What is ringworm?
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection of the skin on the body, arms or legs. It spreads by skin-to-skin contact, from pets (especially kittens and puppies), and from shared towels, mats and sports equipment.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Tinea corporis (ringworm).
Common symptoms
- A round or ring-shaped patch with a raised, scaly edge
- Clearer skin in the middle of the ring
- Itching
- Patches that slowly grow outward
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will look at the rash to make sure it looks like ringworm and not eczema or another rash, since some creams can make a fungal rash worse.
They may prescribe an antifungal cream and explain how to use it: apply it a little beyond the edge of the rash, and keep going for 1 to 2 weeks after it looks gone, so it doesn’t come back. If a pet might be the source, have your vet check it too.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Terbinafine cream (Lamisil)antifungal cream, often works in 1 to 2 weeks
- Clotrimazole (Canesten) or miconazole (Micatin) creamantifungal creams used for 2 to 4 weeks
- Ketoconazole, ciclopirox (Loprox) or tolnaftate (Tinactin)other antifungal options
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Some plans cover antifungal creams when a pharmacist prescribes them. We’ll check before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- It’s on the scalp, beard area or nails (these need tablets from a doctor)
- The rash is widespread or there are many patches
- It isn’t better after 2 weeks of treatment
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- The area is oozing, very painful or you have a fever
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.