Fungal infection
Ringworm and fungal skin infections: what to do, and what never to use
Updated 12 October 2026
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, not a worm. It shows up as itchy, red, ring-shaped patches with a raised edge, most often in the groin, thighs, waist, under the breasts and in skin folds.
It is very common in Indian heat and humidity, and it has become harder to treat over the last decade, mainly because of one mistake people make with creams.
The cream to never use
Creams that combine a steroid with an antifungal and an antibiotic are sold everywhere for 'itching'. The steroid hides the redness for a few days while the fungus spreads under it, and the infection comes back larger and harder to treat. If a tube lists clobetasol, betamethasone, beclomethasone or mometasone, alone or with an antifungal, do not use it on a fungal rash.
What treatment looks like
A plain antifungal cream applied beyond the edge of the patch, once or twice a day as the label says, continued for at least two weeks after the skin looks clear. Large, long-standing or recurring infections often need antifungal tablets for several weeks; that needs a doctor's prescription.
Stopping it coming back
- Keep folds dry; use a dusting powder after bathing.
- Wear loose cotton clothes and change innerwear daily.
- Wash clothes and towels in hot water and dry them in the sun; do not share towels.
- Treat everyone at home who has it at the same time.