Medication
Some forms of ringworm can be treated with non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications, but other forms of ringworm need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. ... Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
Self-care
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
Nutrition
Common treatments to speed up healing. The standard treatment for ringworm is a topical antifungal preparation, such as terbanifine (Lamisil AT). In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal, such as terbanafine, itraconazole (Sporanox, Orungal), or fluconazole (Diflucan, Celozole).
Can you get rid of ringworm over the counter?
Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine. A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair (glabrous skin) is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment.
What is the treatment for Ringworm on the scalp?
How do you speed up the healing of ringworm?
How long does it take for ringworm ointment to work?
How long does it take for ringworm to go away with treatment?
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
What happens after ringworm treatment?
With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair (glabrous skin) is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment. More serious cases, and infections in the scalp, can require oral antifungal pills.
How long does it take for antifungal to work on ringworm?
It usually takes 7 days for fungal infections to improve. Apply clotrimazole to the infected area 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. The most common side effect of clotrimazole is irritation in the area where you apply the treatment. Clotrimazole is also known by the brand name Canesten.
What can cure ringworm fast?
Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.
Does ringworm ooze when healing?
Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis) When fungus affects the skin of the body, it often produces itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply defined edges.
Does ringworm get worse before it gets better?
With the correct treatment, ringworm usually goes away within 2 to 4 weeks. People with low immunity or debilitating conditions may develop severe infections due to ringworm. To prevent the infection from getting worse, they may need more aggressive treatment.
Is ringworm hard to get rid of?
Ringworm may be hard to cure. This condition is also more common in males and happens more often during warm weather conditions.
How do I clean my house after ringworm?
should be vacuumed, scrubbed, and washed with hot water, detergent, and 1:100 chlorine laundry bleach, or another effective disinfectant (see above). It is best to throw out any items that cannot be thoroughly disinfected. Walls, floors, lamps, etc.
Why does ringworm keep coming back?
The infection can quickly spread to other areas again. Because ringworm is very contagious, you can also spread ringworm to other people. Change your clothes, including underwear and socks, every day. Wash the clothes before wearing them again.
What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms of Ringworm InfectionsItchy skin.Ring-shaped rash.Red, scaly, cracked skin.Hair loss.
Does ringworm leave a scar?
Ringworm is a round red or discolored rash caused by a common fungal infection. While most people heal from ringworm without any lasting effects, a few people may experience permanent scarring. While these scars usually fade over time, there are several things you can do to prevent or minimize their appearance.
What can be mistaken for ringworm?
There are a variety of ringworm imposters that could be causing you or your child's rash. The two most common conditions are nummular eczema and granuloma annulare. Nummular eczema causes circular patches of dry skin that can burn or become dry and scaly.
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 get rid of tinea on dogs?
(Go ahead and crank up the water temp — you want to scorch those fungi.) Check Spot: Have a vet check your dog for fungal infections since they can spread tinea to people.
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.)
Where does tinea show up?
It can also show up anywhere on the body. In kids, the scalp is a common spot. But tinea can also infiltrate the feet (where it’s known as athlete’s foot) or the groin (hello, jock itch ). Advertising Policy.
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.)
Diagnosis
Your doctor might be able to diagnose ringworm simply by looking at it. Your doctor may take skin scrapings from the affected area so that they can be examined under a microscope.
Treatment
If over-the-counter treatments don't work, you may need prescription-strength antifungal medications — such as a lotion, cream or ointment that you apply to the affected skin. If your infection is particularly severe or extensive, your doctor might prescribe antifungal pills.
Preparing for your appointment
Your family doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose ringworm of the body. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your appointment.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
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). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by ...
How to stop ringworm from spreading?
2. Let it breathe. It may seem logical to keep ringworm covered with a bandage to prevent spreading the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process. Instead, wear comfortable, breathable clothes to speed healing and avoid spreading the rash to other people.
What is ringworm on the scalp?
Sometimes, ringworm develops on the scalp. Symptoms of a scalp infection include severe itching, patches of hair loss, scalp boils, and severe dandruff. If you have ringworm on your scalp, wash your hair with an over-the-counter medicated antifungal shampoo.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
See a doctor if the rash doesn’t go away after two weeks of home treatment. A ringworm infection that doesn’t improve or that spreads may require a prescription-strength topical cream or oral antifungal medication. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or see a dermatologist.
How to treat a rash after cleaning?
After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package. Spread the treatment beyond the border of the rash by a couple of centimeters and allow the medication to absorb into your skin. Shop for the following products online:
How to treat ringworm rash?
Early intervention is critical to prevent spreading the infection to others. Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm. 1. Apply a topical antifungal. Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill ...
How to get rid of fungus in clothes?
Hot water alone can kill the fungus. As an extra precaution, add borax or bleach to your wash along with regular laundry detergent.
How do dermatologists diagnose ringworm?
A dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm by looking at the infected area.
How do dermatologists treat 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 is the outcome for someone who has ringworm?
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.
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.
How to treat ringworm?
