come from a pet, have the pet checked by a vet.

Some other general tips to prevent fungal infections:

●Do not share unwashed clothes, sports gear, or towels with other people. Clean things that are used by multiple people, like gym mats.

●Shower and wash yourself thoroughly after sports with a lot of skin contact, like wrestling.

●Always wear slippers or sandals when at the gym, pool, or other public areas. This includes public showers.

●Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.

●Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself well after swimming or showering.

When should I call the doctor? — 

If you are being treated for a fungal infection, call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●The infection spreads.

●You have any of these symptoms:

•Swelling, redness, or warmth around the infected area

•Pain when touching the area

•Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●The infection doesn't go away after treatment.

More on this topic

Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)

Patient education: Ringworm (including athlete's foot and jock itch) (Beyond the Basics)