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Hey Aunt Vadge,
I’ve been noticing ringworm-like marks all over my body. They started on my arms and legs but have started to grow, and I’ve noticed more around my genital area. How do I approach this?
Sincerely,
Wrung
Age 21, United States
Hi Wrung,
That spreading, ring-shaped, growing rash does sound like ringworm (tinea) — which, despite the name, is a fungal skin infection, not a worm — and the fact it’s spreading and now reaching your genital area means it’s worth getting on top of properly.
The most reliable move is a quick trip to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm it and get the right antifungal, because ringworm responds well to a proper antifungal cream (and occasionally tablets if it’s widespread), and genital skin is sensitive enough that you want the appropriate one rather than guessing.
It’s common, contagious but very treatable, so don’t worry — you’ll clear it.
Alongside treatment, hygiene is what stops it spreading and returning: hot-wash all sheets, towels and clothing that have touched the rash, don’t share towels, keep the areas clean and dry (fungus loves warm and damp), and treat all the patches, not just the obvious ones, since missing some lets it re-seed.
Diluted tea tree oil has gentle antifungal properties and some people use it on body patches, but I’d keep it well away from the delicate genital skin and mucous membranes, where it can sting and irritate — there, stick to a proper antifungal your pharmacist or doctor says is safe for that area.
Get it seen if it keeps spreading despite treatment, doesn’t clear in a couple of weeks, or the genital patches get sore, because occasionally what looks like ringworm is something else needing a different cream.
Best,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
