Treatment FAQ

what is the best over the counter treatment for ringworm

by Cornelius Jacobson MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Over the Counter Medicines for Ringworm

  • Miconazole. Miconazole is an antifungal agent with antibacterial properties which helps in controlling the growth of fungi.
  • Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is a very common over the counter treatment for scalp ringworm, which is available in form of gel or foam-based cream.
  • Clotrimazole. ...
  • Terbinafine. ...
  • Tolnaftate. ...

Full Answer

What is the strongest OTC cream for ringworm?

There are many non-prescription products available to treat ringworm, including: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington Antifungal, Critic Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, Micaderm, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Miranel, Mitrazol, Podactin, Remedy Antifungal, …

What is the fastest treatment for ringworm?

Clotrimazole is a popular antifungal medication available over-the-counter, which is effective in treating ringworm. Clotrimazole works against the growing fungi and slowly clears up the infection. Applying it over the skin, twice a day, should provide relief from ringworm.

Are there any home remedies for ringworm?

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ringworm If the infection is on your skin – as in the case of athlete’s foot or jock itch – your doctor will likely suggest an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or...

How to stop ringworm from spreading on body?

Jul 08, 2019 · Ringworm treatment If you have signs of ringworm, you probably want it gone yesterday. Good news, says Dr. Vij: “It’s generally easy to treat.” 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.

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What cures ringworm fast?

Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm.Apply a topical antifungal. Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. ... Let it breathe. ... Wash bedding daily. ... Change wet underwear and socks. ... Use an antifungal shampoo. ... Take a prescription antifungal.

What is the most effective antifungal cream 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 is the most effective medicine for ringworm?

Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), Terbinafine, and Itraconazole are the oral medicines doctors prescribe most often for ringworm. Terbinafine. If your doctor puts you on these tablets, you'll have to take them once a day for 4 weeks. They work in most cases.Sep 2, 2020

Is hydrocortisone good for ringworm?

Do not use steroid creams to treat rashes that may be ringworm. People who have ringworm don't always know what's causing their rash. For this reason, people sometimes apply over-the-counter creams or ointments containing medications called corticosteroids (or “steroids” for short) to their rash.

Can you buy cream over-the-counter for ringworm?

Most cases of ringworm, groin infections and athlete's foot can be treated using an over-the-counter antifungal cream, gel or spray. There are lots of different types, so ask your pharmacist to help you choose the right one for you.Dec 6, 2021

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...

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.Sep 16, 2020

What does ringworm look like when it starts?

Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include: A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs. Itchiness. A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin.Sep 24, 2021

What is the best treatment for ringworm?

Clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is a popular antifungal medication available over-the-counter, which is effective in treating ringworm. Clotrimazole works against the growing fungi and slowly clears up the infection. Applying it over the skin, twice a day, should provide relief from ringworm.

How to treat ringworm on scalp?

Ketoconazole is a very common over the counter treatment for scalp ringworm, which is available in form of gel or foam-based cream. Ketoconazole based gels make effective anti-dandruff shampoo and treatment for scalp ringworm. You can use a ketoconazole shampoo twice or thrice a week, for a few weeks to get the results.

Why is ringworm red?

It is known as ringworm because of the characteristic red ring which appears on the affected part of skin. Initially a rash is formed on the skin area which is infected by ringworm. As this rash goes on expanding, a ring is visible at its center.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects millions of people across the world. This article lists some over the counter medicines that are used to treat this condition. Ringworm is a fungal infection which can affect nails, scalp, feet or any other part of your body. It is known as ringworm because of the characteristic red ring which ...

How long does it take for terbinafine to work?

It works by weakening the cell membrane which holds the fungal cells. You need to apply terbinafine topical medication twice a day, for 2-4 weeks, to treat ringworm. Remember that oral dosage might lead to side effects like diarrhea, abdominal pain and the topical ointment might cause itching.

Does miconazole help with ringworm?

Miconazole is an antifungal agent with antibacterial properties which helps in controlling the growth of fungi. When applied twice a day, it relieves itching, scaling and irritation caused due to ringworm and other fungal infections. It has minimal side effects like burning, stinging and flaking of affected skin.

Can terbinafine be used for ringworm?

Tolnaftate and terbinafine can also be used in combination for treating this fungal infection. Some fungal infections might not respond to the above-mentioned medications. If the infection has penetrated the affected area, oral or topical over-the-counter medications will fail to cure it. Moreover, a large patch of ringworm can be serious ...

