What to have ready for the call.
Note when the skin change began; its location; whether it is spreading; itch, pain, scaling, drainage, or fever; any foot rash; past similar concerns; close contact with affected people or animals; shared sport or locker-room exposure; products tried; and relevant health conditions. Photos may help show change, but cannot confirm the cause.
A callback request is not a diagnosis, prescription, referral, laboratory requisition, document, payment, or confirmed appointment. The clinic reviews the concern and may recommend another setting.
When an examination, testing, or another setting may be needed.
This guide cannot decide whether it is safe to wait or which care setting is right for an individual concern. Some concerns need an in-person examination, testing, or another setting. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Use prompt in-person care if you are concerned about worsening symptoms.
Know when not to wait.
Seek prompt in-person assessment for increasing pain, swelling, warmth, redness, red streaks, pus or other drainage, fever, or a rash that is rapidly worsening. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or another medical emergency.
Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or may be an emergency, use emergency services or immediate in-person care instead of waiting for a callback.
Common questions about ringworm and jock itch.
What are ringworm and jock itch?
They are common names for fungal skin infections. Jock itch affects the groin area, while ringworm can describe a fungal infection of body skin. A similar-looking rash can still have another cause.
Can I make a callback request for a possible fungal rash?
Eligible people can send a request for clinic review. The clinician decides whether a virtual conversation or another setting is appropriate; a request does not promise a callback, appointment, diagnosis, medication, or treatment.
Can a photo confirm that a rash is ringworm or jock itch?
No. A photo can help document location or change over time, but it cannot confirm a fungal infection. An unclear skin or scalp concern may need an in-person examination and sometimes testing.
What can help reduce spread while I arrange care?
Keep the area clean and dry, wash hands after touching or treating the rash, and do not share towels, clothing, sheets, or sports equipment. If foot fungus is also present, it may need attention to reduce reinfection.
When should a scalp or hair concern be assessed in person?
Seek clinical assessment for scaling, broken hairs, hair loss, or other scalp involvement. Scalp fungal infections can need different treatment than body-skin infection and should not be self-treated with a topical product intended for body skin.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. Doctors usually call back within 60 minutes during operating hours, 8 AM–10 PM Mountain Time. Timing depends on the concern and appropriate care setting; it is an expectation, not a guarantee. Requests submitted before 8 AM or after 10 PM Mountain Time do not have a 60-minute or same-day callback promise. The public form does not state a specific review time or missed-call procedure. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.