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Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Despite the name, there's no worm — ringworm is a fungal skin infection, and it's very treatable. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can confirm the diagnosis (several look-alike rashes get mistaken for it), prescribe an antifungal, and help you stop it spreading through the household — including from the family pet. Free with your Ontario health card.

Ringworm gets its name from 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.

Where ringworm comes from

The fungus spreads by contact with an infected person, an animal — cats and dogs are common carriers, especially kittens — or shared items and warm, damp spaces like change rooms. Most body ringworm clears with a topical antifungal, but the discipline matters: apply beyond the visible border and continue for the full course (often about four weeks), because stopping when it 'looks better' is the classic relapse trigger. Scalp and nail infections are different — they need oral medication from a physician.

Fungal skin infections are among the most common skin diseases worldwide. If ringworm keeps recurring in your household, check your pets — scaly or bald patches on a cat or dog are a frequent hidden source, and our veterinary compounding pharmacy can help treat them too.

Common signs and symptoms

Ring-shaped, scaly patch with a raised border and clearer centre
Itchiness at the site
The ring slowly expanding outward
Single or multiple patches on the body, arms, or legs

Treatments our Orleans 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

Self-care that helps

Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole/Canesten, terbinafine/Lamisil, miconazole)
Antifungal lotions or sprays for larger or hard-to-reach areas
Apply to the rash and 2–3 cm beyond its border; continue the full course (~4 weeks) even after it looks clear
Keep skin clean and dry; don't share towels or bedding
Check pets for scaly or bald patches if ringworm keeps recurring

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Is it definitely ringworm? Other rashes look similar.

Nummular eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, and granuloma annulare can all mimic ringworm — misdiagnosis is common, and steroid creams applied to actual ringworm make it worse. That's exactly why a pharmacist look before treating is worth it.

Can my child go to school or sports?

Yes, once treatment has started and the area is covered. For skin-contact sports (wrestling, jiu-jitsu), most organizations require 72 hours of treatment before returning to competition — check your league's rule.

Could our cat or dog be the source?

Very possibly — pets, especially kittens and puppies, commonly carry ringworm. If it keeps coming back, have your vet check the animal. As a compounding pharmacy with veterinary services, we can support your pet's treatment too.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: 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.

Stop the ring from spreading.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for ringworm — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.