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What are the Different Treatments for Ringworm?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. Despite the name, a worm is not responsible for causing ringworm. The fungus that causes ringworm grow sin areas that are warm and moist, such as swimming pools, showers, and in the folds of skin. It is highly contagious and is spread through contact with an infected human or animal or by sharing towels, sports equipment, clothing, or dirty shower stalls. Fortunately, there are several treatments for ringworm.

At-home remedies for ringworm are popular and they usually work well. The first line of attack is to use an antifungal ointment or cream. Many can be purchased over-the-counter at a local pharmacy or drugstore. The best antifungal creams that can be used without a prescription include the ingredients miconazole or clotrimazole. There are several popular brand names of antifungal creams or ointments, such as Lotrimin®, Monistat®, Tinactin®, and Micatin®.

The fungus that causes ringworm grows in moist areas, such as swimming pools.
The fungus that causes ringworm grows in moist areas, such as swimming pools.

For at-home treatments for ringworm, wash the affected area with soapy water, removing any flaking skin, and drying the area completely. Then, gently apply the antifungal ointment to the affected area. It is important to follow the directions on the ointment and not use it for a longer period of time than what is recommended. If the symptoms persist or if there are any concerns, it is always best to consult a medical doctor.

Ringworm may be spread by sharing dirty shower stalls.
Ringworm may be spread by sharing dirty shower stalls.

Sometimes over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments do not clear up the infection, so other remedies for ringworm become necessary. The next line of attack for ringworm is oral treatment. Antifungal pills are common, but in most cases, they are prescribed by a doctor and are usually taken either once a day or once a week for several weeks, depending on the exact prescription.

Ringworm may be spread by sharing towels.
Ringworm may be spread by sharing towels.

Azole pills, usekd to treat ringworm, absorb into the body quicker if they are swallowed with orange juice or cola. Unfortunately there are a few side effects with the azole pills, such as headaches, nausea, rash, and problems with the liver. They should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women or anyone who is drinking alcohol because of an increased chance of damage to the liver.

Both over-the-counter and prescription creams can be used to treat ringworm.
Both over-the-counter and prescription creams can be used to treat ringworm.

Other treatments for ringworm include terbinafine pills and griseofulvin pills. Terbinafine pills are taken twice a day for two weeks and have few side effects. Griseofulvin pills should be consumed with fatty food so that the medication can be absorbed by the body quickly. The side effects associated with griseofulvin pills include sensitivity to light, nausea, and headaches.

Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.

Although it is handy to know the treatments for ringworm, it is also good to know how to prevent it from reoccurring and how to avoid it to begin with. To prevent its return, apply talcum powder or other drying agent to the affected area each day. Keeping clean gymnasiums, locker rooms, bathrooms, sand schools can help prevent the spread of ringworm. It is also best not to share personal items, such as towels and clothes with other people.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon212857

I had Psyriasis Rocea after returning home from the middle east on a six month deployment. I noticed this rash on my arm and didn't really pay it much attention because I just thought it was from all the dirt and filth over there.

When I got home, I realized the spot getting bigger and bigger, until my entire body was covered in it. They were small and so itchy. After knowing what this rash was called, I was told there is no cure and no medication for it, so I just used calamine lotion and oatmeal baths, and it slowly went away. I was told it's not contagious and often doesn't return.

anon77751

buy a can of tinactin and spray it on your skin. it sounds like you are covered in ringworm. if it goes aways that's what it is. psoriasis does not form rings.

margie74

i don't know what i have if its ringworm or psyriasis rocea. it's so itchy! i have an asthma. before i was hospitalized because of my skin asthma then after months it became bronciho asthma. that's why im so confused if i have a ringworm or psyriasis rocea or just my skin asthma is attacking. but i have this round mark under my breast, in my umbilical cord (sorry i don't know the name) under my tummy or saddle bag (again i don't know what its called) and in my bikini line i have this kind of itchy feeling but it has rashes like a big oval shape and also the front cheek of my organ. that's why i'm shaving the hair now. also i have a oval shape at my armpit. it is so itchy, especially at night, and everything i perspire. Please help me. i can't go to derma. i don't have money to pay. my friend who works for a dermatologist advised me to use a baby soap, nizoral, bactroban and betamethasone, also to take iterax or virlix or claritin at night for the itch.

margie74

what about psyriasis rocea? is it curable and transferable?

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    • The fungus that causes ringworm grows in moist areas, such as swimming pools.
      By: anyaberkut
      The fungus that causes ringworm grows in moist areas, such as swimming pools.
    • Ringworm may be spread by sharing dirty shower stalls.
      By: Elnur
      Ringworm may be spread by sharing dirty shower stalls.
    • Ringworm may be spread by sharing towels.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Ringworm may be spread by sharing towels.
    • Both over-the-counter and prescription creams can be used to treat ringworm.
      By: Tinga
      Both over-the-counter and prescription creams can be used to treat ringworm.
    • Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
      By: Brocreative
      Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
    • Ringworm can be treated quickly with azole pills swallowed with cola.
      By: RTimages
      Ringworm can be treated quickly with azole pills swallowed with cola.
    • Ringworm is highly contagious and is spread through contact.
      By: schankz
      Ringworm is highly contagious and is spread through contact.
    • 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.