Can I get skin fungus treatment online without insurance?

Yes — TeleDirectMD provides same-day online physician visits for skin fungus treatment to adults in 43 US states for $79 cash-pay, no insurance required. Parth Bhavsar, MD (NPI: 1104323203) is a board-certified Family Medicine physician; visits are also in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare commercial plans in participating states. Per AAD Clinical Guidelines, telehealth is clinically appropriate for uncomplicated skin fungus when red-flag symptoms are absent. Penn Medicine, JAMA Network Open (2024) found telehealth visits cost roughly five times less than equivalent in-person care ($96 vs $509 mean), with most prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy within minutes of the visit.

Skin Fungus Treatment · Online Treatment

Skin Fungus Treatment (Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Pedis)

Adult care by secure video visit, self pay option starting at $79, MD-only, insurance is not required.

Yes — adults (18+) with a suspected fungal skin infection (ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot) can be treated online. A board-certified MD reviews your rash photos by secure video and, per AAFP/CDC guidance, prescribes a topical antifungal like terbinafine or clotrimazole for a 2-week trial, or oral terbinafine for extensive/refractory cases, sent to your pharmacy same day. Visit price: $79 flat, no insurance required. Combination antifungal-steroid products are avoided. Scalp scaling with hair loss, or thickened nails, needs in-person evaluation.

Dermatophyte skin infections, commonly called ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and athlete's foot (tinea pedis), are caused by fungi in the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton families that invade the outermost layer of skin. These infections produce characteristic annular (ring-shaped) plaques with raised, scaly borders and central clearing on the body, red scaly patches in the groin folds, or peeling, cracking, and itching between the toes and on the soles. AAFP and CDC guidelines support a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal therapy as first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate tinea corporis, cruris, and pedis. TeleDirectMD uses a safety-first telehealth approach that screens for red flags including tinea capitis (scalp involvement requiring oral therapy), widespread or severe infection, immunocompromised status, suspected deep fungal infection (Majocchi granuloma), nail involvement (onychomycosis), and failed topical therapy before determining whether treatment by video visit is appropriate. If the history and photo assessment support localized dermatophyte infection without red flags, guideline-based topical or oral antifungal treatment may be prescribed by video, while adults with scalp involvement, extensive disease, deep infection, or immunocompromised status are directed to in-person or specialist care. This page is for adults located in one of our covered states, including communities nationwide.

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Board-certified MD · 43 states · evenings & weekends · HSA/FSA accepted · 5.0★ (125 reviews)

Online MD-Only Skin Fungus Care

$79

flat self-pay · insurance not required

Photo-based assessment of rash morphology, distribution, and pattern
Red-flag screening for scalp involvement, deep infection, and widespread disease
Guideline-based topical or oral antifungal treatment when appropriate
Antifungal stewardship and avoidance of combination steroid-antifungal products

What it costs

$79 flat. HSA/FSA accepted.

One fee covers the visit — no facility fees, no surprise billing. Here is how it compares to other care settings.

$79

One flat fee covers your entire visit

MD evaluation and red-flag screening
Photo-based assessment of rash morphology and distribution
Guideline-based antifungal treatment selection when appropriate
Antifungal stewardship guidance and avoidance of inappropriate combination products
Prescription sent if clinically appropriate

Cost across care settings

TeleDirectMD$79

Primary Care$100 to $250+

Urgent Care$150 to $300+

Emergency Room$500 to $3,000+

How it works

How Online Skin Fungus Treatment Works

Book your video visit

Insurance is not required. No referral needed. Many visits are available same day, depending on scheduling. Before your visit, take clear photos of the rash in good lighting, note when it started, whether it is spreading, whether anyone else in your household has similar symptoms, any treatments you have tried including over-the-counter antifungal creams, and any allergies.

See a licensed MD by video

We review your rash location, morphology, onset and progression, photo assessment of the lesion pattern, prior treatments, exposure history (household contacts, pets, gym or locker room use), immune status, and whether scalp or nails are involved. Photo-based assessment of ring-shaped plaques, scaly borders, and distribution is central to telehealth diagnosis of tinea.

Get a treatment plan and, if appropriate, a prescription

If medication is clinically appropriate, we send an e-prescription to common pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy. You receive clear instructions for proper application of topical antifungal treatment, hygiene and prevention measures, when to expect improvement, and when to seek in-person care if symptoms do not improve.