Although ringworm can affect different areas of the body, some of the treatments are similar because it's all the same type of fungus. Your treatment options include: 1 Wearing natural fibers. With jock itch, try wearing loose, cotton clothing, and with athlete's foot, wear socks made from natural fibers like cotton. 2 Washing and drying yourself thoroughly so that your skin is clean and dry. With athlete's foot, make sure that after you wash your feet, you dry them completely, including in-between your toes, before you apply any antifungal medication [source: Cleveland Clinic ]. 3 Using an over-the-counter antifungal medication, available in creams, lotions and powders. If your infection doesn't clear up, your doctor may give you a prescription antifungal cream. 4 Taking an oral antifungal medication. You will need a prescription from your doctor for this kind of treatment. If your ringworm infection spawns a bacterial infection, you also may need an antibiotic [source: National Library Medicine ].
What is the ringworm condition?
When you think of ringworm you're probably thinking of this type, with the typical round, scaly spots. Tinea capitis, which affects the scalp. This condition is more common in kids and teens, and doesn't usually occur after puberty. Tinea cruris, which affects the groin area. This condition is commonly known as jock itch.
What is ringworm called?
The resulting fungal infection is also known as tinea [source: National Center for Infectious Diseases ]. Ringworm can affect several areas of your body. In fact, the name of each specific type of ringworm is created by combining the word tinea with the Latin term for the infected area [source: Trevino, Cairns ].
Why does my scalp look like a ring?
It's usually red, and often the outside is redder than the middle, which may cause it to look like a ring. This type of ringworm may crack, blister and ooze [source: National Library Medicine ]. Advertisement. Hair loss is a key symptom in tinea capitis, or ringworm on your scalp.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Ringworm Symptoms. If you think you've been exposed to ringworm, there are some general symptoms to note. Ringworm infections can be itchy and most are red, scaly and cracked , or a combination of all three [source: National Center for Infectious Diseases ]. Each specific condition also has its own symptoms.
What is the cause of ringworm?
The common fungus dermatophyte (which means "skin fungi") is the culprit in causing ringworm infections, but it's only one of many kinds of fungi. Fungi are their own, separate kingdom and while they are not plants, they are more similar to plants than animals.
What to do if your infection doesn't clear up?
If your infection doesn't clear up, your doctor may give you a prescription antifungal cream. Taking an oral antifungal medication. You will need a prescription from your doctor for this kind of treatment.
What is ringworm in dogs?
Ringworm, scientifically known as dermatophytes, is a collection of pathogenic fungi. In dogs, 70 percent of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis, 20 percent are caused by the fungus Microsporum gypseum, and just 10 percent are caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The fungus grows and lives in the outermost layer ...
How does ringworm spread in dogs?
Ringworm in dogs spreads through direct contact with the fungus. This can happen when a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal or person or touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet.
How to diagnose ringworm in dogs?
Your vet will diagnose your dog with ringworm by performing a diagnostic test, as well as a physical exam. He will probably take a sample of hair or skin cells for a fungal culture or examine infected hairs under a special ultraviolet light called a Wood’s lamp.
How long does oral fungus treatment last?
Anti-fungal oral medications help fight the infection and, like topical therapy, need to be administered for a minimum of six weeks, but in some cases could take months to take full effect.
Does ringworm itch?
These lesions may start to heal in the center as they enlarge, creating a patchy appearance, and may become inflamed or scabbed. Ringworm usually does not itch.
Is ringworm a fungus?
Despite its name, however, ringworm is not actually a worm—it is a fungus. This fungal infection is common all over the world and infects almost all species of domestic animals, including dogs, which is why dog owners should know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ringworm.
Can ringworm affect dogs?
The infection is superficial, and in most cases only affects a few areas of the dog’s body. Puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs sometimes suffer from more widespread ringworm infections.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Common treatments to speed up healing. The standard treatment for ringworm is a topical antifungal preparation, such as terbanifine (Lamisil AT). In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal, such as terbanafine, itraconazole (Sporanox, Orungal), or fluconazole (Diflucan, Celozole).
How to prevent ringworm?
Maintaining good general hygiene is the best prevention against ringworm. Ringworm often spreads from your feet or groin area, so preventing athlete’s foot and jock itch can be a first line of defense.
How long does it take for ringworm to show up on fur?
They can still transfer the ringworm to you. M. canis, the common cause of ringworm in pets, can be seen under an ultraviolet light (black light). Under an ultraviolet light, it may appear on the fur within seven days of exposure. But it takes two to four weeks for the symptoms to show up on the animal’s skin.
What is jock itch?
Trusted Source. from person to person (and even from animal to person). Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) are caused by the same organism as ringworm. It’s called ringworm when it appears on other parts of your body.
Can you stop being contagious with antifungal medication?
You don’t stop being contagious when you start using antifungal medication. However, once you start treatment, if you cover the lesions you can significantly decrease the risk of spreading them to others. The condition is contagious until all the spores are eliminated from your skin.
Can you catch ringworm from a pet?
You can also catch ringworm from an infected pet, though this is less common. But the species of fungi that causes ringworm in pets is different from those common among humans. These fungi may sometimes be transferred to a person in close contact with the pet, but the ringworm is not as likely to spread from that person to another.
Can cats carry ringworm?
Cats and dogs can both carry it, but cats are considered the most important hosts. It’s also regularly found on horses and rabbits. Long-haired breeds such as Persian cats and Yorkshire terriers are reported to be more susceptible. Both humans and animals can be carriers without showing symptoms of ringworm infection.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Preparing For Your Appointment
