Medication
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.
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. Creams, lotions, or powders don’t work for ringworm on the scalp. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include: Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) Terbinafine
Nutrition
Jock itch: To treat this type of ringworm, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream, spray, or powder that you can buy without a prescription. You typically apply the antifungal twice a day for 10 to 14 days. To treat the itch, it often helps to apply a wet, cool washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes.
How long does it take for ringworm cream to work?
The stages of ringworm healing has only just begun! As you’re about to see in the upcoming ringworm healing chart, a typical ringworm infection, even with treatment takes 2-4 weeks to be fully eradicated. What’s more is as long as you have ringworm, you can infect someone else and they, in turn, can re-infect you. Pets and People and Ringworm
How long does it take for ringworm to show symptoms?
If left untreated, ringworm can last for months. With treatment, the skin condition usually starts clearing up within days, but it can take a week or two. Usually, depending on the severity, treatment generally lasts after the rash disappears. It takes a …
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
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. After touching the area with ringworm, wash your hands before touching another area of your body.
How do you speed up the healing of ringworm?
Jul 08, 2019 · These creams will: Clear it up: Use it twice a day, and the infection should start clearing within a few days, Dr. Vij says. Wipe it out: Keep using the cream morning and night for …
Does ringworm go away?
Your infection gets worse or doesn’t go away after using non-prescription medications. You or your child has ringworm on the scalp. Ringworm on the scalp needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication.
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)
Can steroid creams cause ringworm?
Learn more about how steroid creams can make ringworm worse. For non-prescription creams, lotions, or powders, follow the directions on the package label. Contact your healthcare provider if your infection doesn’t go away or gets worse. Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken ...
How long does it take for ringworm to clear?
A mild case usually clears in two weeks. If the athlete’s foot is more severe or fails to clear in two weeks, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medicine. Jock itch: To treat this type of ringworm, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream, spray, or powder that you can buy without a prescription.
Can ringworm be treated at home?
Ringworm can survive on objects for a long time. If the jock itch fails to clear with at-home treatment, be sure to tell your dermatologist. You may need stronger medicine. Scalp: On the scalp, ringworm requires prescription medicine. Children who have scalp ringworm often receive a medicine called griseofulvin.
How do you know if you have ringworm?
How do dermatologists diagnose ringworm? A dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm by looking at the infected area. Your dermatologist may also examine other areas of your body. It’s common to have athlete’s foot and ringworm on one or both hands. Sometimes, the infection spreads to one or more nails.
How to treat ringworm without a prescription?
Jock itch: To treat this type of ringworm, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream, spray, or powder that you can buy without a prescription. You typically apply the antifungal twice a day for 10 to 14 days. To treat the itch, it often helps to apply a wet, cool washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes.
Can you take antifungal shampoo for ringworm?
It is important to take an antifungal medicine exactly as prescribed, and for as long as prescribed. The ringworm may fail to clear if you stop taking it sooner than prescribed. This can make it more difficult to get rid of the ringworm. Clearing scalp ringworm also often requires using an antifungal shampoo.
Does shampoo help with ringworm?
Scalp ringworm is extremely contagious. When everyone uses antifungal shampoo, this helps prevent family members from infecting each other.
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 long does it take for ringworm to heal?
As you’re about to see in the upcoming ringworm healing chart, a typical ringworm infection, even with treatment takes 2-4 weeks to be fully eradicated. What’s more is as long as you have ringworm, you can infect someone else and they, in turn, can re-infect you.
How to tell if ringworm is healing?
Do not use hand or body lotions unless instructed by your physician. Wash the skin with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Continue applying your anti-fungal ointment as prescribed.
How to treat a fungal infection?
Here are a few preventative measures: 1 Avoid areas where fungal infections are common 2 Wear protective gloves while treating another infected person or animal. 3 Wear clean breathable fabrics, like cotton, around feet and genitals. 4 Dry skin thoroughly before dressing. 5 Wash sweat and grime from skin and hair as soon as possible following vigorous activity.
What does the color zone mean for ringworm?
The color zone means you are contagious and can pass ringworm spores to someone else (or your pet).
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Stage 1: Less itching. The first symptoms of ringworm that will diminish during treatment are the itching and redness. Blisters and the ring-shaped rash will still be present, but may look less red and irritated. It is important that you continue using the anti-fungal even though you may be “feeling better.”.
How do you know if you have ringworm?
The first symptoms of ringworm that will diminish during treatment are the itching and redness. Blisters and the ring-shaped rash will still be present, but may look less red and irritated. It is important that you continue using the anti-fungal even though you may be “feeling better.”
How to avoid ringworm infection in the future?