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Treatment

Common Medication Options

These are common examples for dermatophyte skin infections. The actual medication, dose, and duration are determined by the MD after reviewing your rash location, extent, morphology, prior treatments, allergies, immune status, and red flags.

Medication	Typical dose	Duration	Key considerations
Terbinafine 1% cream (topical)	Apply once daily to affected area and 2 cm beyond visible border	1 to 2 weeks	First-line topical antifungal. Highly effective against dermatophytes. Shortest treatment duration among topical options. Available over the counter.
Clotrimazole 1% cream (topical)	Apply twice daily to affected area and 2 cm beyond visible border	2 to 4 weeks	Widely available first-line alternative. Effective against dermatophytes and Candida. Available over the counter. Requires longer treatment course than terbinafine.
Ketoconazole 2% cream (topical)	Apply once daily to affected area	2 to 4 weeks	Effective broad-spectrum topical antifungal. Prescription formulation. Also available as shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis.
Terbinafine 250 mg (oral)	250 mg by mouth once daily	2 to 4 weeks	For extensive, refractory, or follicular involvement. Most commonly prescribed oral antifungal for tinea. May require liver function monitoring with prolonged use. Drug interactions with CYP2D6 substrates.
Itraconazole 200 mg (oral)	200 mg by mouth once daily	1 to 2 weeks	Alternative oral antifungal when terbinafine is contraindicated or not tolerated. Take with food for better absorption. Check for drug interactions including statins and calcium channel blockers.
Butenafine 1% cream (topical)	Apply once daily to affected area	1 to 4 weeks	Benzylamine antifungal effective against dermatophytes. Available over the counter. Once-daily dosing for convenience.

Example regimens only. The actual medication, dosing, and duration are determined by the MD after reviewing your symptoms, rash extent, risk factors, allergies, prior treatments, and red flags. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. Avoid combination antifungal-corticosteroid products such as clotrimazole-betamethasone.

Understanding it

What Is Skin Fungus (Tinea)?

Tinea is the medical term for a group of superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophyte fungi, organisms that feed on keratin in the outermost layer of skin. Despite the common name ringworm, these infections are not caused by a worm but by fungi in the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton families. The infection is named by body location: tinea corporis (body), tinea cruris (groin or jock itch), and tinea pedis (feet or athlete's foot). The characteristic annular (ring-shaped) plaque with a raised, scaly, advancing border and central clearing is pathognomonic for tinea corporis.

Dermatophyte skin infections are extremely common worldwide. Tinea pedis alone affects an estimated 15 to 25 percent of the population at any given time, and tinea corporis and cruris are among the most frequently encountered dermatologic complaints in primary care. Transmission occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected animals (especially cats and dogs), contaminated surfaces (gym floors, locker rooms, shared towels), and fomites. AAFP guidelines recommend a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal therapy as a reasonable first-line approach for mild-to-moderate localized tinea, with oral antifungal therapy reserved for extensive, refractory, or deep infections.

TeleDirectMD focuses on localized tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis appropriate for telehealth, with careful screening to direct tinea capitis, onychomycosis, widespread disease, deep infection, and immunocompromised or atypical cases to in-person or specialist care.

Causes & risk factors

Causes and Risk Factors

Dermatophyte infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin in the skin. Understanding risk factors helps determine whether telehealth evaluation is appropriate or whether in-person assessment is needed.

Warm, moist environments: occlusive clothing, sweating, humid climates, and wet skin create ideal conditions for fungal growth, particularly in the groin folds and between the toes
Direct contact exposure: skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals, contact sports (wrestling, martial arts), shared gym equipment, locker room floors, and communal showers increase transmission risk
Animal contact: cats, dogs, and other animals can carry dermatophytes such as Microsporum canis and transmit them to humans through direct contact
Immunocompromised status: diabetes, HIV, organ transplant recipients, chronic corticosteroid use, and other immunosuppressive conditions increase risk of widespread, deep, or treatment-resistant fungal infection
Obesity and skin folds: excess skin folds create warm, moist environments that promote fungal growth, particularly in the groin (tinea cruris) and under skin folds
Shared personal items: towels, razors, clothing, and bedding can harbor dermatophyte spores and facilitate transmission within households

Not every scaly or itchy rash is a fungal infection. Eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, and granuloma annulare can mimic tinea. The combination of annular morphology, advancing scaly border, central clearing, and distribution in characteristic locations is suggestive but not definitive without KOH preparation or fungal culture. TeleDirectMD uses symptom patterns, rash morphology, and photo assessment to guide diagnosis and direct uncertain or complicated cases to in-person evaluation with KOH scraping or culture.

