How does ringworm manifest on different body parts. What are the most effective over-the-counter treatments for ringworm. Which prescription medications are commonly used to treat severe ringworm infections. Are there any natural remedies that can help alleviate ringworm symptoms. How can proper home care prevent the spread of ringworm.

Understanding Ringworm and Its Symptoms

Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. This condition, medically known as tinea, can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, scalp, and nails. The name “ringworm” comes from the characteristic ring-shaped rash that often appears on the skin.

Common symptoms of ringworm include:

• Circular, red, and scaly patches with raised edges
• Itching and burning sensation in the affected area
• Hair loss in cases of scalp ringworm
• Cracking and peeling skin between toes (athlete’s foot)
• Thick, discolored nails in case of nail infections

Can ringworm appear differently on various body parts? Indeed, the appearance of ringworm can vary depending on its location. On the body, it typically presents as circular patches, while on the scalp, it may cause bald spots. In the groin area (jock itch), it appears as a reddish-brown rash with scaly edges.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ringworm

For mild to moderate cases of ringworm, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications are often the first line of defense. These treatments come in various forms, including creams, lotions, and powders.

Popular OTC Antifungal Medications

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Ketoconazole (Xolegel)
• Miconazole (Micatin, Zeasorb-AF)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

How long should you use OTC treatments for ringworm? Most healthcare professionals recommend applying these medications to the affected area for 2 to 4 weeks. This duration ensures that the fungus is effectively eliminated and reduces the chances of recurrence.

Prescription Treatments for Severe Ringworm Infections

In cases where ringworm affects the scalp or covers large areas of the body, OTC treatments may not suffice. Your doctor might prescribe oral antifungal medications that are more potent and can tackle the infection systemically.

Common Prescription Antifungal Medications

1. Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
2. Terbinafine
3. Itraconazole
4. Fluconazole (Diflucan)

How long do you need to take prescription antifungal medications? The duration of treatment varies depending on the medication and severity of the infection. Griseofulvin typically requires 8 to 10 weeks of treatment, while itraconazole may be prescribed for 7 to 15 days. Terbinafine is usually taken once daily for 4 weeks.

Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Ringworm

While medical treatments are the most reliable way to combat ringworm, some natural remedies have shown promise in managing symptoms and supporting healing.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, has demonstrated antifungal properties in early studies. How effective is tea tree oil against ringworm? Research suggests it can be beneficial when applied topically, particularly for cases of athlete’s foot. However, it’s crucial to note that tea tree oil should never be ingested as it’s toxic when swallowed.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some sources suggest using apple cider vinegar as a topical treatment for ringworm. While studies have shown that it possesses some antifungal properties, healthcare professionals caution against its use due to its acidic nature. Can apple cider vinegar cause side effects when used for ringworm? Yes, it may lead to open sores and scarring if applied directly to the infected area.

Home Care and Prevention Strategies for Ringworm

Proper home care is essential not only for treating ringworm but also for preventing its spread to other parts of your body or to other people and animals in your household.

Key Home Care Practices

• Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area
• Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water with laundry detergent
• Shower after workouts, particularly after participating in contact sports
• Wear shower shoes in public areas like gym locker rooms and swimming pools
• Have pets, especially dogs, checked for fungal infections
• Clean the affected area with soap and dry it with a separate towel
• Wear fresh clothes daily, paying special attention to undergarments
• Disinfect or discard shoes in cases of athlete’s foot

How can you prevent ringworm from recurring? Maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and keeping your living environment clean are crucial steps in preventing ringworm recurrence.

Understanding the Different Types of Ringworm

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, and each type has its own specific name and characteristics.

Common Types of Ringworm

• Tinea corporis: Ringworm of the body
• Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp
• Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot
• Tinea cruris: Jock itch
• Tinea unguium: Ringworm of the nails (onychomycosis)

How does the treatment approach differ for various types of ringworm? While the basic principle of antifungal treatment remains the same, the specific medication and duration may vary. For instance, scalp ringworm often requires oral medication, while body ringworm can usually be treated with topical creams.

Potential Complications and When to Seek Medical Help

While ringworm is generally not a serious condition, it can lead to complications if left untreated or in certain circumstances.

