Treatment FAQ

what are the treatment for ringworm

by Lucie Jacobs Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If the ringworm is on your skin, an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may work just fine. Some of the most popular ones are clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole. 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.Mar 15, 2021

Medication

Once your dog has tested positive for ringworm, the veterinarian will begin treating it. Topical creams and ointments can cost between $20 and $100. This method can be combined with a medicated shampoo, adding an additional $10 to $35 per bottle.

Self-care

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.

Nutrition

Treatment for ringworm includes natural remedies and prescription medication. If you try a home remedy and do not notice an improvement it is important to visit a doctor. Any signs of infection should warrant a prompt evaluation by a doctor to prevent complications. Getting the proper ringworm treatment is vital to prevent the rash from spreading.

How much does it cost the treatment for ringworm?

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.

What is ringworm and how to treat it naturally?

What is a fast cure for ringworm?

How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?

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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.

What is the best medicine to cure 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.

What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?

Symptoms of Ringworm InfectionsItchy skin.Ring-shaped rash.Red, scaly, cracked skin.Hair loss.

What is the best prescription cream for ringworm?

Prescription Medications These include Loprox cream (ciclopirox), Spectazole cream (econazole nitrate), and Oxistat cream or lotion (oxiconazole nitrate). Tinea capitas (ringworm on the scalp) or tinea barbae (ringworm of the beard): Fungal infections on the scalp must be treated with a prescription antifungal.

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 causes ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways: Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

What's ringworm look like?

It may look red, silver or darker than surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch). The rash is usually ring-shaped, but it may look different on your face, neck or scalp.

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.

How long does ringworm last?

How Long Does Ringworm Last? 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.

Where can I buy ringworm pills?

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.

Is there an antibiotic for ringworm?

Most ringworm infections are mild and can be treated using a pharmacy antifungal cream. Scalp infections can be treated with antifungal tablets, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoo. If the skin is irritated or broken, it can lead to other bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics.

How can you test for ringworm at home?

Fungal culture: The best way to diagnose ringworm is to culture the fungus from the infected individual (person or animal). In animals, one of the best ways to collect a sample for culture is to comb over all the fur and skin with a new toothbrush, and then try to grow dermatophytes from the toothbrush.

What is the fastest home remedy for ringworm?

Aloe vera Aloe vera has long been used as a natural remedy for both bacterial and fungal infections, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera can treat the ringworm and may soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort. You can find ointments with aloe vera or apply aloe vera gel directly to the area.

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.

How long does ringworm take to go away?

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

How often should I use fungus cream?

Vij says. 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.”.

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.)

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.)

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 you use apple cider vinegar to treat 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.

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.

What is the best medicine for ringworm?

Some of the most popular ones are clotrimazole ( Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole.

How long does it take for ringworm to clear up?

Your doctor will have to write you a prescription. Keep an eye out for symptoms that get worse or don’t clear up after 2 weeks. If they don’t, call your doctor.

How do you know if you have ringworm on your scalp?

Ringworm on your scalp tends to start out as a bump or small sore. It may turn flaky and scaly, and your scalp may feel tender and sore to the touch. You may notice that your hair starts to fall out in patches.

Can ringworm be found in cows?

It’s also very common in cows. By touching objects. The fungus that causes ringworm can linger on surfaces, clothes, towels, and in combs and brushes. From soil. If you’re working or standing barefoot in soil that’s infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, you can get it, too.

Is ringworm a worm?

Ringworm isn’t a worm. It’s a skin infection that’s caused by mold like fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. You can get it in any of these places -- and on your scalp. When you get it between your toes, it’s what people call athlete’s foot. If it spreads to your groin, it’s known as jock itch.

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 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 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?

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.

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.

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.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment can be done by topical application of antifungal creams and taking care of personal hygiene.
Medication

Antifungals: Drugs which are used for topical application i.e. applied over the affected area.

Clotrimazole . Butenafine . Miconazole


Oral antifungals: Doctor may prescribe oral medications in severe infection.

Fluconazole . Griseofulvin . Terbinafine

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Avoid clothing that irritates the infected area
  • Bandage can be used to cover infected area
  • Clean the infected area regularly
  • Wash hand regularly after touching pets
  • Keep pets clean and the area disinfected
  • Keep feet dry and clean

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Vitamin A-rich foods such as spinach, carrots, and apricots
  • Vitamin E-rich foods such as eggs, hazelnuts, lentils, spinach, almonds, sesame seeds and whole-grain bread

Foods to avoid:

  • Processed food
  • Excessive intake of sugar
  • Excessive intake of gluten

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.

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