Generally, ringworm infections are not emergencies. But if someone develops 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.
How urgent is ringworm?
Ringworm is easily treated at Urgent Care or by your primary care doctor or dermatologist. When on the open skin, ringworm is treated with topical antifungal creams.
Can ringworm be life threatening?
They're usually not dangerous, but sometimes can cause disease. When they infect the skin, they cause mild but annoying rashes. Fungal skin infections are also known as tinea infections. When fungus grows in the area of the groin, upper thighs, and buttocks, it is called jock itch.
Is ringworm a serious infection?
Despite its name, ringworm doesn't have anything to do with worms. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails. These fungal infections, medically known as "tinea", are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread.
What is a severe case of ringworm?
In some severe cases, tinea pedis may cause blisters on your feet. Groin ringworm (tinea cruris) can cause red spots that are sclay and itchy in the skin folds on your inner thigh. Beard ringworm (tinea barbae) can cause spots that are red, scaly, and itchy.
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