Ringworm Treatment: How to Get Rid of Ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can easily spread to others. So, it is important to treat it. This will prevent the spread of the rash on one’s body in addition to spreading to others in the family.

The treatment of ringworm will depend on the area involved and the severity of symptoms. In many cases, over-the-counter topical medications may be enough to clear ringworm completely.

However, in some cases, prescription-strength medications may be required.

Over-the-counter treatments

Mild cases of ringworm of the skin like ringworm of the foot, hands, body, groin, etc. can be treated with over-the-counter topical antifungals.

They may be in the form of cream, lotion, spray, ointment, or powder. In most cases, one has to use them for 2-4 weeks to clear the infection.

These topicals include:

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Miconazole
Ketoconazole (Xelogel)

Note: Over-the-counter topical treatments are not effective for ringworm of nails, scalp, and beard.

Prescription medications

Severe cases of ringworm of any area, most cases of nail ringworm, and all cases of scalp and beard ringworm will require oral antifungal medications.

Your doctor may also prescribe topical medications to be used along with oral medication.

The oral antifungals may include:

Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V)
Terbinafine
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)

These medications will need to be taken for 4 weeks or longer depending on the area involved and the severity of symptoms.

In addition, if you have scalp ringworm your doctor may recommend the use of dandruff shampoo with antifungal ingredients to prevent the spread of the infection. However, it alone will not cure ringworm. You will still need to take oral antifungal medication.

Treatment of nail ringworm will depend on how much nail is involved. Your doctor may prescribe topical antifungals like ciclopirox nail lacquer. Severe cases will require oral antifungals.

Fingernails usually require shorter treatment than toenails. For example, terbinafine is often recommended for 6 weeks for fingernails and 12 weeks for toenails.

Precautions

1. Treat the area as instructed

Once the ringworm treatment is started, the infected area may clear quickly. However, keep using the treatment as instructed by your doctor or as per the packaging of the treatment medication.

Stopping the treatment too early can make the fungus grow back. You have to complete the treatment to get rid of the fungus.

2. Treat all the ringworm spots together

If you have ringworm affecting more than one area, like your foot and hands or body, make sure you treat all the spots together.

3. Do not cover the ringworm rash

Do not cover the infected area with any Band-Aid, as that can worsen the infection by trapping moisture and heat.

4. Keep the area clean and dry

Dermatophytes, the fungus which causes ringworm, love a warm and moist environment.

So, make sure to keep the area clean and dry. Use a separate towel to dry the area with ringworm and wash it after every use. Keep another separate towel for normal areas.

5. Disinfect infected items

Disinfect any objects, items, or clothing that come in direct contact with the ringworm rash. The fungus can stay for a long time on the surface and can lead to reinfection. So, it’s important to disinfect such items.

6. Change clothes every day

Change your clothes including underwear and socks every day. If you sweat heavily, take a bath and change your clothes.

7. Wear breathable clothes and footwear

Tight-fitted clothes and footwear can give an ideal environment for the growth of fungus. So, wear loose-fitting clothes and breathable footwear to avoid sweating and trapping heat.

8. Wash your bedding regularly

The fungus can get on your bedding without you knowing. So, wash your bed sheets and other bedding regularly in hot water to kill any fungus. This will also prevent the spread of infection to other members of the family.

9. Do not share your personal items with others

Do not share any personal items with others like clothing, towels, hats or caps, combs, slippers or shoes, razors, etc.

10. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo if you have scalp ringworm

Your doctor may recommend the use of anti-dandruff shampoo with antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.

Make sure to leave the foam on the scalp for the antifungal ingredients to work or follow the instructions of your treating physician.

11. Wear your socks before putting on other clothes if you have tinea pedis

If you have ringworm on your foot, wear your socks first followed by other clothes. This will prevent the spread of infection to your body including the groin area.

12. Maintain your health

If you have any chronic medical condition like diabetes, take your medication and make lifestyle changes to maintain your health

When to see a doctor

If the ringworm worm rash doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter antifungal medications.
The ringworm rash involves a large area of the body.
Ringworm of the scalp and beard require oral prescription medication.
There is a visible discharge which may be a sign of secondary infection.
Weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions like diabetes.

References

Rodgers P, Bassler M. Treating onychomycosis. Am Fam Physician. 2001 Feb 15;63(4):663-72, 677-8. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician 2001 Jun 1;63(11):2129. PMID: 11237081.
Munoz, Ruben Alejandro MD, MPH1; Krumenacker, Joshua S. MD, PhD2; DiazMedina, Marcia P. MD2; Sidana, Anshu MD2; Marshall, Bob MD, MPH, MISM3. Tinea corporis (ringworm). Evidence-Based Practice: August 2014 – Volume 17 – Issue 8 – p 13 doi: 10.1097/01.EBP.0000540719.51545.d7.
Al Aboud AM, Crane JS. Tinea Capitis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.