Ringworm and jock itch — treatment
Reviewed by the My London Pharmacy clinical team, Yousef Yaghoubi, Pharmacist
·29 July 2026
·7 min read
Quick answer
Ringworm and jock itch are common fungal skin infections, not worms. Ringworm causes a red, ring-shaped rash on the body, while jock itch affects the groin. Both are itchy and contagious, and most cases clear with antifungal creams such as Lamisil, though widespread or stubborn infections may need oral Terbinafine.
What ringworm and jock itch are
Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It is a fungal infection of the skin, caused by the same family of fungi responsible for athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Ringworm, known medically as tinea, gets its name from the distinctive ring-shaped rash it often produces. When the same infection affects the groin and inner thighs, it is commonly called jock itch, or tinea cruris.
These infections are very common and generally not serious, but they are itchy, uncomfortable and easily spread. The fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, which is why the groin, feet and skin folds are frequently affected. They spread through direct skin contact, shared towels or clothing, and contact with contaminated surfaces such as changing-room floors. They are also very common, so there is no need to feel self-conscious about them; most people will encounter a fungal skin infection at some point, and they are usually straightforward to treat once correctly identified.
Recognising ringworm on the body
Ringworm on the body typically starts as a red or discoloured, slightly raised patch that gradually expands outward. As it grows, the centre often clears while the edge stays red and scaly, creating the characteristic ring shape. There may be more than one patch, and they are usually itchy.
Ringworm can appear almost anywhere, including the scalp, where it can cause patches of hair loss, particularly in children. On the scalp it usually needs oral treatment rather than cream alone. Recognising the ring-like border helps distinguish it from other rashes, though not every case forms a perfect ring, so it is worth confirming if you are unsure.
Recognising jock itch
Jock itch affects the groin, inner thighs and sometimes the buttocks. It causes an itchy, red or brownish rash, often with a raised, scaly edge, that can spread outward from the crease of the groin. It is more common in men, in warm weather, and in people who sweat heavily or wear tight clothing.
The rash can be sore as well as itchy, and the skin may crack or flake. Because the groin is warm and moist, jock itch can be persistent if the underlying conditions are not addressed. It often occurs alongside athlete's foot, and the fungus can spread from the feet to the groin, for example via a towel or when pulling on underwear, so treating both together is sensible.
Treating with antifungal creams
Most cases of ringworm and jock itch respond well to a topical antifungal cream. Lamisil cream, which contains terbinafine, is a widely used option applied to the affected skin and a margin of normal skin around it. It is important to continue treatment for the full recommended period, and often for a little while after the rash clears, to make sure the fungus is fully cleared and reduce the chance of it returning.
Applying the cream to a margin of healthy-looking skin around the rash matters because the fungus often extends slightly beyond the visible edge. Wash and dry the area gently before applying, and wash your hands afterwards so you do not carry the fungus to other parts of the body. Many people stop as soon as the itch settles, but stopping too early is one of the main reasons these infections come back, so it is worth seeing the course through even when the skin looks better.
Where a fungal rash is very inflamed or itchy, a clinician may sometimes recommend a combined preparation such as Trimovate, which contains an antifungal along with a mild steroid to settle the inflammation. Using a steroid on its own on a fungal rash is not advised, as it can mask the infection and make it worse, so combined products are used with care and guidance.
When oral treatment is needed
Some infections need treatment from within. Oral antifungals are usually recommended for ringworm of the scalp, for widespread or stubborn infections that have not cleared with creams, and for cases affecting several areas at once. Terbinafine tablets are a common choice and work by clearing the fungus systemically over a course of a few weeks.
An alternative such as Itraconazole may be used in certain situations. Because oral antifungals are stronger medicines, a clinician will check they are suitable for you and consider any other medications you take. Confirming that a rash is genuinely fungal before starting oral treatment helps ensure it is the right choice.
How these infections spread
Understanding how ringworm and jock itch pass from place to place makes prevention much easier. The fungi spread in three main ways: directly from person to person through skin contact, indirectly through contaminated objects such as towels, bedding, clothing and unwashed sports kit, and from contact with surfaces in warm, damp communal areas like changing-room floors and pool sides. The infection can also move around your own body, which is why athlete's foot on the feet can lead to jock itch in the groin.
Less commonly, ringworm can be caught from animals, including cats, dogs and farm animals, which can carry the fungus even when they look healthy. This is worth bearing in mind if infections keep returning despite good hygiene, as an untreated pet may be the source. Because the fungus can survive for a time on surfaces and fabrics, treating the infection alone is not always enough; addressing the things that carry it is an important part of getting rid of it for good.
Preventing spread and recurrence
Because these infections are contagious and can come back, prevention is an important part of treatment. Keep the affected area clean and dry, and dry thoroughly after washing, paying attention to skin folds and between the toes. Wear loose, breathable clothing and change underwear and socks daily.
Do not share towels, bed linen or clothing while you have an active infection, and wash these at a warm temperature. Treating athlete's foot at the same time helps stop the fungus spreading to the groin, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas reduces the chance of picking it up again. Pets can occasionally carry ringworm, so a vet check may be worth considering if infections keep recurring.
When to seek advice
Speak to a pharmacist or clinician if the rash is not improving after a couple of weeks of antifungal cream, if it is spreading or affecting a large area, or if it involves the scalp. Advice is also worth seeking if you are unsure whether the rash is fungal, as other conditions can look similar and need different treatment.
A clinical consultation allows the type of infection to be assessed and a suitable treatment recommended, whether topical or oral. All treatment is subject to suitability, and a clinician can advise on the safest option for your circumstances.
Confirming that a rash really is fungal matters, because several other conditions can produce ring-shaped or itchy patches, including eczema, psoriasis and certain other rashes, and these need entirely different treatment. If a rash has been treated as fungal without improving, that is a good reason to have it reassessed rather than simply continuing. For most people, though, ringworm and jock itch are straightforward to clear once the diagnosis is right, the correct antifungal is used for the full course, and the everyday steps that stop the fungus spreading are put in place. Treating the whole picture, the skin, the environment and any linked athlete's foot, gives the best chance of clearing the infection and keeping it away for good.
Frequently asked questions
Is ringworm actually caused by a worm?
No, ringworm is a fungal infection and has nothing to do with worms. The name comes from the ring-shaped rash it often produces.
How long does it take to clear ringworm or jock itch?
Most cases improve within a couple of weeks of using an antifungal cream, but you should continue treatment for the full recommended period. Widespread or scalp infections may take longer and need tablets.
Are ringworm and jock itch contagious?
Yes, both spread easily through skin contact, shared towels or clothing, and communal surfaces. Good hygiene and not sharing personal items reduce the risk of passing them on.
Can I use a steroid cream on ringworm?
A steroid cream on its own can make a fungal rash worse by masking it, so it is not advised alone. A clinician may sometimes recommend a combined antifungal and steroid product for very inflamed rashes.
Why does my jock itch keep coming back?
Recurrence is common if the area stays warm and damp, or if athlete's foot is not treated at the same time. Keeping the skin dry and treating both infections together helps prevent it returning.