Tinea (Ringworm) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Tinea, commonly known as ringworm, is a contagious fungal skin infection that affects many people in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Despite the name, no worm is involved—tinea is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist areas of the body and environment.

In Grand Rapids, tinea is frequently seen in:

  • Feet (athlete’s foot)
  • Groin (jock itch)
  • Scalp
  • Skin folds (such as beneath the breasts or under the belly)
  • Fingernails and toenails

Because of Michigan’s humid summers, heavy winter boots, and frequent use of indoor gyms and pools, residents in the Grand Rapids area are at particular risk for tinea infections.

How Tinea Spreads in Grand Rapids

Tinea is highly contagious and can spread:

  • Directly: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet
  • Indirectly: Contact with contaminated items or surfaces, such as:
    • Towels, clothing, socks, and shoes
    • Shared sports equipment
    • Locker room and gym floors
    • Shower stalls and pool decks

Communal areas in Grand Rapids—such as school locker rooms, fitness centers, community pools, and sports facilities—are common places where tinea can spread if good hygiene is not practiced.

Why Tinea Develops: Warm, Moist Environments

All fungi, including those that cause tinea, grow best in warm, moist environments. This is why infections often occur:

  • Between the toes
  • In the groin area
  • Under the breasts
  • In skin folds (especially in people who are overweight or sweat heavily)
  • Inside closed shoes or boots

Local factors that can increase risk in West Michigan include:

  • Cold winters: People wear heavy, insulated boots and thick socks for long periods, trapping moisture and warmth around the feet.
  • Humid summers: Increased sweating during outdoor activities and sports.
  • Indoor sports and gyms: Year-round use of locker rooms and shared showers in Grand Rapids fitness centers and school athletic programs.

Common Types of Tinea

Tinea infections are named according to the body area they affect:

  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
    Infection of the feet, especially between the toes. Very common in people who use gyms, pools, or wear tight shoes or boots.

  • Jock itch (tinea cruris)
    Fungal infection of the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. More common in men and athletes, especially in hot, humid conditions.

  • Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)
    Affects the scalp and hair shafts. This type is more common in children and can spread in schools, daycare centers, and through shared combs or hats.

  • Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
    Affects the arms, legs, trunk, or other parts of the body. Often appears as a circular, ring-shaped rash.

  • Nail infection (onychomycosis or tinea unguium)
    Fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. More common in older adults and people who frequently have wet hands or feet.

Symptoms of Tinea

Symptoms vary by location but may include:

  • Skin symptoms

    • Itching, burning, or stinging
    • Red, scaly rash that may be shaped like a ring (annular rash)
    • Cracking, splitting, or peeling skin (especially between the toes)
    • Blisters or small bumps
    • Rash that slowly expands outward while the center may clear

  • Scalp tinea (tinea capitis)

    • Itchy, scaly patches on the scalp
    • Bald spots or areas of hair loss
    • Possible swelling or pus-filled areas in more severe infections (kerion), which require prompt medical care

  • Nail tinea (onychomycosis)

    • Yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail
    • Thickened, brittle, or crumbly nails
    • Nails that may lift from the nail bed

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms, especially after using local gyms, pools, or locker rooms, it is important to seek evaluation.

Treatment for Tinea in Grand Rapids

First-Line Treatment: Antifungal Medications

Most tinea infections respond well to topical antifungal treatments, such as:

  • Antifungal creams
  • Gels
  • Sprays
  • Powders

These are available over the counter at Grand Rapids pharmacies and grocery stores, including Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, and local independent pharmacies.

For more severe or persistent infections, especially:

  • Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
  • Nail infections (onychomycosis)
  • Extensive or recurrent skin infections

a healthcare provider may prescribe oral antifungal tablets. These are commonly managed by:

  • Primary care providers at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health clinics
  • Dermatologists in the Grand Rapids area

Additional Measures

Along with antifungal medication, treatment often includes:

  • Antiperspirants to reduce excessive sweating in problem areas
  • Good hygiene to keep the skin clean and dry
  • Wearing breathable clothing, especially cotton socks and underwear
  • Changing out of damp clothes (workout gear, wet socks) as soon as possible

How to Prevent Tinea Infections

To reduce your risk of tinea in Grand Rapids:

Keep Skin Clean and Dry

  • After bathing, dry your skin thoroughly, especially:
    • Between the toes
    • In the groin
    • Under the breasts
    • In any skin folds
  • Expose skin to air when possible—avoid staying in damp clothing.
  • Use antiperspirants in areas prone to heavy sweating if recommended by your provider.

Choose the Right Clothing and Footwear

  • Wear cotton socks instead of synthetic materials that trap moisture.
  • Change socks at least once a day, more often if they become damp or sweaty.
  • Wear breathable shoes; avoid tight, non-ventilated footwear.
  • In winter, remove heavy boots and change into dry socks as soon as you come indoors.

Protect Yourself in Communal Areas

Gyms, pools, and locker rooms in Grand Rapids can be hotspots for tinea:

  • Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in:
    • Public pools
    • School and gym locker rooms
    • Communal showers
    • Hotel or campground showers
  • Do not walk barefoot in these areas.
  • Sit on a clean towel or clothing layer in saunas or steam rooms.

Preventing the Spread of Tinea to Others

Because tinea is contagious, it is important to protect family members and others:

  • Treat infections promptly with antifungal creams or medications as directed.
  • Wash your hands after touching any infected area of your skin.
  • Do not share:
    • Towels or washcloths
    • Clothing, socks, or shoes
    • Hairbrushes, combs, hats, or helmets (especially important for scalp ringworm)
  • Launder towels, bedding, and clothing in hot water and dry them completely.
  • Clean and disinfect:
    • Shower and bathtub surfaces
    • Bathroom floors
    • Gym bags and sports equipment that contact the skin
  • If you have athlete’s foot (tinea pedis):
    • Do not walk barefoot around the house or in shared areas.
    • Keep your feet dry and use antifungal powder if recommended.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • The rash does not improve after 1–2 weeks of over-the-counter treatment.
  • The infection is spreading or becoming more painful.
  • You have scalp involvement, hair loss, or pus-filled areas.
  • Your nails are thickened, discolored, or crumbling.
  • You have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor circulation.
  • A child has a suspected tinea infection, especially of the scalp.

Local options include:

  • Primary care providers and urgent care at Corewell Health (Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.
  • Dermatology clinics throughout the Grand Rapids metro area.
  • Community health centers and clinics serving Kent County residents.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids and Michigan

For information, screening, or referrals, residents of Grand Rapids and Kent County can contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – Provides public health information, education, and resources.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – Community programs and educational materials on skin infections and hygiene.
  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician – For diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
  • Local pharmacists – For advice on over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, and powders.
  • Dermatologists – For recurrent, severe, or complex tinea infections.

National and state-level resources include:

  • American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Education on fungal skin infections.
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – General infectious disease information and guidance.

Key Points About Tinea in Grand Rapids

  • Tinea (ringworm) is a fungal, not a worm, infection.
  • Commonly affected areas include the feet, groin, scalp, nails, and skin folds (such as under the breasts).
  • Tinea is contagious and spreads through direct contact and shared items or surfaces.
  • Treatment usually includes antifungal creams, good hygiene, and sometimes oral antifungal tablets.
  • Prevention focuses on keeping skin clean and dry, wearing breathable clothing, and protecting your feet in communal areas.
  • If you live in the Grand Rapids area and suspect tinea, timely evaluation and treatment can prevent spreading the infection to family members, classmates, teammates, and coworkers.