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Ringworm treatment online, bulk billed: $0 if Medicare eligible

Ringworm (tinea) is a common, treatable fungal skin infection. Bulk billed with no out-of-pocket costs if you're Medicare eligible: a NewDoc GP can assess your rash and prescribe antifungal treatment where clinically appropriate.

Can a telehealth GP help with ringworm?

Often, yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can assess ringworm (tinea) from your history and clear photos or video, prescribe a topical antifungal where clinically appropriate, and advise on stopping it spreading. Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm, so it is treated with antifungal medicine.

The consultation and any eScript are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. Ringworm of the scalp or nails, widespread infection, or an unclear rash usually needs in-person assessment, and the GP will direct you there.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm, known medically as tinea, is a common fungal skin infection. Despite the name it is not caused by a worm; it is caused by dermatophyte fungi that live on the skin. It often produces a red, scaly, ring-shaped patch with a raised edge and a clearer centre, which is where the name comes from.

The same family of infection causes athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris). Ringworm is treatable, and most cases on the body, feet, or groin clear with an antifungal cream.

Common symptoms

  • A red, scaly rash, often ring-shaped with a raised border and a clearer centre
  • Itching
  • Patches on the body, feet, groin, or scalp
  • Cracked, peeling, or itchy skin between the toes (athlete's foot)

How ringworm is treated

Most ringworm on the body, feet, or groin responds to a topical antifungal cream such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole, applied for the period your GP recommends. Ringworm of the scalp or nails, or widespread infection, usually needs an oral antifungal, which a doctor can prescribe and monitor, often after an in-person review. Keeping the area clean and dry, and not sharing towels or clothing, helps clear it and stops it spreading.

A telehealth GP can assess your rash, prescribe treatment as an eScript where clinically appropriate, and explain how to prevent it returning.

When you need in-person care

Telehealth suits most ringworm on the body, feet, or groin, but see a GP in person if the rash is on the scalp or nails, is widespread, is not improving with treatment, or if the diagnosis is uncertain (other skin conditions can look similar). Your GP will tell you if an in-person assessment or a skin scraping is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Where NewDoc fits

NewDoc is a pure telehealth general practice. An Australian-trained, FRACGP-qualified GP can assess ringworm by video or from clear photos, prescribe antifungal treatment where clinically appropriate, and advise on preventing spread. The consultation is bulk billed, $0 out of pocket for eligible Medicare cardholders, with a private fee for patients without Medicare eligibility. You can book a telehealth appointment to be assessed.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 23 June 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP diagnose and treat ringworm?

Often, yes. Ringworm (tinea) usually has a recognisable ring-shaped, scaly rash, and a GP can frequently assess it from your history and clear photos or video, then prescribe an antifungal where clinically appropriate. If the rash is on the scalp or nails, is widespread, or the diagnosis is unclear, the GP may advise an in-person review or a skin scraping to confirm.

Is ringworm actually a worm?

No. Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm. It is a common fungal skin infection (tinea) caused by dermatophyte fungi. The name comes from the ring-shaped rash it often produces. Related infections include athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris).

What is the treatment for ringworm?

Most ringworm on the body, feet, or groin is treated with a topical antifungal cream such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole, applied for the period your GP advises (often a couple of weeks beyond when the rash clears). Ringworm of the scalp or nails, or widespread infection, usually needs an oral antifungal, which a doctor can prescribe and monitor, often after an in-person review.

How do I stop ringworm spreading?

Ringworm spreads by contact with infected skin, animals, or shared items such as towels and bedding. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid sharing towels and clothing, wash items in hot water, and treat athlete's foot promptly. Pets with bald, scaly patches should be checked by a vet, as they can be a source.

Is the ringworm consultation bulk billed?

Yes. NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for the GP appointment or any prescription. The only remaining cost is the antifungal itself at the pharmacy, which may be a PBS co-payment or an over-the-counter price.

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