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 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.

Why do you wash your sheets?

Because ringworm is highly contagious, you should wash your sheets daily to get rid of the infection faster. Fungal spores can transfer to your sheets and comforter. If you sleep on the same sheets night after night, it can take longer for ringworm to heal, and the infection can spread to other parts of your body.

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.

What is the best treatment for a rash on the face?

Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lami sil). 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 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.

What Are the Treatments for Ringworm?

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.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ringworm

If the infection is on your skin – as in the case of athlete’s foot or jock itch – your doctor will likely suggest an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder.

Prescription Treatments for Ringworm

If you have ringworm on your scalp or in many different places on your body, OTC treatments may not be enough. Your doctor will write you a prescription for an antifungal medication that you’ll have to take by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

Home Care for Ringworm

While you’ll need antifungal medications treat ringworm, there are some things you can do to help stop its spread:

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 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.

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 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 prevent athlete's foot from spreading?

Protect your feet: Wear shower shoes at the gym or pool to avoid catching athlete’s foot.

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.

What to do if you have a fungus infection?

If your infection is particularly severe or extensive, your doctor might prescribe antifungal pills.

How to treat a swollen ear?

Lifestyle and home remedies 1 Keep the affected area clean and dry. 2 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 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 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.

What is jock itch?

For example, when it affects the groin area, it’s referred to as jock itch. When it affects the area between your toes, it’s called athlete’s foot. Fortunately, ringworm can respond well to home treatments.

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.

Does aloe help with ringworm?

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.

Can ringworm be treated with home remedies?

You should also go to the doctor if you’re in a position that could likely spread it to others, such as if you’re a teacher. In some cases, ringworm won’t respond to home remedies or OTC treatments. Your doctor will write you a prescription for an antifungal topical ointment or an oral medication.

What is the best treatment for ringworm?

You should only use tea tree oil topically as it is toxic if ingested. Apple Cider Vinegar. Some sources suggest treating ringworm with apple cider vinegar by rubbing some on the infected area and covering it with a bandage. Studies show this vinegar does have some antifungal properties.

What is ringworm?

Remedies for Ringworm. When to See a Doctor. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. It gets its name from the circular pattern it grows in. Contrary to what the name suggests, it is not a worm. It is a fungus. The medical terms for ringworm are tinea or dermatophytosis. It also has other names depending on where it is on your body.

How do you know if you have ringworm?

Both people and animals can get ringworm. The fungus spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. It can also spread from objects and soil to people. There are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate a ringworm infection on your body such as: 1 A scaly, itchy, ring-shaped patch on your body 2 The ring may have red bumps inside of it 3 It may also have overlapping rings or multiple raised rings that expand outwards

How does ringworm spread?

The fungus spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. It can also spread from objects and soil to people. There are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate a ringworm infection on your body such as: A scaly, itchy, ring-shaped patch on your body.

Is tea tree oil good for athlete's foot?

Early studies show it does work as an antifungal against ringworm. Other studies show that it works against athlete's foot when applied as a cream. You should only use tea tree oil topically as it is toxic if ingested.

What is ringworm on the feet called?

It also has other names depending on where it is on your body. For example, ringworm on the feet is called athlete's foot and ringworm in the groin is called jock itch. Both people and animals can get ringworm. The fungus spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

How long does it take for ringworm to clear up?

After a few days of twice-daily application , you should begin to see your ringworm clearing up. Medical experts recommend using the cream daily for a month to fully wipe out the infection. Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree.

What is Lotrisone used for?

It treats ringworm and infections like jock itch and athlete's foot. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by these infections.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat yeast infections?

Exelderm (sulconazole) is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin. Exelderm is less popular than other azole antibiotics. There are currently no generic alternatives to Exelderm.

What is Grifulvin V?

Grifulvin V (griseofulvin microsize) Drug class: Tubulin Inhibitors. GRISEOFULVIN is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin, hair, or nails.

Is Naftifine covered by Medicare?

This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.

What is Ala Quin used for?

Drug class: Corticosteroids. Ala-Quin ( hydrocortisone and Iodochlorhydroxyquin) is a drug used to treat skin infections and eczema .This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Ala-Quin. GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Crown Laboratories to reduce the price for this prescription.

What is tolnaftate used for?

TOLNAFTATE is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin. See Prices. Note: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

Is ketoconazole covered by Medicare?

It is available in multiple generic and brand versions. Generic ketoconazole is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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