Symptoms & red flags

Symptoms and Red Flags for Skin Fungus

Use this table to understand which symptoms fit localized dermatophyte skin infection and which suggest a need for in-person evaluation.

Symptom or situation	What it suggests	Telehealth appropriate?	Red flag requiring urgent in-person care
Ring-shaped plaque with raised scaly border and central clearing on trunk or extremities	Classic tinea corporis (ringworm)	Often yes	If rapidly expanding, multiple large lesions, or not responding to 2 weeks of topical antifungal
Red, scaly, itchy rash in groin folds extending to inner thighs, sparing the scrotum	Classic tinea cruris (jock itch)	Often yes	If extending to buttocks or trunk suggesting widespread infection
Peeling, cracking, maceration, or scaling between toes or on soles of feet	Classic tinea pedis (athlete's foot)	Often yes	If severe fissuring with signs of secondary bacterial infection or cellulitis
Itchy, scaly patches on the scalp with hair breakage or bald patches	Tinea capitis — requires oral antifungal therapy and monitoring	No	Requires in-person evaluation and oral antifungal with monitoring
Thickened, discolored, crumbling nails	Onychomycosis — requires prolonged oral therapy with liver monitoring	No	Requires in-person evaluation, nail clipping or culture, and monitored oral therapy
Deep, boggy, pus-filled nodules on legs or arms	Majocchi granuloma (deep follicular fungal infection)	No	Requires in-person evaluation and oral antifungal therapy
Fever with rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or red streaking from the rash	Secondary bacterial infection or cellulitis complicating the fungal infection	No	Urgent in-person care or ER

Not every symptom is the same

Differential Diagnosis: Skin Fungus vs Other Conditions

Several conditions can mimic dermatophyte infection, and the absence of KOH preparation or fungal culture via telehealth means that clinical diagnosis relies on rash morphology, distribution, and clinical context. AAFP guidelines emphasize that a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal is a reasonable diagnostic and therapeutic approach for suspected localized tinea. TeleDirectMD focuses on identifying classic tinea presentations and directing uncertain or atypical cases to in-person evaluation when appropriate.

Sometimes Appropriate for Telehealth

Classic annular plaque with raised scaly border and central clearing on the body
New-onset red scaly rash in the groin folds characteristic of tinea cruris
Interdigital peeling, cracking, and itching consistent with tinea pedis
Localized rash with clear photo assessment and no systemic symptoms
Empiric 2-week trial of topical antifungal as diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Often Requires In-Person Evaluation

Scalp involvement with hair loss (tinea capitis) requiring oral antifungal therapy
Nail involvement (onychomycosis) needing prolonged oral therapy with liver monitoring
Deep, boggy, pus-filled lesions (Majocchi granuloma or kerion)
Widespread or extensive infection not responding to topical therapy
Immunocompromised patients with atypical or severe fungal infection
Suspected treatment-resistant strain (T. indotineae) requiring culture and susceptibility testing

Tinea Corporis vs Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis)

Both can present as round, scaly patches on the trunk and extremities. Tinea corporis characteristically has a raised, advancing scaly border with central clearing, giving the ring-shaped appearance. Nummular eczema tends to be more uniformly inflamed without central clearing and often occurs in the context of atopic dermatitis or dry skin. Tinea is typically unilateral or asymmetric in early stages, while nummular eczema is often bilateral. A 2-week trial of topical antifungal that fails to improve the rash raises the likelihood of eczema or another non-fungal cause.

Tinea Corporis vs Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis typically has a geometric or linear pattern matching a specific exposure (new soap, jewelry, plant contact, adhesive) and may present with vesicles and weeping. Tinea corporis has the distinctive annular morphology with scaly border and central clearing. Contact dermatitis usually improves with removal of the offending agent, while tinea requires antifungal therapy. A history of new exposures or products helps distinguish the two.