Possible Complications

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Widespread fungal infection
• Scarring or permanent hair loss (in cases of severe scalp ringworm)
• Emotional distress due to appearance

When should you consult a healthcare professional for ringworm? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if:

• The rash doesn’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading rapidly
• You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• The rash is on your scalp or face
• You have a weakened immune system

Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Ringworm Treatment

In addition to medical treatments and proper hygiene, certain lifestyle adjustments can support faster healing and prevent recurrence of ringworm.

Dietary Considerations

Can diet play a role in managing ringworm? While there’s no specific diet for ringworm, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support your immune system, potentially helping your body fight off the fungal infection more effectively. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, may be particularly beneficial.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making you more susceptible to infections like ringworm. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine may help support your overall health and resilience against infections.

Clothing Choices

How can your clothing choices affect ringworm? Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help keep your skin dry and reduce the warm, moist environment that fungi thrive in. This is particularly important in areas prone to ringworm, such as the groin and feet.

By combining proper medical treatment with these lifestyle adjustments and rigorous hygiene practices, most people can effectively manage and overcome ringworm infections. Remember, consistency in treatment and prevention measures is key to achieving the best outcomes.

Ringworm Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on April 24, 2023

• How to Get Rid of Ringworm 
• Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ringworm
• Prescription Treatments for Ringworm
• Natural Remedies for Ringworm
• Home Care for Ringworm

The treatment you need for ringworm depends on where the infection is on your body and how serious it is. In many cases, your doctor may recommend a drug you can buy over the counter (OTC) at your local drugstore. Others need a prescription.

If the infection is on your skin – as in the case of athlete’s foot or jock itch – your doctor will likely suggest an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder.

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Ketoconazole (Xolegel)
• Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington Antifungal, Critic Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, Micaderm, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Miranel, Mitrazol, Podactin, Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

In most cases, you’ll have to use the medicines on your skin for 2 to 4 weeks to make sure you kill the fungus that causes ringworm. It’ll also lower the chances of it coming back.

If you have ringworm on your scalp or in many different places on your body, OTC treatments may not be enough. Your doctor will write a prescription for an antifungal medication that you’ll have to take by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole (Diflucan) are the oral medicines doctors prescribe most often for ringworm.

• Griseofulvin. You’d have to take this for 8 to 10 weeks. It’s also available as a spray. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, headache, and indigestion. Griseofulvin can cause birth defects, so you can’t take it if you’re pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Men should use condoms during sex for up to 6 months after stopping treatment. It also can cause birth control pills not to work. Use condoms or another form of contraception if you’re on it. And you shouldn’t drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking it.
• Itraconazole. This is prescribed in pill form for 7 or 15 days. It’s not for use in children, the elderly, or those with severe liver disease. While taking it, you may experience nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, or headache. See your doctor if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms or infection after you’ve finished your treatment.
• Terbinafine. If your doctor puts you on these tablets, you’ll have to take them once a day for 4 weeks. They work in most cases. Side effects usually are mild and don’t last long. They might include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and rashes. You won’t get a prescription for this if you have liver disease or lupus.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan). This is a tablet used to treat fungal or yeast infections. It kills the infection and prevents it from growing. The dosage and length of time you’ll need to be on this prescription vary from person to person. 

Tea tree oil for ringworm

Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Early studies show it does work as an antifungal against ringworm. Other studies show that it works against athlete’s foot when applied as a cream. You should only use tea tree oil topically as it is toxic if ingested.

Apple cider vinegar for ringworm 

Some sources suggest treating ringworm with apple cider vinegar by rubbing some on the infected area and covering it with a bandage. Studies show this vinegar does have some antifungal properties. However, doctors warn that, due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar can cause open sores and scarring when used to treat ringworm.

Keeping things clean prevents the infection from spreading to other parts of your body as well as to other people and animals in your household. It will also prevent reinfection once yours has cleared up.

Here are ways to keep things clean when you have a ringworm infection:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands each time you touch your rash and before you touch anyone else.
• Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels. Wash everything you’ve touched or worn in hot water and laundry detergent.
• Shower after workouts. This is especially important if you play contact sports.
• Wear shower shoes. Protect your feet at the gym or pool.
• Have your dog checked for fungal infection. Dogs can spread infection to you.
• Clean the affected area with soap, and dry with a different towel from the rest of your body.
• Wear fresh clothes, especially undergarments, every day.
• Wash your clothes regularly and keep them dry when not in use.
• Throw out or disinfect shoes in the case of athlete’s foot.