How can you avoid a ringworm infection in the future? Remember, the fungus that causes ringworm thrives in damp, dark places. Pay particular attention to body areas with joints and creases where sweat and dirt can easily collect.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
It takes a total of two to four weeks of medication. Treatment should be continued for at least one week after the rash goes away. If the treatment time is extended it enables effectiveness and ensures the fungus is actually gone. Ringworm infection may not be quickly noticed because of its incubation period.
How long does ringworm last?
Just as was said earlier, if ringworm is left untreated, it may last for several months. If treated immediately, it only lasts for two to four weeks, depending on how your skin responds to the chosen remedy. Soon after treatment begins, you’ll notice that your skin may flake and peel as it heals.
How to tell if you have ringworm?
Ringworm basically doesn’t show up immediately, once you’re exposed to dermatophytes. It usually takes up to 4 to 14 days before the symptoms are clearly seen: 1 A red or pink spot that’s slightly raised when fungi multiply on the skin. It may be in the form of moist, but more often, it’s dry, scaly and itchy. 2 Usually, the center will start to clear up as the size of the rash increase. 3 The outcome develops a circular patch with red edges, which is a classic symptom.
How to prevent ringworm in kids?
In preventing ringworm, Contact with anything contaminated with the fungus needs to be avoided. This may not be that easy, especially when you have kids who constantly touch every surface possible. Regular washing of hands often helps to reduce the risk. Some other ways to prevent ringworm include: 1 Educating your kids not to share personal items 2 Putting on shoes, especially in locker rooms and around public pools 3 Making efforts to always change socks and underwear frequently 4 The habit of washing hands after playing with pets 5 Keeping sports gear clean and dry 6 Carrying out frequent vacuum activity in the house or compound if your pet has ringworm. 7 Using your own personal items like towels, brushes, and clothes 8 Putting on lightweight, cool, breathable clothes to avoid creating an ideal warm, humid place for the fungus to grow 9 Keeping skin dry
What is the ringworm rash?
Ringworm is known as a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash on the skin. The rash is usually red and ring-shaped with unaffected skin in the middle. There may be scaly, bumpy or have blisters on the red border may. The borer can easily be seen as a result of its sharp edges. The ring shape varies in size.
Can ringworm be found on the head?
Hence, the infection may be ruled out just because the rash isn’t a ring with clear skin in the middle. Ringworm mostly shows up on the face, trunk, and limbs, and it can as well appear in other parts of the body. The scalp of the head can also be infected.
Where does ringworm show up?
Ringworm mostly shows up on the face, trunk, and limbs, and it can as well appear in other parts of the body. The scalp of the head can also be infected. Some of the sign is having a flaky pimple or dandruff appearance instead of the usual ring shape.
Can ringworm be treated?
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. Sometimes, ringworm can be stubborn or patients unknowingly do something that prevents the treatment from working.
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 prevent ringworm?
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. Keep the infected area clean and dry. The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist areas, so you want keep the area clean and dry.
How to treat athlete's foot and ringworm?
Keep the area clean and dry. Using a different towel to dry off the area infected by ringworm can improve treatment results. 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.
Can ringworm spread to other people?
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. This includes clothes you wear to work out.
How to prevent athlete's foot from spreading?
The fungi can survive on objects for a long time. Wear shower thongs or waterproof shoes in locker rooms, showers that others use , and pool areas . If you have athlete’s foot, this helps prevent spreading it to others. It also gives you some protection if someone else has ringworm. Disinfect or throw out infected items.
What to do if you have athlete's foot?
If you have athlete’s foot, this helps prevent spreading it to others. It also gives you some protection if someone else has ringworm. Disinfect or throw out infected items.
How to get rid of red ring on skin?
These strategies can help you avoid those telltale red rings (or prevent them from spreading from one part of your body to another): 1 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.) 2 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.) 3 Check Spot: Have a vet check your dog for fungal infections since they can spread tinea to people. 4 Hit the showers: Shower right after working out — especially if you’re a wrestler or participate in other close-contact sports. 5 Protect your feet: Wear shower shoes at the gym or pool to avoid catching athlete’s foot.
How to get rid of a rash on your body?
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.) Boil the bedding: Wash all linens, towels and clothing that comes into contact with an infected person.
How to treat athlete's foot infection?
Look for over-the-counter antifungal creams such as Tinactin® ( tolnaftate topical) or Lotramin® ( clotrimazole ). These products are often found in the foot care aisle and marketed for athlete’s foot. These creams will: 1 Clear it up: Use it twice a day, and the infection should start clearing within a few days, Dr. Vij says. 2 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.”
What causes red splotches on the skin?
Ringworm causes red, ring-shaped patches on the skin. The red splotches typically have a wavy border that’s raised or scaly, Dr. Vij says. The rash is usually a little itchy but not always.
Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy. “That’s a huge misconception. Ringworm, or tinea, is not a creature but an infection caused by fungus,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD.
How long does it take for ringworm to stop?
