How to Treat and Remove Ringworm Scars: A Complete Guide
Noticing a lingering mark after your ringworm infection healed? You’re not alone. These scars, often discoloured or uneven in texture, are common and can take weeks, or even months, to fade completely.
But the journey to smoother, clearer skin doesn’t have to feel daunting. Simple daily habits like moisturising, avoiding sun exposure, and caring gently for your skin can go a long way in supporting its natural healing process.
Keep reading to learn why ringworm scars form and discover practical tips to help you minimise their appearance and restore your skin’s natural health.
What are Ringworm Scars?
A ringworm scar is a mark or discolouration left on the skin after a ringworm infection has healed. It can occur when the skin’s healing process is disrupted, often due to excessive scratching or secondary infections.
These scars may appear as darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) patches and, in some cases, feel slightly raised or sunken. Not all cases of ringworm lead to scarring, but timely ringworm scar treatment can help minimise visible marks.
Many people ask, “Do ringworm scars leave?” The answer is it depends.
Ringworm itself doesn’t typically damage the deeper layers of skin. However, scratching the itchy patches or not treating the infection promptly can cause trauma to the skin. This increases the chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Sometimes, bacterial infections develop on top of ringworm lesions due to scratching, which may lead to permanent scarring. In most mild cases, any marks left behind tend to fade over time.
If you’re dealing with a ringworm scar, there are several approaches to improve the skin’s appearance:
Keep the Skin Moisturised
Moisturising the skin is essential for retaining hydration and promoting healthy repair after a ringworm infection. It helps soften scar tissue, improves skin elasticity, and prevents dryness.
Regular moisturisation reduces the chances of scars becoming rough, raised, or overly noticeable, supporting smoother and more even skin during the healing process.
Apply Anti-Scar Gels
Anti scar gels work by hydrating the skin, softening scar tissue, and supporting regeneration to enhance texture and tone. Mederma Advanced Plus Scar Gel is a clinically proven formula with Cepalin Botanical Extract to reduce scars and Allantoin to soothe and repair skin. Non-greasy and paraben-free, it’s suitable for all skin types and easy to apply daily for smoother results.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Sun exposure can make scars appear darker and more noticeable. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the affected area protects against UV damage, prevents hyperpigmentation, and helps scars fade naturally over time for a more even skin tone.
Try Natural Remedies (With Caution)
Natural oils such as rosehip oil or vitamin E are often used to nourish scarred skin and improve its appearance. However, they should be applied cautiously and preferably under the guidance of a dermatologist to avoid irritation or adverse reactions.
Consult a Dermatologist
For scars that don’t respond to regular care, professional treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy may help. These options can reduce discoloration and improve skin texture when performed under a skincare specialist’s or dermatologist’s guidance.
Ringworm scars don’t have to be permanent. With proper care, you can minimise their appearance and promote healthy, even-toned skin. Hydration, sun protection, and patience are essential parts of scar care.
To add a targeted solution, consider using Mederma Advanced Plus Scar Gel can help accelerate the fading process. Its advanced formula supports skin regeneration and softens scar tissue, making it ideal for both old and new scars.
For tougher marks, a dermatologist’s guidance may be needed. By combining home care with proven treatments, you can restore your skin’s smoothness and confidence.
With proper antifungal treatment, ringworm scars typically resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. If left untreated, the infection may linger for several months, potentially leading to more severe symptoms and an increased risk of skin damage or scarring as it heals.
A healed ringworm scar typically progresses from red or dark discolouration to gradual fading into a lighter or slightly uneven skin tone. Over weeks or months, it blends with the surrounding skin as natural repair continues.
A ringworm scar appears as a circular or ring-shaped patch on the skin with uneven pigmentation. It may be lighter or darker than the surrounding areas and can feel slightly raised, indented, or have a rough, uneven texture.
Ringworm spots often start fading within a few weeks, but complete fading may take several months. The duration depends on your skin type, the depth of scarring, and how well the skin heals after the infection.