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Ringworm Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on April 24, 2023

• How to Get Rid of Ringworm 
• Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ringworm
• Prescription Treatments for Ringworm
• Natural Remedies for Ringworm
• Home Care for Ringworm

The treatment you need for ringworm depends on where the infection is on your body and how serious it is. In many cases, your doctor may recommend a drug you can buy over the counter (OTC) at your local drugstore. Others need a prescription.

If the infection is on your skin – as in the case of athlete’s foot or jock itch – your doctor will likely suggest an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder.

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Ketoconazole (Xolegel)
• Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington Antifungal, Critic Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, Micaderm, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Miranel, Mitrazol, Podactin, Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

In most cases, you’ll have to use the medicines on your skin for 2 to 4 weeks to make sure you kill the fungus that causes ringworm. It’ll also lower the chances of it coming back.

If you have ringworm on your scalp or in many different places on your body, OTC treatments may not be enough. Your doctor will write a prescription for an antifungal medication that you’ll have to take by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole (Diflucan) are the oral medicines doctors prescribe most often for ringworm.

• Griseofulvin. You’d have to take this for 8 to 10 weeks. It’s also available as a spray. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, headache, and indigestion. Griseofulvin can cause birth defects, so you can’t take it if you’re pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Men should use condoms during sex for up to 6 months after stopping treatment. It also can cause birth control pills not to work. Use condoms or another form of contraception if you’re on it. And you shouldn’t drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking it.
• Itraconazole. This is prescribed in pill form for 7 or 15 days. It’s not for use in children, the elderly, or those with severe liver disease. While taking it, you may experience nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, or headache. See your doctor if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms or infection after you’ve finished your treatment.
• Terbinafine. If your doctor puts you on these tablets, you’ll have to take them once a day for 4 weeks. They work in most cases. Side effects usually are mild and don’t last long. They might include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and rashes. You won’t get a prescription for this if you have liver disease or lupus.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan). This is a tablet used to treat fungal or yeast infections. It kills the infection and prevents it from growing. The dosage and length of time you’ll need to be on this prescription vary from person to person. 

Tea tree oil for ringworm

Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Early studies show it does work as an antifungal against ringworm. Other studies show that it works against athlete’s foot when applied as a cream. You should only use tea tree oil topically as it is toxic if ingested.

Apple cider vinegar for ringworm 

Some sources suggest treating ringworm with apple cider vinegar by rubbing some on the infected area and covering it with a bandage. Studies show this vinegar does have some antifungal properties. However, doctors warn that, due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar can cause open sores and scarring when used to treat ringworm.

Keeping things clean prevents the infection from spreading to other parts of your body as well as to other people and animals in your household. It will also prevent reinfection once yours has cleared up.

Here are ways to keep things clean when you have a ringworm infection:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands each time you touch your rash and before you touch anyone else.
• Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels. Wash everything you’ve touched or worn in hot water and laundry detergent.
• Shower after workouts. This is especially important if you play contact sports.
• Wear shower shoes. Protect your feet at the gym or pool.
• Have your dog checked for fungal infection. Dogs can spread infection to you.
• Clean the affected area with soap, and dry with a different towel from the rest of your body.
• Wear fresh clothes, especially undergarments, every day.
• Wash your clothes regularly and keep them dry when not in use.
• Throw out or disinfect shoes in the case of athlete’s foot.

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We treat children according to the principles of evidence-based medicine: we choose only those diagnostic and treatment methods that have proven their effectiveness. We will never prescribe unnecessary examinations and medicines!

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Video

Prices

Doctors

The first children’s clinic of evidence-based medicine in Moscow

No unnecessary examinations and drugs! We will prescribe only what has proven effective and will help your child.

Treatment according to world standards

We treat children with the same quality as in the best medical centers in the world.

Fantasy has the best team of doctors!

Pediatricians and subspecialists Fantasy – highly experienced doctors, members of professional societies. Doctors constantly improve their qualifications, undergo internships abroad.

The ultimate safety of treatment

We have made children’s medicine safe! All our staff work according to the most stringent international standards JCI

We have fun, like visiting best friends

Game room, cheerful animator, gifts after the reception.