Medication
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
Self-care
Jul 08, 2019 · 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.
Nutrition
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. Skin: An antifungal ointment or cream often clears ringworm on the skin. Most of these medicines you apply twice …
What is the most effective treatment for ringworm?
Sep 24, 2021 · Keep the affected area clean and dry. Apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or terbinafine (Lamisil AT) as directed on the packaging. Preparing for your appointment Your family doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose ringworm of the body.
What over the counter medication is good for ringworm?
While you’ll need antifungal medications treat ringworm, there are some things you can do to help stop its spread: 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 ...
What is the best oral medication for ringworm?
Aug 22, 2017 · Home Remedies for Ringworm 1. Soap and water. When you have ringworm, you need to keep the area as clean as possible. This helps prevent the... 2. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it may help treat ringworm when applied... 3. Tea tree oil. Native ...
Is ringworm bad for You?
How do you get rid of 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.
How can I treat ringworm at home?
Home Remedies for RingwormSoap and water.Apple cider vinegar.Tea tree oil.Coconut oil.Turmeric.Aloe vera.Oregano oil.Lemongrass.More items...
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or terbinafine (Lamisil AT) as directed on the packaging.Sep 24, 2021
What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus that eats keratin. These are called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes attack the skin, scalp, hair, and nails because those are the only parts of the body with enough keratin to attract them. Dermatophytes are microscopic spores that can survive on the surface of the skin for months.
How do I stop ringworm from spreading?
How can I prevent ringworm?Keep your skin clean and dry.Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet.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.More items...
Can ringworm go away on its own?
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 are 3 symptoms of ringworm?
Recognizing ringworm symptomsitchiness.itchy or scaly patches that are red, brown, or gray, or raised areas of skin called plaques.a round, flat patch of itchy skin.patches that develop blisters or pustules.patches that resemble a ring with deeper color on the outside.patches with edges that are defined and raised.More items...
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.Oct 12, 2009
When does ringworm start itching?
Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.
Where did I catch ringworm?
Causes and Risk Factors of Ringworm You can catch ringworm by: Having direct, skin-to-skin contact with affected areas of an infected person's body. Touching items that have the fungi on them, such as clothing, combs, pool surfaces, and shower floors. Playing with pets.Aug 21, 2020
What creams treat ringworm?
Ringworm on the skin like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) can usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin for 2 to 4 weeks. There are many non-prescription products available to treat ringworm, including: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
What looks like ringworm?
Other conditions that occasionally look like ringworm include seborrhea, psoriasis, pityriasis, contact dermatitis (such as poison oak), drug reactions, tinea versicolor, vitiligo, erythema migrans (a rash seen in Lyme disease), and even lupus.
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.
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.
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.
Can a kid get a scalp infection?
The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, so it often affects kids (who are famously lax about keeping their hands to themselves) and athletes who engage in close contact, such as wrestlers. But it can strike anyone of any age. It can also show up anywhere on the body. In kids, the scalp is a common spot.
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 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 ...
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 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.
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 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 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.
What is the best medicine for scalp ringworm?
Children who have scalp ringworm often receive a medicine called griseofulvin. Your dermatologist may prescribe the tablets, capsules, or liquid. Sometimes, another prescription medicine is prescribed. It is important to take an antifungal medicine exactly as prescribed, and for as long as prescribed.
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.
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 jock itch?
To treat the itch, it often helps to apply a wet, cool washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes. You may need to apply cool compresses 2 to 6 times a day. 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How to treat ringworm?
When using essential oils, test that you’re not allergic to them first. Dilute the essential oil by adding three to five drops per ounce of a carrier oil such as olive or mineral oil. Then, rub it onto healthy skin in an area the size of a dime.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Pine and coal-tar soap are older home remedies that might be an option, but they can be irritating to sensitive skin. 2. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it may help treat ringworm when applied topically to the affected area.
How to treat ringworm with lemongrass oil?
To use lemongrass oil, mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with a carrier oil. Apply it directly to the skin twice per day.
How to treat fungal infections with licorice?
Licorice has strong antimicrobial properties, and research has found that the extracts of licorice could be used as alterative treatment for fungal infections. Mix eight teaspoons of powdered licorice with a cup of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes.
How to get rid of ringworm rash?
1. Soap and water. When you have ringworm, you need to keep the area as clean as possible. This helps prevent the further spread of the rash and helps keep the affected area under control. Wash the affected area with water and antibacterial soap daily before applying other home remedies on top of it.
What is ringworm caused by?
Despite its name, ringworm isn’t actually caused by a worm or any type of living parasite. Instead, it’s a skin condition that’s caused by a type of fungus called tinea. It lives on the dead tissues of skin, including your nails and hair.
How to get rid of fungus on skin?
It’s also an effective antifungal that inhibits growth. Combine fresh-ground turmeric, or the turmeric spice, with a small amount of water and mix until it becomes a paste. Apply it to your skin and leave it on until it dries. You can also drink turmeric water or turmeric tea daily to get the internal benefits.