Ringworm (tinea corporis)
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the body’s skin — despite the name, there’s no worm involved. It’s named for its appearance: a ring-shaped patch that grows outward, with a raised, scaly border and clearer-looking skin in the middle. It’s itchy and mildly contagious, spread by contact with an infected person, an animal (often cats and dogs), or shared items, and by warm, damp shared spaces. Most cases on the body clear with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, though it takes about four weeks of consistent treatment.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole/Canesten, terbinafine/Lamisil, miconazole)
- Antifungal lotions or sprays for larger or hard-to-reach areas
- Gentle cleansers to keep the area clean and dry
- Apply the antifungal to the rash and 2–3 cm beyond its border, and keep treating for the full course (often about 4 weeks, even after it looks clear). Keep skin clean and dry, don’t share towels or bedding, and check pets for scaly or bald patches if ringworm keeps recurring.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Topical antifungals: Ciclopirox, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, Tolnaftate, Undecylenic acid
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if the rash hasn’t cleared after about 4 weeks of treatment, keeps returning, is spreading widely, or involves the scalp or nails — those need prescription oral antifungals and fall outside minor-ailment scope.