Ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch: what they are and what clears them

• Ringworm on the body: an itchy, ring-shaped, scaly rash
• Athlete's foot: itchy, peeling or cracked skin, often between the toes
• Jock itch: an itchy rash in the groin and inner thighs

Ringworm spreads by touching the skin of an infected person or animal, like a pet, by sharing things like towels and bed sheets, and by touching floors in places like locker rooms and public bathrooms. It can also spread through sexual contact.

• Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder. Keep using it for 1 to 2 weeks after the rash is gone, so it does not come back.
• Keep the skin clean and dry. Dry well between your toes and in skin folds.
• Wear clean cotton socks and underwear, and change them when they get damp.
• Do not share towels, clothes or bedding.
• Wear sandals or shower shoes in locker rooms and public showers.
• Do not use steroid creams, like hydrocortisone, on a rash that could be ringworm. They can make it worse.
• If a pet has patches of hair loss, have a vet check it.

See a doctor if jock itch is not better after 2 weeks of self-care, if athlete's foot is not better after 2 to 4 weeks, or if either one keeps coming back.

Get emergency care for redness or swelling that spreads fast with bad pain, pain much worse than the rash looks, or skin that feels crackly under the surface. These can be signs of a serious deep infection.

Get care the same day for red streaks spreading from the rash, a fever, feeling very sick, pus or drainage, open sores, a swollen or warm foot, or trouble walking or a foot wound if you have diabetes or poor blood flow.

See a doctor in person for:

• Ringworm on the scalp, or patches of hair loss
• A rash on the face or eyelids
• Pain, swelling or sores of the genitals, or a groin rash if you have a new sex partner or may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
• A weak immune system, like from HIV, an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or medicines like prednisone, methotrexate or biologics
• A rash that spreads widely or no longer looks like a simple fungal rash
• A rash that started after a tick bite or time in the woods
• A rash that has lasted more than 8 weeks and has not gotten better with antifungal treatment

If you are in Virginia or West Virginia, you can start a visit online at any time. It is for adults and children 4 and older (with a parent or legal guardian) with a typical ringworm, athlete's foot or jock itch rash in one area. You send a clear photo.

A board-certified physician reviews your answers and photo. If medicine is right for you, the doctor can send an antifungal cream to your pharmacy. If you need to be seen in person, the doctor will tell you.

It is not for anyone with the signs above.

Visits start at $59. You see the price before you pay, and you do not need insurance.