
Symptoms
- You should consume plenty of water. ...
- You need to eat raw vegetables regularly to prevent the ringworm. ...
- After a shower, dry yourself carefully. ...
- Do not touch animals and people who have ringworm.
- Wash towels and bedding frequently with hot water.
- Do not scratch your skin if you have ringworm. ...
- Avoid public bathrooms and pools, or wear sandals as using them.
Causes
What is Ringworm?
- Causes. It is a contagious infection caused by the parasites (mold-like) which live on the outer layer of the skin.
- Symptoms. The question is, how do you know if you have ringworm? ...
- Types of Ringworm. There is no specific place on the skin where it shows the signs or symptoms but it can appear anywhere from head to toe.
Prevention
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated? Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
Complications
What Does Ringworm Look Like When it Is Healing?
- Symptoms. You know you have ringworm when red rings form on your skin. ...
- Causes. Ringworm is contagious; you can catch it through contact with another person or animal. ...
- Treatment. Ringworm will not heal on its own. ...
- Around The House. Wash your clothes and sheets every day until the infection is completely gone. ...
- Prevention. ...
What are the best home remedies for ringworm?
What is ringworm and how to treat it naturally?
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?
How does ringworm look while it is healing?

What causes you to get ringworm?
It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes. Soil to human. In rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans by contact with infected soil.
What cures ringworm fast?
Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil)....Shop for the following products online:Antifungal cream.Antifungal lotion.Antifungal powder.
How do you get ringworm and how do you get rid of it?
Ringworm is treated with antifungal medicines that you either rub on the skin or take by mouth. Ringworm of the scalp is treated with a special shampoo and an oral antifungal medicine. You may have to keep using whatever medicine you're prescribed for several weeks to fully get rid of the infection.
What causes ringworm at home?
Causes and risk factors It can also be found in soil, gyms, and animals, or on objects like hats, towels, and combs. It's still possible to get ringworm even in cool weather, due to how contagious it is. Factors that may increase your risk include: living in damp, hot, or humid areas.
What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms of Ringworm InfectionsItchy skin.Ring-shaped rash.Red, scaly, cracked skin.Hair loss.
How long is ringworm contagious?
Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
Is ringworm caused from being dirty?
Ringworm is an infection on the surface of the skin that is caused by a fungus. It is common in children but can also occur in adults. It is usually passed by direct skin contact with another person who has ringworm or by touching a contaminated surface such as dirty clothing or towels.
How do you get ringworm in the first place?
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread multiple ways. You can get it from an infected person, animal, object, and even soil. Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in areas where you sweat. Fungi also grows in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes.
Does ringworm go away by itself?
There's no set time limit for a ringworm infection. Without treatment, it may go away on its own in a matter of months in a healthy person. Or it may not. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine.
What kills ringworm naturally?
Read on to discover 11 natural treatments for fungal infections, such as ringworm:Garlic. Share on Pinterest Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use. ... Soapy water. ... Apple cider vinegar. ... Aloe vera. ... Coconut oil. ... Grapefruit seed extract. ... Turmeric. ... Powdered licorice.More items...
How do I stop ringworm from spreading?
Don't walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers. Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Don't share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
What kills ringworm in laundry?
Answer. That's too bad about the ringworm! To disinfect white or safely bleachable colored laundry, wash in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular Bleach2. For extra-large or heavily soiled laundry, use up to 1 ¼ cups.
Does ringworm go away by itself?
There's no set time limit for a ringworm infection. Without treatment, it may go away on its own in a matter of months in a healthy person. Or it may not. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine.
How do I stop ringworm from spreading?
Don't walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers. Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Don't share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
Why is ringworm so hard to get rid of?
Because the fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated. If you have ringworm symptoms, see your healthcare provider for treatment recommendations. It is important to note that common home remedies do not effectively treat this condition.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of ringworm?
Most often, an OTC treatment works well to clear up ringworm. If it doesn't, see a doctor, because you might have a deeper infection that requires prescription treatment. However, DO NOT treat ringworm with apple cider vinegar. Some people suggest applying this would-be home remedy and covering the spot with a bandage.
