Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment to get rid of ringworm

by Prof. Eliane Marquardt Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Apply a topical antifungal
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).

What is the best treatment for 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 is the fastest home remedy for ringworm?

What are the home remedies for 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.

What is the main cause of 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 cream is best 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.

Is Vaseline good for ringworm?

How do I keep from getting ringworm? The best defense against the itchy, scaly infection is to keep cool and dry and use a moisture barrier on the skin like Vaseline or Aquaphor.Nov 19, 2012

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:
  1. Treat the area for as long as recommended. ...
  2. After touching the area with ringworm, wash your hands before touching another area of your body. ...
  3. Keep the infected area clean and dry.

What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?

Symptoms of Ringworm Infections
  • Itchy skin.
  • Ring-shaped rash.
  • Red, scaly, cracked skin.
  • Hair loss.

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

Can ringworm go away on its own?

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. A four-week course is common , but the time can vary.

How do I get rid of ringworm fast?

Ringworm is treated with antifungal medicines that you either rub on the skin or take by mouth. Ringworm of the scalp is treated with a special shampoo and an oral antifungal medicine. You may have to keep using whatever medicine you're prescribed for several weeks to fully get rid of the infection.Sep 2, 2020

Are ringworms itchy?

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.

What shampoo should I use for ringworm?

A shampoo such as Nizoral or Head and Shoulders Intensive kills ringworm spores. Lather and leave it on your child's scalp for 10Â minutes before rinsing. Use the antifungal shampoo twice a week for 1 month. On other days, use a regular shampoo.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 get rid of ringworm quickly?

This includes loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants. 3. Wash bedding daily. Because ringworm is highly contagious, you should wash your sheets daily to get rid of the infection faster.

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 ...

Is ringworm rash a common rash?

A ringworm rash can be uncomfortable, but it is common and treatable. Early intervention is critical to prevent spreading the infection to others. Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm.

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.

Can you get ringworm from bed 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. Contaminated bedding can also infect your partner.

Can ringworm spread to other parts of the body?

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. Contaminated bedding can also infect your partner.

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.

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 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.

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.

What to do if you have a fungus infection?

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

What to do if over the counter antibiotics don't work?

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.

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 treat ringworm on scalp?

Treatment. 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 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.

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 causes ringworm on the skin?

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. Ringworm causes a red, scaly, itchy patch on your skin.

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 to do when you have ringworm?

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.

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.

Is ringworm a fungus?

Despite its name, however, ringworm is not actually a worm—it is a fungus. This fungal infection is common all over the world and infects almost all species of domestic animals, including dogs, which is why dog owners should know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ringworm.

Does ringworm itch?

These lesions may start to heal in the center as they enlarge, creating a patchy appearance, and may become inflamed or scabbed. Ringworm usually does not itch.

What is ringworm in dogs?

Ringworm, scientifically known as dermatophytes, is a collection of pathogenic fungi. In dogs, 70 percent of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis, 20 percent are caused by the fungus Microsporum gypseum, and just 10 percent are caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The fungus grows and lives in the outermost layer ...

Can ringworm affect dogs?

The infection is superficial, and in most cases only affects a few areas of the dog’s body. Puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs sometimes suffer from more widespread ringworm infections.

How does ringworm spread in dogs?

Ringworm in dogs spreads through direct contact with the fungus. This can happen when a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal or person or touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet.

Is ringworm a life threatening disease?

Ringworm is not a life-threatening disease, but it is very contagious and does require the intervention of a veterinarian. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets.

Can cats get ringworm?

Cats can get ringworm, too, and the fungus responsible for most cases of ringworm in dogs, Microsporum canis, is also responsible for 98 percent of ringworm in cats. Since many dog owners also have cats in the home, this means that the risk of the fungus spreading from cats to dogs and dogs to cats is relatively high.

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Overview

  • Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved.Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by dire…
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • Ringworm (tinea or dermatophytosis) is a type of fungal infection of the skin that actually has nothing to do with worms. The infection can occur just about anywhere on the body and has different names depending on which part of the body it affects.
See more on everydayhealth.com
  • Ringworm in pets is most often caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. Although two other species of fungus can also cause ringworm infections, they tend to do so less frequently. These fungi (also known as dermatophytes) invade the superficial layers of the skin, hair, and/or nails. Because fungi thrive in moist environments, dermatophytes are especially persistent in humid cl…
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Treatment

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A ringworm rash can be uncomfortable, but it is common and treatable. Early intervention is critical to prevent spreading the infection to others. Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm. Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Visit your local drugstore or Amazon.com to purchase over-the-counter antifunga…
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  • Treatment of ringworm depends on the location of the infection. It can often easily be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are available as creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and powders. When treated with these topical medications, the infections typically clear up within two to four weeks. (12) Follow application instructions on the products. Contact your d…
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  • If you have jock itch, athlete's foot or ringworm of the body, you usually can be treated with a nonprescription antifungal cream, lotion or powder. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition. Some of the nonprescription medications available include terbinafine (Lamisil), tolnaftate (Tinactin), miconazole (Micatin and other brand names), clotrim…
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  • A nonprescription, topical, antifungal skin cream or ointment is the most common treatment. More severe cases may require a prescription cream or, in some cases, an antifungal drug that usually comes in tablet form. Covering the rash with clothing or an adhesive bandage can help prevent its spread.
See more on healthfully.com