Tinea Cruris vs Inverse Psoriasis or Candidal Intertrigo

Tinea cruris typically produces a well-demarcated, raised, scaly border advancing outward from the groin folds, characteristically sparing the scrotum. Inverse psoriasis produces smooth, shiny, well-demarcated red plaques in skin folds without the scaly border. Candidal intertrigo is characterized by beefy red patches with satellite papules and pustules beyond the main border. All three conditions affect intertriginous areas, and KOH preparation helps distinguish fungal from non-fungal causes when the diagnosis is uncertain.

If your rash does not match classic tinea morphology, does not improve after a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal, or any red flags are present, TeleDirectMD will direct you to in-person care for KOH scraping, fungal culture, or dermatology evaluation.

Treatment approach

Treatment Options

Localized dermatophyte skin infections are typically treated with topical antifungal therapy as first-line, with oral antifungals reserved for extensive, refractory, or follicular involvement. AAFP and CDC guidelines recommend a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal for suspected localized tinea corporis, cruris, or pedis. A critical antifungal stewardship principle is avoidance of combination antifungal-corticosteroid products, which can mask the infection, promote fungal spread, and cause skin atrophy.

First-line topical antifungal therapy

Topical antifungals applied directly to the affected area and surrounding normal skin are the standard first-line treatment for localized tinea corporis, cruris, and pedis. Terbinafine 1% cream applied once daily for 1 to 2 weeks is highly effective and has the shortest treatment duration. Clotrimazole 1% cream applied twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks is a widely available alternative. The antifungal should be applied to the entire affected area plus approximately 2 centimeters beyond the visible border of the rash.

Oral antifungal therapy for extensive or refractory cases

Oral antifungals are reserved for widespread infection, failed topical therapy, follicular involvement, or deep infection. Terbinafine 250 mg daily for 2 to 4 weeks is the most commonly prescribed oral agent for tinea corporis, cruris, and pedis. Itraconazole and fluconazole are alternatives. Oral therapy may require baseline liver function monitoring depending on duration and patient risk factors.

Antifungal stewardship: avoiding combination products

Combination antifungal-corticosteroid products such as clotrimazole-betamethasone (Lotrisone) should be avoided for tinea treatment. The corticosteroid component can mask the clinical appearance of the infection, suppress the immune response allowing the fungus to spread, and cause skin atrophy with prolonged use. AAFP guidelines specifically recommend against these combination products. If the rash is significantly inflamed, a brief course of low-potency topical corticosteroid may be used separately after starting antifungal therapy, under physician guidance.

Hygiene, prevention, and environmental measures

Keep affected areas clean and dry. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and change socks daily or more frequently if feet sweat heavily. Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, or bedding with others. Wear sandals in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas. Treat infected household contacts and pets simultaneously. Wash clothing and towels in hot water and dry on high heat.

What we do not manage by video

Tinea capitis (scalp fungal infection) requiring oral antifungal therapy with monitoring
Onychomycosis (nail fungus) requiring prolonged oral therapy with liver monitoring
Majocchi granuloma or kerion (deep follicular fungal infection)
Widespread or severe tinea in immunocompromised patients
Suspected treatment-resistant dermatophyte strains (T. indotineae) requiring culture and susceptibility testing

Decision guide

Should I Use TeleDirectMD for Skin Fungus? Decision Guide

Do you have any emergency or red-flag symptoms?

Rapidly spreading redness with fever, pus, or red streaking (secondary bacterial infection or cellulitis)
Scalp involvement with hair loss, scaling, or boggy swelling (tinea capitis requiring oral therapy)
Deep, boggy, pus-filled lesions on the legs or arms (possible Majocchi granuloma or kerion)
Widespread rash covering large body areas with severe itching or pain
Immunocompromised with extensive or rapidly worsening fungal rash

Yes: seek in-person care, dermatology referral, or urgent care depending on severity

No: continue to Step 2

Are you 18+ and currently in one of our covered states?

Yes: continue to Step 3

No: use in-person care as appropriate

Does your rash fit a typical dermatophyte skin infection?

