The Healing Stages of Ringworm (with Pictures)

The name “ringworm” often makes one wonder if it is caused by worms. But it has no relation to any worms. Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. It leads to a red and itchy circular rash on the skin.

The healing of ringworm is not as quick as some other infections. Even with treatment, mild cases will take 2-4 weeks to heal.

Let’s take a look at how ringworm starts and the various stages of ringworm healing.

Stages of Ringworm Healing Chart

This chart summarizes how ringworm starts and how it heals. The outcome will depend on whether treatment was started or not. The detailed version of the ringworm healing stages is below.

How do you get ringworm?

One can get the ringworm causing fungus (dermatophytes) in several ways:

By coming in direct contact with someone who has a ringworm rash.
By coming in contact with surfaces that are contaminated with the fungus.
By coming in contact with a pet like a dog or a cat who is infected.
By prolonged contact with soil infected with fungus

Ringworm Stages: How does a ringworm rash start?

Once you get the fungus, it will take a few days (usually 1-2 weeks) for the ringworm rash to appear.

However, even during this phase, you can transmit or spread the fungus to others.

Beginning Stage

The rash usually starts as a small discolored area which may be raised to form a bump. It may be pink, red, or brown. The surface may be scaly.

It may look like a patch of contact dermatitis or other rashes and may be hard to recognize.

Second Stage

In this stage, the bump or lesion starts to grow or expand. The center will show the area of clearing and may match the normal skin color. The expanding edge of the lesion is usually raised and appears red and scaly.

This gives it a characteristic ring appearance. Small bumps or blisters may appear on the periphery. Not everyone with ringworm will have this classic appearance.

In the hair-bearing areas like the scalp and beard, the hair becomes brittle and there may be patches of hair loss.

Diagnosis

Now, the rash has appeared, and based on its appearance, your doctor can diagnose it. In some cases, they may take a sample by scraping the lesion called skin scrapings. It can be examined under a microscope for the presence of fungi.

Most cases of mild ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Read more about the treatment of ringworm here.

Healing Stages (With Treatment)

Ringworm usually goes through the following healing stages. Once you start the treatment, the ringworm of the skin usually heals in 2-4 weeks. Severe cases may take longer, with some requiring up to 12 weeks.

Stage 1: Reduction in itching

Ringworm is associated with intense itching and with treatment, the first thing one notices is a decrease in the itching sensation. This makes one less likely to scratch the infected area which can decrease the chances of spread of the fungus.

Stage 2: Skin may appear dry and flaky

As the ringworm heals, you may notice that the skin becomes dry and flaky.

If there were fluid-filled bumps on the periphery, they may ooze and start crusting. Do not try to manually scrub the area to get rid of flaky skin as that can delay the healing process. Keep using your treatment.

Stage 3: Decrease in scaliness

The flaky skin overlying the rash may peel away. The area with ringworm becomes smooth and less scaly.

Stage 4: Reduction in redness

This is followed by a decrease in erythema or redness. Any red bumps on the edges usually shrink or subside. The raised edges flatten.

Stage 5: Patchy areas of ringworm rash

As the healing process continues, you will notice some areas of the rash have already disappeared leaving behind small patches of the ringworm rash.

In some cases, the whole ring may be visible but will be much lighter in color or will look faded.

Stage 6: Complete disappearance of ringworm

This is followed by the complete disappearance of the rash. Ringworm usually does not leave behind any marks.

However, in some cases, it may leave an area with pigment alteration like an area of hyperpigmentation. This is often seen in people with darker skin tones.

Even if your rash is completely gone, make sure to complete the full course of treatment. Stopping the treatment early can result in the reappearance of ringworm.

Ringworm healing without treatment

If left untreated, ringworm may take longer to clear and there is no guarantee it will go away.

In addition, without treatment, you can easily spread the fungus to others.

Also, there is a possibility that it may become chronic. In people with weakened immune systems or medical conditions like diabetes, untreated ringworm may lead to deeper infection of skin tissues.

So, adequate treatment is very important.

Ringworm healing in hair-bearing areas

Ringworm of the scalp and beard requires oral antifungal medications to be cleared completely. They usually do not go away on their own. So, if there is any suspicious patch on the scalp or beard, one should go to the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ringworm of the scalp and beard can lead to sores which may ooze and crust. In addition, it may lead to patches of hair loss.

The hair usually grows back once the ringworm heals. However, in a few cases, the hair loss can be permanent.

So, that’s why it is important to get the treatment as early as possible to prevent such complications.

Healing of nail ringworm

Ringworm of the nail results in discolored thick and opaque nails. It is often brittle and breaks easily. It usually takes longer to heal. One will need prescription medication to completely cure it.

It may take months (sometimes up to a year) before one sees a completely clear nail.

Measures to take while ringworm is healing

Use your treatment every day for the full duration.
Treat all the areas with ringworm together.
Wash your hands after touching any area with ringworm.
Keep the area clean and dry.
Keep a separate towel for the infected area.
Use a dandruff shampoo if you have scalp ringworm.
Change your clothes, socks, and bedding every day, and wash the clothes in hot water with detergent.
If your pet is infected, get them treated by a veterinary doctor.

When to see a doctor

If the rash does not go away.
If the rash spreads to other parts of the body.
If there is pus or foul-smelling discharge.
If you have any systemic symptoms like fever, chills, headache, etc.

Key points

Ringworm healing takes time and it passes through several stages. The healing process starts with a reduction in itching followed by a decrease in scaling. After this, the redness subsides and eventually, the rash clears.

The length of time it takes to heal will depend on the area involved and if it was treated.

Read more articles about ringworm:

References

Kuruvella T, Pandey S. Tinea Barbae. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563204/

Leung AK, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL. Tinea corporis: an updated review. Drugs Context. 2020 Jul 20;9:2020-5-6. doi: 10.7573/dic.2020-5-6. PMID: 32742295; PMCID: PMC7375854. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375854/

Sahoo AK, Mahajan R. Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Mar-Apr;7(2):77-86. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.178099. PMID: 27057486; PMCID: PMC4804599. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804599/

Fungal Nail Infections. CDC, Link: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/nail-infections.html

Ringworm: Diagnosis And Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Link: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-treatment

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.