Symptoms

  • 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.
See more on healthline.com
  • Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include: 1. A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs 2. May itch 3. A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of red bumps 4. Slightly raised, expanding rings 5. A round, flat patch of itchy skin 6. Overlapping rings...
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  • The specific symptoms of ringworm depend on the location of the infection. They typically include: The symptoms tend to appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. (1) Ringworm typically starts out as red or pink skin patches (or spots) that may be either flat or slightly raised. In this initial stage, the sores may be moist, b…
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  • Symptoms of ringworm vary, depending on the site of the infection: 1. Ringworm of the scalp — Symptoms can include a diffuse, itchy, scaling of the scalp that resembles dandruff; itchy, scaly, round patches of hair loss on the scalp; black-dot ringworm, in which stubs of broken hairs form a dotted pattern on the scalp; or kerion, a thick, nodular patch of inflamed skin that may ooze pus. …
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Causes

  • 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: 1. Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. 2. Animal to human. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread …
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • Tinea corporis is usually caused by several different species of Trichophyton fungi: T. rubrum, M. canis, or T. tonsurans, according a report in the journal Mycoses. (6)
See more on everydayhealth.com
  • Ringworm is by far the most common cause of dermatophytosis in cats. The amounts of cases vary due your geographical location. Environments that are densely populated with animals (for example, in a cattery or animal shelter), or where there is poor nutrition, poor management practices, and lack of adequate quarantine period, will also increase risk of infection. Immunoco…
See more on petmd.com
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Ringworm has nothing to do with actual worms. Rather, the red, ring-shaped rash, clinically known as tinea, is a fungal infection. It's highly contagious and spreads easily. Often, all you have to do to catch ringworm is to touch someone or something that may have been infected. Sometimes you can even get a fungal inf…
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Prevention

  • 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. This includes loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants. Because ringworm is highly contagious, …
See more on healthline.com
  • Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm: 1. Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid infection. 2. Keep clean. Was…
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • You're more likely to develop ringworm if you have poor hygiene, allow your skin to stay wet for a long time (such as from sweating), have nail or skin injuries (open sores even minor ones), or engage in activities in which you have close contact with other animals or people. Team athletes participating in organized sports such as wrestling, for example, can spread ringworm through c…
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  • 1. Good skin hygiene. 2. Good nail hygiene. 3. Avoiding prolonged wetting or dampness of the skin and feet. 4. Avoiding trainers, which can retain sweat and promote a warm, moist environment. 5. Treatment of tinea pedis - helps prevent onychomycosis. 6. Wearing clean, loose-fitting underwear.
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Diagnosis

  • The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that diagnosing ringworm can be a little tricky, because it often resembles other conditions. For instance, tinea corporis might be confused with eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis; tinea capitis might be confused with alopecia areata; and ringworm of the toenails can look like dystrophic toenails (changes in texture and compositi…
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  • Other annular rashes are often confused with tinea infections. Eczema and psoriasis are commonly confused with tinea. Pityriasis versicolor occurs all over the trunk while candida occurs as a flexural rash at extremes of age or in the immunocompromised, those with diabetes or patients on antibiotics.Treatment with topical steroids often causes confusion, making tinea les…
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  • Your veterinarian will perform a fungal culture of skin clippings, a microscopic examination of a sample of hair, and possibly a skin biopsy.
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  • The best way for your doctor to diagnose any type of fungal infection in the skin is by scraping the area, and looking at the specimen under a microscope to see if it contains fungi. He or she also can determine if you have ringworm by the way it looks. Although you may be able to diagnose yourself, you should call your doctor before you use over-the-counter treatment. Your doctor will …
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Prognosis

  • Over time, the rash will increase in size. Next, the center of the rash will start to clear up, leaving a ring-shaped infection with a red, raised border and a healthy-looking center (although the center may remain scaly and red).
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  • Although treatment may take several weeks, antifungal medication almost always cures ringworm infections. Hair eventually regrows, and scarring is rare.However, people do not develop immunity to tinea. Because it is possible to catch the fungus again, follow the suggestions outlined in the Prevention section above to avoid getting infected again.
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Complications

  • A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • The main complication is secondary bacterial infection. Hair loss is a complication of tinea capitis. Pain and difficulty with shoes can result from onychomycosis.
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Management

  • 1. For most skin infections it is sufficient to apply an imidazole cream twice-daily. Treatment is continued for 1-2 weeks after the skin has healed. Common antifungals include: 1. Clotrimazole 2. Econazole 3. Ketoconazole 4. MiconazoleTerbinafine cream daily can be considered as an alternative. Although more expensive, it usually requires only one week of treatment topically co…
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Environment

  • Like other types of fungi, dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas. You can get ringworm through close contact with surfaces that harbor the fungi.
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  • Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas of the body where they feed on dead keratin, skin cells on the epidermis and in nails and hair.
See more on verywellhealth.com
  • The fungi thrive under certain conditions. Warm and moist conditions are ideal places for the fungi to stay active and create the ring worm problem. Therefore, sweaty areas of the body are typical target sites. The absence of light also helps the fungi grow. The groin area and the foot area (especially between the toes) are particularly vulnerable to a skin fungus infection.
See more on healthy-skincare.com

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