Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment of ringworm

by Dr. Lucio Frami II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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)

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 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)....Shop for the following products online:Antifungal cream.Antifungal lotion.Antifungal powder.

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for ringworm?

For a mild case of ringworm, try these self-care tips. 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.

How do I stop ringworm from spreading?

To get the best results and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body, dermatologists recommend the following:Treat the area for as long as recommended. ... After touching the area with ringworm, wash your hands before touching another area of your body. ... Keep the infected area clean and dry.More items...

What causes ringworms on the body?

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 are 3 symptoms of ringworm?

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

What cream kills fungus on skin?

Antifungal creams, liquids or sprays (also called topical antifungals) These are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. They include clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole, terbinafine, and amorolfine. They come in various different brand names.

What foods help get rid of ringworm?

Read on to discover 11 natural treatments for fungal infections, such as ringworm:Garlic. Share on Pinterest Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use. ... Soapy water. ... Apple cider vinegar. ... Aloe vera. ... Coconut oil. ... Grapefruit seed extract. ... Turmeric. ... Powdered licorice.More items...

How serious is ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm doesn't have anything to do with worms. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails. These fungal infections, medically known as "tinea", are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread.

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 food causes ringworm?

In natural medicine, it is generally believed that the fungal (yeast) organisms responsible for infections such as ringworm thrive on foods containing sugar (including the sugar in fruit), refined carbohydrates (like pasta and white rice) and foods that are mouldy, yeasty or fermented (most breads, aged cheeses, dried ...

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.

What does a ringworm look like?

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. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center, creating the appearance of a ring.

What is the best medicine for ringworm?

Griseofulvin ( Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), Terbinafine, and Itraconazole are the oral medicines doctors prescribe most often for ringworm.

How long does it take to get rid of ringworm on scalp?

Your doctor will write you a prescription for an antifungal medication that you’ll have to take by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

How long does it take for ringworm to go away?

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. It’ll also lower your chances of it coming back.

How long does itraconazole last?

Itraconazole. This is prescribed in pill form for 7 or 15 days. It’s not for use in children, the elderly, or those with severe liver disease. While taking it, you may experience nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, or headache. See your doctor if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms or infection after you’ve finished your treatment.

Can you buy ringworm pills over the counter?

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.

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.

What shampoos kill fungus?

Look for shampoos with antifungal active ingredients, such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc. Use shampoos according to the directions on the package.

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 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.

Who can diagnose ringworm?

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 to do if you have a fungus infection?

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

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 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.)

How to get rid of fungus in bed?

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.)

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.)

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.

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 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.

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.

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 treat ringworm on a cotton ball?

2. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it may help treat ringworm when applied topically to the affected area. To use it, soak a cotton ball in undiluted apple cider vinegar and brush the cotton ball over your skin . Do this three times per day.

How long does it take for ringworm to clear up?

Most cases of ringworm clear up within two weeks.

What is the best oil for ringworm?

If you have sensitive skin, it may be helpful to dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil , which has its own antifungal benefits. 4. Coconut oil. Coconut oil has both microbial and antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm infections.

What is ringworm on the feet?

The medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.”. Other names for ringworm are based on its location on the body – for example, ringworm on the feet is also called “athlete ’s foot.”.

Why is my ring worm rash red?

Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy . Anyone can get ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

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 get rid of ringworm?

When cleaning the area with ringworm, wash the affected area (s) and dry it (them) with a clean towel. Use another clean towel to dry the other parts of your body.

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 from spreading?

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.

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.

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.

How to treat ringworm?

Body and groin — tinea corporis and cruris (“jock itch”) treatment includes: Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products. For tinea cruris: Keep the groin area clean and dry and wear cotton underwear. Extensive or recurrent infections may require systemic antifungal therapy.

Why is ringworm called ringworm?

The condition called “ ringworm ” because it can cause a circular rash shaped like a ring. There is no worm involved. Ringworm is named based on where it affects the body:

How is ringworm transmitted?

Ringworm caused by human dermatophytes, a type of fungus transmitted by direct contact with human ringworm sores. Ringworm may also be acquired from the soil or through exposure to animals (such as household pets).

How long does it take for ringworm to appear?

Ringworm affects the skin, fingernails, and toenails. Symptoms of ringworm appear within 4 days to 2 weeks after coming into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. Symptoms of ringworm include: Ring-shaped rash. Skin redness.

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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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