According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, ringworm stops being contagious after 48 hours of treatment. While undergoing treatment, a person can cover the lesion to help prevent it from coming into contact with other people or objects in the environment.
Can ringworm be treated with cream?
It can occur anywhere on the body but is particularly common in the groin area and on the feet. A person can use medicated ointments and creams to treat ringworm topically. For more severe infections, a person may need to take oral antifungal medications.
What is ringworm on the scalp?
Summary. Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes ring-shaped lesions on the outer layers of the skin . These lesions are typically red and itchy, and they can appear on the scalp, outer extremities, or torso. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through contact with other areas of the body and other people.
Is ringworm contagious?
These lesions are typically red and itchy, and they can appear on the scalp, outer extremities, or torso. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through contact with other areas of the body and other people. Ringworm remains contagious ...
Can ringworm be spread to other people?
Share on Pinterest. Contact with a person that has ringworm can spread the condition. Ringworm is highly contagious . A person may contract ringworm from an infected pet or another person. Several different types of fungi can cause ringworm. These fungi are contagious for as long as any of their spores remain alive.
How long does ringworm live?
These fungi are contagious for as long as any of their spores remain alive. Fungal spores can live for 12 to 20 months, so it is important that a person disinfects anything that has come into contact with an infected person or animal.
How does ringworm spread?
Ringworm spreads through direct contact with infected skin or fungal spores. The spores can live on fabrics, including clothing, couch cushions, bedding, and other porous surfaces. They also thrive in damp environments, such as public showers and locker rooms.
Can ringworm be repeated?
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.
What is a ringworm?
Tinea infections of the feet, nails, and genital areas are not generally referred to as ringworm, as they may not take on the typical ring shape.
What causes ringworm on the body?
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. It is caused by a fungal infection—not an actual worm. Fungi on the skin, hair, and nail bed are called dermatophytes. Also referred to by healthcare providers as Tinea infections, infection on the scalp, arms, legs, face, and trunk is characterized by ring-shaped, red, ...
What does jock itch look like?
Symptoms of jock itch may include: Red, ring-like patches in the groin area. Itching in the groin area. Pain in the groin area. Does not usually involve the scrotum. Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. It happens mainly in children between the ages of 2 to 10.
Is scalp ringworm contagious?
Pain in the groin area. Does not usually involve the scrotum. Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. It happens mainly in children between the ages of 2 to 10. It rarely happens in adults. Symptoms of scalp ringworm may include:
Can ringworm cause hair loss?
It rarely happens in adults. Symptoms of scalp ringworm may include: Red, scaly rash on the scalp. Itching of the scalp. Hair loss on the scalp. Rash elsewhere on the body. Ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial ringworm.
What causes a rash on the scalp?
This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm and may be associated with a rash elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Nail infection (tinea unguium).
How long does it take for ringworm to clear up?
Most cases of ringworm are mild and fairly easy to treat at home and with medication. Usually ringworm clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. More serious cases may require up to 3 months of treatment.
Can ringworm be treated with antifungal medication?
Antifungal medication is a widely used treatment for ringworm. Most cases of ringworm respond well to these medications and rashes disappear. In rare cases, healed ringworm rashes leave permanent scarring on your skin. Ringworm scars are more likely to affect people living with: autoimmune diseases. sensitive skin.
How to protect skin from sun damage?
Some easy tips to keep your skin healthy and protected include: 1 Quit or reduce smoking. This may be difficult, but a doctor can create a plan that works for you. 2 Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. 3 Apply moisturizer to dry skin. 4 Protect your skin from the wind with clothing. 5 Cover exposed skin when outside. 6 Avoid going outside during the sun’s peak hours. 7 Try to eat a balanced diet. 8 Try to get enough sleep. 9 Avoid drinking alcohol.
What causes ringworm on the scalp?
Other side effects. Takeaway. Ringworm is a type of red or discolored, itchy skin rash caused by a contagious fungal infection called tinea ( tinea capitis when it affects your scalp and tinea corporis when it affects your body). Tinea is transmitted by pets and people, and it’s the same type of fungus that causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.
What is ringworm rash?
Takeaway. Ringworm is a type of red or discolored, itchy skin rash caused by a contagious fungal infection called tinea ( tinea capitis when it affects your scalp and tinea corporis when it affects your body). Tinea is transmitted by pets and people, and it’s the same type of fungus that causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Can ringworm cause hair loss?
Some cases of ringworm, including ringworm on your scalp, may cause hair loss. In rare cases, a person may experience scarring following a case of ringworm.
How to get rid of ringworm scars?
Laser therapy. Laser therapy involves exposing scarred skin to intense light beams. The light removes your outer layer of skin or sparks new skin growth in the places it has been damaged. When performed by licensed medical professionals, laser therapy is usually safe and effective at reducing the appearance of ringworm scars.
