*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by worms. You can usually buy medicine from a pharmacy to treat it.

Check if it's ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. It may look red or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone.

The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.

Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch).

A pharmacist can help with ringworm

Speak to a pharmacist first if you think you have ringworm.

They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is.

You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away.

A pharmacist will tell you if they think you should see a GP.

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

ringworm has not improved after using antifungal medicine recommended by a pharmacist
you have ringworm on your scalp - you'll usually need prescription antifungal tablets and shampoo
you have a weakened immune system - for example, from chemotherapy, steroids or diabetes

How ringworm is passed on

Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi.

It can be passed on through close contact with:

an infected person or animal
infected objects, such as bedsheets, combs or towels
infected soil, although this is less common

It's fine for your child to go to school or nursery once they've started treatment. Let your child's teachers know they have ringworm.

How to stop ringworm spreading

Do

start treatment as soon as possible
wash towels and bedsheets regularly
keep your skin clean and wash your hands after touching animals or soil
regularly check your skin if you have been in contact with an infected person or animal
take your pet to the vet if they might have ringworm - for example, if they have patches of missing fur

Don't

do not share towels, combs or bedsheets with someone who has ringworm
do not scratch a ringworm rash because this could spread it to other parts of your body

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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