Ringworm treatment in London: creams, tablets and when a GP is needed
A red, scaly, ring-shaped patch that creeps outward and itches: ringworm looks alarming but is one of the most common fungal skin infections, and despite the name it has nothing to do with worms. Most cases on the body, groin or feet clear with pharmacy antifungal creams, but ringworm of the scalp or nails, widespread infection, or patches that ignore two weeks of cream need prescription tablets, and that is where a doctor comes in. At The Online GP by The Wellness, a doctor can usually confirm the diagnosis from a clear photo or video and prescribe the same day, sent straight to your local pharmacy.
What ringworm is
Ringworm (tinea) is a fungal infection of the outer layer of skin, caused by dermatophyte fungi that feed on keratin. The classic picture is a red, scaly, slightly raised patch with a clearing centre, giving the ring shape, but it does not always read the textbook: on the scalp it causes scaly patches with hair breakage or loss, in the groin an itchy red-brown rash on the inner thighs, and on the feet the peeling, itchy skin of athlete's foot. It spreads by skin contact, shared towels, bedding, clothing, gym equipment and pets, particularly cats.
What clears it, and what does not
For ringworm on the body, groin or feet, an antifungal cream from the pharmacy, such as terbinafine or clotrimazole applied for two to four weeks, is the right first step and works well when used properly: apply beyond the edge of the rash and keep going for a week after it looks clear. What does not work is steroid cream alone, which suppresses the inflammation but lets the fungus flourish, often making the rash larger and less typical. Combination steroid-antifungal creams have the same problem and are best avoided without a doctor's say so. Scalp and nail ringworm sit deeper in keratin that creams cannot reach, and need prescription antifungal tablets for several weeks.
When you need a doctor
See a doctor if the ringworm is on the scalp or in a beard area, if nails are thickened or discoloured, if the rash is widespread or keeps spreading despite two weeks of correct cream use, if the person affected is a baby, pregnant, or has a weakened immune system, or if you are simply not sure it is ringworm, because eczema, psoriasis and other rashes can mimic it. Your doctor can also arrange a skin scraping or hair sample for lab confirmation where the picture is unclear or treatment has failed.
How an online GP can help today
With The Online GP by The Wellness, you can speak to a doctor the same day. Your doctor assesses the skin or scalp by video or from a clear photo, confirms whether it is ringworm and which treatment fits, and prescribes antifungal tablets where creams cannot reach, sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose. You will also get clear guidance on stopping the spread at home: do not share towels or bedding, wash them hot, keep the area covered loosely, and check household pets for patches of fur loss, which often means a vet visit too. A phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person appointment at our Marylebone clinic is £220. Message us on WhatsApp for a free triage and we will point you to the right next step.
What does online ringworm treatment cost?
With The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person consultation is £220. Private walk-in clinics in London commonly charge £100 to £250 for the same short appointment before any prescription costs. Your prescription is sent to a normal pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy's own price for the medicine.
Why choose The Online GP by The Wellness
Every consultation is with a UK-registered, GMC-registered doctor, not an automated questionnaire. Same-day appointments run seven days a week, prescriptions go straight to your chosen pharmacy, and if the rash needs lab confirmation or specialist assessment, we arrange it and tell you exactly where to go. You can also read about our same-day private GP appointments, private GP consultations for children, and evening and weekend appointments.
To get treated today, call 020 3951 3429, email team@thewellnesslondon.com or book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Can an online GP diagnose and treat ringworm?
Yes, in most cases. The appearance is usually diagnostic from a clear photo or video, and your doctor can prescribe antifungal tablets for scalp, nail or stubborn ringworm, sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose.
Does ringworm always need a prescription?
No. Ringworm on the body, groin or feet usually clears with pharmacy antifungal cream used correctly for two to four weeks. You need a prescription for scalp or nail ringworm, widespread infection, or rashes that have not responded to correct cream use.
Can I use steroid cream on ringworm?
No, not on its own. Steroid cream suppresses inflammation but lets the fungus spread, often making the rash bigger and harder to recognise. Combination steroid-antifungal creams carry the same risk. If a rash is not behaving as expected, a doctor should look at it.
How long is ringworm contagious?
While the fungus is active on the skin. Contagiousness falls quickly once effective antifungal treatment starts, usually within 48 hours. Do not share towels, bedding or clothing, wash them hot, and check pets for fur loss, since cats in particular carry the fungus.
Does my child need to stay off school with ringworm?
Current UK guidance does not require exclusion once treatment has started, though the patch should be covered loosely where practical. Scalp ringworm should be treated before return, so see a doctor promptly rather than waiting.
How much does online ringworm treatment cost in London?
At The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150 and an in-person appointment is £220. The prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy price for the medicine.
This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. Last updated October 2026.