Minnesota health officials have reported the largest known local outbreak of sexually transmitted ringworm, and they’re asking anyone with suspicious rashes to pause sexual contact while they get checked out. That can sound alarming—and a little confusing—because most of us think of ringworm as something you get from a locker room floor or a pet, not from sex.


In this article, we’ll walk through what this outbreak actually means, how sexually transmitted ringworm works, what symptoms to watch for, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself and your partners without panic or shame. The goal is not to scare you, but to help you stay informed and take calm, practical steps.


Healthcare professional discussing ringworm outbreak information with a patient in a clinic setting
Minnesota health officials are urging people with symptoms of ringworm to avoid sexual contact and seek medical care promptly.

What’s Happening in Minnesota: The Largest Known Local Outbreak

According to recent reports, more than 30 people in Minnesota have been affected in what officials are calling the largest known outbreak of sexually transmitted ringworm in the area. Public health teams are tracking cases, offering guidance to clinicians, and asking the public to watch for symptoms and practice safer contact.


While the exact numbers may evolve as investigations continue, the key message from health authorities is consistent:

  • Recognize symptoms early.
  • Stop sexual and close skin-to-skin contact if you notice a rash.
  • Seek diagnosis and treatment promptly.

“Any new, persistent, or worsening rash in the groin, buttocks, or body folds—especially after close contact—should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Early treatment protects you and the people you’re intimate with.”


What Is Sexually Transmitted Ringworm?

Despite the name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. It’s a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. Depending on where it appears, it goes by different medical names such as:

  • Tinea corporis – ringworm on the body.
  • Tinea cruris – “jock itch,” affecting the groin and inner thighs.
  • Tinea faciei – ringworm on the face.

Ringworm is usually transmitted through:

  1. Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
  2. Touching contaminated surfaces (towels, bedding, gym mats).
  3. Contact with infected animals (like some pets or farm animals).

In the Minnesota outbreak, the key issue is that this fungus is being spread primarily through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact. That doesn’t make it a “classic” sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it does mean that sexual activity is a main route of transmission in this scenario.


Dermatologist examining a skin rash with a magnifying tool
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that can be spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity.

Symptoms of Ringworm in the Groin and Genital Area

Ringworm can look different depending on your skin tone and the area of the body it affects, which can make it easy to confuse with other conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or razor burn.


Common signs of ringworm in the groin or genital area include:

  • Itchy, red, brown, or grayish patches on the inner thighs, buttocks, groin, or lower abdomen.
  • A ring-shaped or oval rash with a more active, raised, or scaly edge.
  • Rash that may clear in the center while spreading at the edges.
  • Burning or discomfort, especially after sweating or friction.
  • Sometimes small bumps or blisters along the outer edge of the rash.


If the rash appears after a new sexual partner or close skin contact and doesn’t improve within a few days, that’s a good reason to pause sexual activity and get checked.


How Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Spreads

Ringworm fungi thrive in warm, moist areas—like the groin, under folds of skin, and between buttocks. During sexual activity, these areas are in close contact for extended periods, often with friction, sweat, and sometimes micro-tears in the skin. That combination makes transmission more likely.


In the context of sexual or close contact, ringworm can spread through:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with infected areas.
  • Shared towels, bedding, or clothing that has fungal spores on it.
  • Intimate activities that bring your skin into contact with an infected person’s groin, buttocks, or thighs.

Unlike many STIs, ringworm doesn’t require exposure to body fluids—it spreads from the skin itself. That means even activities that don’t involve penetration can, in theory, pass it on if there’s close skin contact.


Clean folded towels and bedding symbolizing hygiene to prevent infection spread
Fungal spores can live on towels, bedding, and clothing, making good hygiene and not sharing personal items essential during treatment.

Who Is Most at Risk in This Outbreak?

Public health officials are still refining the details of the Minnesota outbreak, but based on similar events and how ringworm behaves, risk is generally higher for people who:

  • Have multiple or new sexual partners.
  • Engage in activities with a lot of bare skin contact (including some sports and intimate gatherings).
  • Share towels, bedding, or clothing with others.
  • Have weakened immune systems (for example, from certain medications or medical conditions).

This does not mean that any particular group is “to blame.” Fungal infections are common and can affect anyone, and stigma often makes outbreaks harder to control because people hesitate to seek care.