Ring-shaped or annular plaque with raised scaly border and central clearing (tinea corporis)
Red, scaly, itchy rash in the groin folds extending to inner thighs (tinea cruris)
Peeling, cracking, scaling, or itching between the toes or on the soles of feet (tinea pedis)
Rash is localized and not involving the scalp, hair, or nails
No deep boggy lesions, no fever, and no signs of spreading bacterial infection

Yes: continue to Step 4

No: or symptoms are atypical, seek in-person evaluation for KOH scraping and definitive diagnosis

You are likely appropriate for a TeleDirectMD video visit

Recovery & prevention

Home Care, Recovery Timeline, Prevention, and Follow-up

Recovery Timeline and What to Do Now

Apply topical antifungal to the entire affected area plus approximately 2 centimeters beyond the visible border of the rash
Keep the affected area clean and dry — pat dry after bathing rather than rubbing
Wear loose, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and change socks daily
Complete the full course of antifungal treatment even if the rash appears to clear early — stopping too soon increases the risk of recurrence
Most localized tinea infections begin improving within 1 to 2 weeks of proper antifungal therapy
Do not apply combination antifungal-corticosteroid products unless specifically directed by your physician

What to Watch For Over the Next 1 to 4 Weeks

The rash should gradually flatten, become less scaly, and stop expanding within the first 1 to 2 weeks
If the rash is expanding, worsening, or unchanged after 2 weeks of consistent topical antifungal use, seek in-person evaluation for KOH scraping to confirm the diagnosis
New areas of rash appearing on different body parts may indicate spread and need reassessment
Fever, increasing redness, pus, or red streaking may indicate secondary bacterial infection and requires urgent in-person care
If household contacts or pets develop similar rashes, they should be evaluated and treated simultaneously

Prevention and Follow-up

Wear sandals in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas to prevent tinea pedis
Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, or bedding with others
Keep skin folds dry and consider antifungal powder in the groin and between toes for prevention if you are prone to recurrence
Treat infected household contacts and pets to prevent reinfection
If tinea recurs frequently, follow up for evaluation of underlying risk factors such as diabetes or immune status
For recurrent tinea pedis, consider using antifungal powder or spray preventively in shoes and on feet

Safety first

When Not to Use TeleDirectMD for Skin Fungus

TeleDirectMD is designed for localized dermatophyte skin infections appropriate for telehealth. We are direct about when telehealth is not appropriate.

You Should Not Use TeleDirectMD If

You are under 18 years old
You have a scaly, patchy, or hair-loss rash on your scalp (possible tinea capitis)
You have thickened, discolored, or crumbling nails (onychomycosis)
You have widespread or severe infection covering large body areas
You have deep, boggy, pus-filled skin lesions
You are significantly immunocompromised with extensive or atypical rash
You have already completed a full course of topical antifungal without improvement
You have fever or signs of secondary bacterial infection
You are not physically in one of our covered states at the time of visit

Alternative Care Options

Emergency room: severe secondary bacterial infection with high fever, rapidly spreading cellulitis, or severe allergic reaction
Urgent care: same-day in-person exam when diagnosis is uncertain, KOH scraping is needed, or moderate secondary infection is present
Dermatology: tinea capitis, onychomycosis, Majocchi granuloma, treatment-resistant cases, suspected resistant strains (T. indotineae), or immunocompromised patients with extensive fungal disease
Primary care: follow-up for failed topical therapy, recurrent infections, KOH confirmation, or oral antifungal prescribing with liver monitoring

Common questions

Skin Fungus Treatment FAQs

Can I get a prescription for skin fungus treatment online?

Yes, if you are an adult 18+ located in one of our covered states and your symptoms are appropriate for telehealth after red-flag screening. TeleDirectMD can prescribe topical antifungal cream or oral antifungal medication when clinically appropriate based on your rash location, extent, morphology, and photo assessment.

How much does online skin fungus treatment cost?

TeleDirectMD offers a transparent self pay option starting at $79 for an adult video visit. Insurance is not required. Prescription costs at your pharmacy are separate and vary by medication and pharmacy. Many first-line topical antifungals such as terbinafine and clotrimazole are also available over the counter.

Is ringworm actually caused by a worm?

No. Despite the name, ringworm (tinea corporis) is caused by dermatophyte fungi, not a worm. The ring-shaped appearance of the rash is what gave the infection its misleading common name. The fungi belong to the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton families and feed on keratin in the outer layer of skin.

How long does it take for a fungal skin infection to clear?