How to get rid of ringworm?
Wipe it out: Keep using the cream morning and night for a month to fully wipe out the fungus and prevent it from making a repeat performance, he says. “Using the creams consistently is the key.”. Most often, an OTC treatment works well to clear up ringworm.
How to avoid red ring?
These strategies can help you avoid those telltale red rings (or prevent them from spreading from one part of your body to another): Wash up: After touching the rash, wash your hands before you touch another part of your body. (Or somebody else’s body. Your friends will thank you.)
How to get rid of fungus in bed?
Boil the bedding: Wash all linens, towels and clothing that comes into contact with an infected person. (Go ahead and crank up the water temp — you want to scorch those fungi.)
Is tinea a fungus?
Ringworm, or tinea, is not a creature but an infection caused by fungus,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. Here’s how to spot this common fungal infection — and how to wipe it out.
Is ringworm creepy?
The sound of ringworm is enough to make your skin crawl. Thankfully it’s not nearly as creepy (or as crawly) as it sounds. There aren’t even any worms involved. (Cue sigh of relief.)
What is the best medicine for ringworm?
Griseofulvin ( Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), Terbinafine, and Itraconazole are the oral medicines doctors prescribe most often for ringworm.
How long does it take to get rid of ringworm on scalp?
Your doctor will write you a prescription for an antifungal medication that you’ll have to take by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
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 your chances of it coming back.
Can you buy ringworm pills over the counter?
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.
How to treat ringworm on scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Creams, lotions, or powders don’t work for ringworm on the scalp. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include:#N#Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)#N#Terbinafine#N#Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)#N#Fluconazole (Diflucan) 1 Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) 2 Terbinafine 3 Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) 4 Fluconazole (Diflucan)
What to do if your child has ringworm?
You or your child has ringworm on the scalp. Ringworm on the scalp needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication.
How long does ringworm last on the scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
If you have ringworm, your dermatologist will treat it with antifungal medicine. This medicine comes in many different forms like creams, ointments, and pills. What you use will depend on the area of the body that needs treatment.
What medicine do you take for ringworm?
If the ringworm covers a large area of skin, you may need to take a prescription antifungal medicine .
How do dermatologists diagnose ringworm?
A dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm by looking at the infected area.
How to treat ringworm in beard?
Beard: Ringworm in the beard area requires prescription antifungal medicine and a tailor-made treatment plan. Your dermatologist may need to remove unhealthy tissue to help the area heal. You’ll also need to shave the infected hair.
How to get rid of ringworm on fingernails?
If the ringworm has spread to a fingernail, you will need to take an antifungal medicine to get rid of the infection. Nails: You need prescription medicine to clear ringworm from the nails. Because nails grow slowly, ringworm will take time to clear.
How to clear ringworm from nails?
Antifungal medicine can clear ringworm from every area of the body. In some areas like the nails and hands, clearing takes time. It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
How to get rid of jock itch?
When washing the infected area or applying a cool compress, be sure to use a clean washcloth every time and use it only on the jock itch. Before using the washcloth again, you’ll want to wash it in hot, sudsy water to kill the fungus. Ringworm can survive on objects for a long time.
How to treat ringworm on skin?
Tea tree oil is another oil that is believed to have antifungal properties. For ringworm, you can apply it to an affected area of skin at least three times a day. If you find that tea tree oil is too irritating, mix the oil in coconut oil to dilute it.
How to prevent ringworm?
Practicing healthy and hygienic behaviors can prevent ringworm. Infections may come from contact with animals and lack of proper hygiene. Here are several tips to avoid ringworm:
What is ringworm in humans?
Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), although it can sometimes be used to describe tinea infection in other locations, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin). Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas ...
What is the name of the ringworm that is found on the inside of the body?
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape. Jock itch (tinea cruris) refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the common name for ringworm infection of the foot.
How does ringworm spread?
The infection can also spread through contact with infected animals or humans. The infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items harboring the fungus. Different types of fungi cause ringworm. Doctors call ringworm different names depending on where it affects the body:
What causes ringworms?