“Approaching outbreaks without blame or shame encourages people to come forward, get treated, and notify partners—key steps in protecting the whole community.”

Diagnosis and Treatment: What Happens If You Have Ringworm?

The encouraging news is that ringworm is usually treatable with antifungal medications. The challenge is less about cure and more about getting the right diagnosis and sticking with treatment long enough.


How it’s diagnosed

  • A clinician examines the rash and asks about your symptoms and contact history.
  • They may gently scrape skin from the edge of the rash to view under a microscope.
  • In some cases, a small sample is sent to a lab for culture or specialized testing.

How it’s treated

Depending on severity and location, treatment may include:

  • Topical antifungals (creams, gels, or sprays) applied once or twice daily.
  • Oral antifungal medications for more extensive, recurrent, or stubborn cases.
  • Gentle skin care: keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding irritants.


Close-up of prescribed medication and instructions on a table
Antifungal treatments—topical or oral—are usually effective when used exactly as prescribed and continued for the full course.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Partners

You don’t have to give up your sex life to stay safe, but you may need to build in a few new habits—especially while Minnesota is managing this outbreak.


If you have no symptoms

  • Check your skin regularly, especially groin, thighs, buttocks, and body folds.
  • Practice good hygiene: shower after intense exercise or sex, dry thoroughly.
  • Avoid sharing towels, underwear, or unwashed bedding with others.
  • Talk openly with partners about any rashes or infections—yours or theirs.

If you notice a suspicious rash

  1. Pause sex and close skin-to-skin contact.
  2. Cover the area loosely with breathable clothing (avoid tight, sweaty fabrics).
  3. Seek medical care—a primary care clinician, dermatologist, or sexual health clinic can help.
  4. Follow treatment instructions fully, even after symptoms ease.
  5. Notify recent partners so they can watch for symptoms and get evaluated if needed.


Common Obstacles: Shame, Delays, and Misdiagnosis

Many people delay seeking help for genital or groin rashes because they feel embarrassed or worried about being judged. That’s completely understandable, but it can prolong discomfort and increase the chance of passing the infection on.


In my work with patients, I’ve seen a pattern:

  • People try over-the-counter steroid creams, which may temporarily reduce redness but let the fungus spread.
  • They hope it will “just go away,” only to see it worsen or move to new areas.
  • Partners feel confused or hurt if they’re not told about a rash early on.

“One of the kindest things you can do for a partner is to be honest about symptoms and take a short break from sex while you get treated. It protects them and builds trust.”


What Health Officials and Research Tell Us

Public health agencies and dermatology experts agree on a few key points about ringworm outbreaks:

  • They are usually manageable with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Outbreaks often cluster in specific networks (social, sexual, or occupational).
  • Clear communication and partner notification help slow spread.
  • Good hygiene and avoiding shared personal items are simple but powerful tools.

While detailed scientific papers on this specific Minnesota outbreak will likely come later, they often mirror prior research on fungal infections spreading in close-contact settings (such as sports teams, households, and intimate networks).


For general, evidence-based information on ringworm and tinea infections, you can refer to:


Everyday Self-Care During an Outbreak

Alongside medical treatment, a few day-to-day habits can help you heal faster and reduce the risk of spreading ringworm.


  • Keep the area dry: Change out of sweaty clothing quickly; use a clean towel to gently pat the area dry.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothes: Choose cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Wash towels and bedding regularly: Use hot water and dry thoroughly.
  • Avoid scratching: It can worsen irritation and move the fungus to your nails and other skin areas.
  • Do not share personal items: Towels, razors, underwear, and workout gear should be personal during treatment.

Person doing laundry with towels and bedding during infection prevention routine
Simple routines—like frequent laundry and breathable clothing—support recovery and reduce the chance of spreading ringworm.

Moving Forward: Calm, Informed, and Proactive

Hearing about the “largest known outbreak” of sexually transmitted ringworm in Minnesota can understandably spark worry. But this is also a moment to remember that fungal infections are treatable, and you have real control over many of the risk factors.


If you’re sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, consider this your gentle nudge to:

  • Do a quick self-check for rashes weekly.
  • Have an open, nonjudgmental chat with partners about any skin changes.
  • See a clinician promptly if you notice symptoms—and pause sexual contact until you’ve been evaluated.

You don’t need to be perfect to protect your health; you just need to be paying attention and willing to act early. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and get it checked. Your future self—and your partners—will thank you.