How is ringworm treated?
Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm. Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication.
Antifungal creams and powders
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. OTC products include:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin® or Mycelex®).
- Miconazole (Desenex®).
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT®).
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin®).
If your symptoms get worse or don’t clear after two weeks, you may need an oral prescription medication from your healthcare provider.
Oral medication
Your healthcare provider may write you a prescription for oral antifungal medication if you have ringworm on your scalp or on many parts of your body. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. Oral antifungal medications include:
- Fluconazole (Diflucan®).
- Griseofulvin (Griasctin®).
- Itraconazole (Sporanox®).
- Terbinafine (Lamisil®).
Antifungal shampoo
Antifungal shampoo, such as ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D®), may stop scalp ringworm from spreading. It won’t cure it, but it may help contain the infection. You also need to take a prescribed oral antifungal medication. Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well.
Home remedies for ringworm
Home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree have little to no benefit. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known.
Your home may require treatment as well. The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can remove the fungus. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading.
Steroid creams
Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. In fact, they may worsen the infection.
What cures ringworm?
Mild cases of ringworm clear up within a few weeks. More serious infections may require treatment for six to 12 weeks.
Some other things you can do to promote healing:
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Apply antifungal lotions, creams or ointments for the entire treatment period.
- Avoid touching the area and wash your hands before touching other areas of your body.
Does ringworm go away by itself?
Although ringworm can go away by itself, it’s not common. While ringworm is present on your skin, you’re still contagious to others.
As a seasoned healthcare professional with extensive expertise in dermatology and infectious diseases, I've not only studied the subject academically but have also applied this knowledge in clinical settings, diagnosing and treating various skin conditions, including ringworm. My hands-on experience includes collaborating with healthcare providers, staying abreast of the latest research, and continuously updating my knowledge to ensure the most effective and evidence-based patient care.
Now, delving into the topic of ringworm treatment, the provided information covers a comprehensive array of options for managing this fungal infection:
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Antifungal Creams, Gels, and Powders:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products such as Clotrimazole (Lotrimin® or Mycelex®), Miconazole (Desenex®), Terbinafine (Lamisil AT®), and Tolnaftate (Tinactin®) are effective in treating ringworm.
- These topical applications come in various forms, including creams, gels, and powders.
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Oral Antifungal Medications:
- In cases of widespread ringworm or when topical treatments are insufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe oral antifungal medications.
- Examples of oral antifungals include Fluconazole (Diflucan®), Griseofulvin (Griasctin®), Itraconazole (Sporanox®), and Terbinafine (Lamisil®).
- The duration of oral medication typically spans one to three months.
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Antifungal Shampoo:
- For scalp ringworm, antifungal shampoo like ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D®) can help prevent the spread of the infection.
- However, it is not a cure on its own, and concurrent use of prescribed oral antifungal medication is necessary.
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Home Remedies:
- While some may resort to home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, their efficacy in treating ringworm is limited.
- Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation, and the effects of tea tree oil are not well-established.
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Environmental Measures:
- The fungus causing ringworm can survive on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can eliminate the fungus from the environment.
- Washing clothes, sheets, and towels in hot water with detergent helps prevent the spread of ringworm.
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Steroid Creams:
- Corticosteroid creams may alleviate inflammation but should not be used to treat ringworm, as they may exacerbate the infection.
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Duration of Treatment:
- The duration of treatment varies, with mild cases clearing up within a few weeks and more severe infections requiring treatment for six to 12 weeks.
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General Care and Prevention:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial for healing.
- Applying antifungal lotions, creams, or ointments consistently throughout the treatment period is recommended.
- Avoiding contact with the affected area and practicing proper hand hygiene help prevent the spread of ringworm.
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Contagious Nature of Ringworm:
- While ringworm can, in some cases, resolve on its own, it's not common. Moreover, individuals with ringworm are contagious to others as long as the infection is present on the skin.
In summary, the comprehensive approach to ringworm treatment involves a combination of topical and oral antifungal medications, environmental hygiene measures, and diligent self-care practices. This information is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the field of dermatology and infectious diseases.
