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What are the Best Ways to get Rid of Ringworm?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Ringworm is a circular rash that is caused by a fungus, so antifungal medication provides the best treatment. In most cases, antifungal medications are added to a cream base and can be rubbed directly onto the ringworm rash. Likewise, there are lotions and powders that contain medications helpful for treating ringworm. Some people also use natural products to get rid of ringworm. While some do claim they work, many doctors recommend sticking with the antifungal medications they know to be effective.

When a person suspects he has ringworm, he may do well to visit a doctor for a definite diagnosis. This way, he can avoid confusing ringworm with another type of rash. For ringworm rashes that affect the skin, except the scalp, a person may find the best remedies over the counter, at his local drug store. These include creams and lotions containing antifungal medicines that kill the fungus responsible for ringworm. Some of the types of medications a person may use include clotrimazole and miconazole; antifungal powders may also help control the condition.

It's best to get an official diagnosis of ringworm from a doctor so it's not confused with another type of rash.
It's best to get an official diagnosis of ringworm from a doctor so it's not confused with another type of rash.

Sometimes a person’s case of ringworm does not respond well to over-the-counter treatments. In such a case, an individual may need to ask his doctor for a prescription antifungal medication. A doctor may prescribe medication in topical form to get rid of ringworm. Among the medications used for topical treatment are prescription-strength clotrimazole and terbinafine. Oral medications that may be used to get rid of ringworm include griseofulvin and fluconazole.

When ringworm affects the scalp, a doctor should be consulted to get a proper prescription.
When ringworm affects the scalp, a doctor should be consulted to get a proper prescription.

When ringworm affects the scalp, the primary method of treatment is medication taken by mouth. For example, a doctor may prescribe griseofulvin, which is available in both tablet and liquid form. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe terbinafine hydrochloride, which is an antifungal medicine a person can sprinkle on food. This may be particularly helpful for pediatric patients.

Antifungal creams for ringworm typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
Antifungal creams for ringworm typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.

An individual may also use home remedies to help get rid of ringworm that affects the scalp. For example, a person may wash his hair with a shampoo that contains selenium sulfide to help kill the fungal spores and prevent them from spreading. Other home remedies do exist for ringworm of the scalp, but many health experts do not consider them effective.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams can be purchased from a local pharmacy to treat ringworm.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams can be purchased from a local pharmacy to treat ringworm.

Since ringworm is highly contagious, it may not be enough to simply treat it. A person may also consider taking steps to prevent its spread. An individual may wear clothing or a light bandage that allows for air circulation to avoid spreading it. He may also do well to avoid sharing towels, combs, brushes, and other personal effects.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

Dandruff shampoo is supposed to be good for scalp ringworm. Petroleum jelly and nail polish supposedly works as well. These apparently suffocate the fungi and cause it to die.

I personally would rather stick to proven treatments-- either over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or prescription anti-fungal creams, sprays and tablets.

I once had ringworm that I think I got from the gym or the pool. My doctor gave me a topical spray for it as well as tablet anti-fungal medication. The infection cleared up in a week.

ddljohn

@burcinc-- Garlic works for ringworm. Slice garlic and apply it directly on the ringworm rash. You can use a band aid or saran wrap to keep it in place. Put a fresh slice after a couple of hours. It will get rid of the ringworm in a couple of days.

I've also heard great things about apple cider vinegar. I have never tried it but I think it can be used the same way.

burcinc

Over-the-counter antifungal ointments are not working for my ringworm and I can't go to the doctor right now.

Are there any home remedies for getting rid of ringworm infections? Please share if you know any!

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    • It's best to get an official diagnosis of ringworm from a doctor so it's not confused with another type of rash.
      By: schankz
      It's best to get an official diagnosis of ringworm from a doctor so it's not confused with another type of rash.
    • When ringworm affects the scalp, a doctor should be consulted to get a proper prescription.
      By: JPC-PROD
      When ringworm affects the scalp, a doctor should be consulted to get a proper prescription.
    • Antifungal creams for ringworm typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
      By: agephotography
      Antifungal creams for ringworm typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
    • Over-the-counter antifungal creams can be purchased from a local pharmacy to treat ringworm.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Over-the-counter antifungal creams can be purchased from a local pharmacy to treat ringworm.
    • Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.