Most localized tinea corporis and tinea cruris infections begin improving within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent topical antifungal therapy. Tinea pedis may take 2 to 4 weeks. Complete resolution of the rash may take several weeks after starting treatment. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if the rash appears to have cleared, as stopping early increases the risk of recurrence.

Why should I avoid combination antifungal-steroid creams for ringworm?

Combination antifungal-corticosteroid products such as clotrimazole-betamethasone (Lotrisone) should be avoided because the steroid component can mask the appearance of the infection while suppressing the local immune response, allowing the fungus to spread. Prolonged use also causes skin thinning (atrophy) and stretch marks. AAFP guidelines specifically recommend against these combination products for dermatophyte infections. A plain antifungal cream is the appropriate treatment.

Can I catch ringworm from my pet?

Yes. Cats, dogs, and other animals can carry dermatophyte fungi such as Microsporum canis and transmit them to humans through direct contact. If you develop a fungal rash and your pet has patches of hair loss or scaly skin, the pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian and treated simultaneously to prevent ongoing transmission within the household.

What is the difference between jock itch and a yeast infection in the groin?

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is caused by dermatophyte fungi and typically produces a well-demarcated, raised, scaly border that advances outward from the groin folds, characteristically sparing the scrotum. Candidal intertrigo (yeast infection) is caused by Candida and produces beefy red patches with satellite papules and pustules beyond the main border, often involving the scrotum. Both cause itching in the groin, and treatment differs. Your MD will assess the rash morphology to guide appropriate therapy.

Do I need a lab test to diagnose a fungal skin infection?

Not always. AAFP guidelines support a 2-week empiric trial of topical antifungal as a reasonable diagnostic and therapeutic approach for suspected localized tinea with classic morphology. If the rash does not improve with appropriate antifungal therapy, in-person KOH preparation (a simple skin scraping test) or fungal culture can confirm or rule out dermatophyte infection and guide further treatment.

Can TeleDirectMD treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis)?

No. Onychomycosis (nail fungus) typically requires prolonged oral antifungal therapy for 6 to 12 weeks or longer, with baseline and periodic liver function monitoring. This level of treatment and monitoring is best managed through in-person care. TeleDirectMD can evaluate your symptoms and direct you to the appropriate in-person or dermatology care for nail fungus.

What about resistant ringworm strains like T. indotineae?

Emerging treatment-resistant dermatophyte strains, particularly Trichophyton indotineae, have been identified globally and may not respond to standard topical antifungal therapy. If your rash is not improving despite consistent use of topical antifungals, or if it is extensive and spreading despite treatment, you should seek in-person evaluation for fungal culture and susceptibility testing. TeleDirectMD screens for treatment failure and directs these cases to appropriate specialist care.

Does TeleDirectMD treat skin fungus in other states?

Yes. TeleDirectMD offers adult evaluations via video visits across multiple states where our physicians are licensed. You must be physically located in the state where you are requesting care at the time of your video visit.

Can I use my insurance for a TeleDirectMD visit?

Insurance is not required. If your plan is eligible, you may be able to use insurance. A self pay option is also available.

How can I prevent fungal skin infections from coming back?

Keep skin clean and dry, especially in the groin and between toes. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and change socks daily. Wear sandals in communal showers and locker rooms. Avoid sharing towels, razors, or clothing. Treat infected household contacts and pets. Consider preventive antifungal powder in shoes and skin folds if you are prone to recurrence. Complete the full course of antifungal treatment when prescribed.

What if my rash does not improve after using antifungal cream?

If your rash is not improving after 2 weeks of consistent topical antifungal use, several possibilities should be considered: the rash may not be a fungal infection (eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can mimic tinea), you may have a treatment-resistant strain, or the infection may involve deeper skin structures requiring oral antifungal therapy. Seek in-person evaluation for KOH scraping to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.

How much does online skin fungus (ringworm) treatment cost without insurance?

The visit is $79 flat, no insurance required, and a generic topical antifungal like terbinafine or clotrimazole typically adds $8 to $20 at the pharmacy — most patients pay under $100 total.

Why shouldn't I use a combination antifungal-steroid cream for my rash?

Combination products can suppress the visible inflammation while allowing the fungal infection to actually spread underneath, and can also thin the skin with prolonged use. The MD will typically prescribe a plain topical antifungal instead, per antifungal stewardship guidance.

Clinical sources