Complications of Untreated Ringworm: Risks and Long-Term Effects

If left untreated, ringworm can lead to several complications:

• Secondary bacterial infections: Lesions may become infected, causing cellulitis or abscesses.
• Scarring: Deep or extensive lesions can leave permanent scars.
• Hair loss: Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) can cause temporary or, in severe cases, permanent hair loss.
• Widespread infection (disseminated tinea): Rare but serious, especially in immunocompromised individuals, spreading to internal organs.
• Onychomycosis: Fungal nail infection resulting from untreated hand or foot ringworm.
• Tinea versicolor: A related fungal infection causing discolored skin patches, more common in warm, humid climates.

Early antifungal treatment prevents these outcomes.