Ringworm Slideshow Pictures Head Lice Slideshow Pictures Scabies Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Allison Harvey, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

If the ringworm lesion fails to respond to nonprescription antifungal medications (commonly used for athlete's foot) after one week of applying the medication, call your doctor. You will need the doctor to make sure that it is really ringworm and start prescription medication.

Generally, ringworm infections are not emergencies. But if you develop fever, increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness, which could suggest a bacterial secondary infection of the ringworm lesion, go to a hospital's emergency department.