Causes of ringworm. Three different types of fungi can cause ringworm: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epi dermophyton. It’s possible that these fungi may live for an extended period as spores in soil. Humans and animals can contract ringworm after direct contact with this soil.
How long does it take to see ringworm?
You won’t see ringworm right away when the fungus has infected you. It can take up to 2 weeks before you start noticing symptoms. Some of the stages you may see include:
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
When treating a ringworm infection, it’s important to use an anti-fungal medicine. To get the best results and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body, dermatologists recommend the following:
How to get rid of ringworm?
When cleaning the area with ringworm, wash the affected area (s) and dry it (them) with a clean towel. Use another clean towel to dry the other parts of your body.
What to do if ringworm doesn't clear?
If treatment fails to clear the rash, tell your dermatologist. Virtually every case of ringworm can be successfully treated. Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Ringworm often clears with the first treatment a dermatologist prescribes.
How to prevent ringworm from spreading?
Touching or scratching the area with ringworm and then touching another area can spread ringworm from one part of your body to another. Washing your hands well can help prevent this.
How long should you treat ringworm?
By treating ringworm for as long as recommended, you help ensure that the ringworm does not re-appear a few weeks after you stop treating it.
Can dogs catch ringworm?
It’s possible to catch ringworm from an animal. Dogs, cats, and other animals can pass ringworm to humans. Just as there are effective treatments for people, there are effective ringworm treatments for pets. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, you’ll want to take some preventive measures for a few weeks.
Can you get ringworm on your hands?
Treat all ringworm at the same time. If you have athlete’s foot and ringworm on your hands, it’s important to treat both your feet and hands. If you treat only one area, you’ll still have a ringworm infection. The infection can quickly spread to other areas again.#N#Because ringworm is very contagious, you can also spread ringworm to other people.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Antifungal medications that can be taken by mouth are used to treat ringworm of the scalp. The medications most commonly prescribed include griseofulvin (Gris-Peg) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Your child might need to take one of these medications for six weeks or more. Your doctor might recommend that you also wash your child's hair ...
How to get rid of fungus on kids hair?
Your doctor might recommend that you also wash your child's hair with a prescription-strength medicated shampoo. This may help remove fungus spores and prevent the spread of the infection to other people or to other areas of your child's scalp or body.
Can ringworm be diagnosed?
Your doctor can often make a diagnosis of ringworm or another condition affecting the scalp based on a visual examina tion of the scalp and your answers to questions.
What is the best medication for ringworm?
Ringworm is usually treated with topical over-the-counter medications, like clotrimazole 1% (Lotrimin AF Cream and Mycelex), miconazole 2% ( Lotrimin AF Liquid Spray, Lotrimin AF Powder, Lotrimin AF Powder Spray, Micatin and Monistat-Derm), and terbinafine 1% (Lamisil AT). Most are used twice daily and should be used for at least a minimum of two weeks, even if your condition seems better sooner than that. Follow the directions on the package and talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
How to avoid getting ringworm?
Avoid sharing personal items and wear flip flops or shower shoes to avoid getting ringworm in these ways. The least common of all causes of ringworm is in contact with infected soil. It’s possible to get ringworm this way, but it would probably require lengthy contact with highly infected soil.
How does ringworm spread?
Direct skin-to-skin contact with someone that has ringworm is probably the most common way it is spread. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an animal that has ringworm is another way you can get the condition.
Why is ringworm called ringworm?
It’s just called ringworm due to its ring-like appearance. We’ll also tell you how to treat the condition if you do get it.
Does ringworm go away overnight?
There are a number of treatments available but unfortunately, it can take a while to treat ringworm. It doesn’t go away overnight.
Does phytozine help with ringworm?
It contains an antifungal medication called tolnaftate, which works quickly to kill the fungus that causes ringworm, along with a number of natural ingredients that work together to soothe scaly skin and relieve the itching and disco mfort that accompany ringworm. To learn more about Phytozine, just follow the link.
Can you get ringworm on your face?
You can get ringworm on any part of your body, including your scalp, face, torso, limbs, feet, and groin area (where it is sometimes referred to as jock itch). Ringworm is highly contagious so it’s easy to get it.
