Ringworm, despite its name, is not caused by worms, but by a fungal infection. Treatment for ringworm varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the area of your body affected, whether it’s your skin, scalp, or nails. Fortunately, effective antifungal medications are available in various forms, including creams, ointments, lotions, powders, and oral pills. Some types of ringworm can be successfully treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications, while others require prescription-strength treatments.
It’s crucial to avoid using over-the-counter creams containing steroids, also known as corticosteroids, on ringworm or any undiagnosed rash. Steroids can actually worsen ringworm infections.
Treating Ringworm on the Skin
Ringworm infections affecting the skin, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris), are typically treated with non-prescription antifungal medications. These antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, or powders are applied directly to the affected skin for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. It’s important to carefully follow the product instructions and continue applying the medication for the full recommended duration, even if your symptoms start to improve before then. This ensures the infection is fully eradicated.
Several effective non-prescription products are readily available to treat ringworm on the skin. These include:
- Clotrimazole (commonly sold under brand names like Lotrimin and Mycelex)
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine (found in products like Lamisil)
- Ketoconazole (such as Xolegel)
Applying antifungal cream to treat ringworm skin infection.
Treating Ringworm on the Scalp
Ringworm infections of the scalp require a different approach. They typically need to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken orally for a duration of 1 to 3 months. Creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin’s surface are not effective for treating scalp ringworm because they cannot penetrate deep enough to reach the infection at the hair follicles.
Prescription antifungal medications commonly used to treat ringworm on the scalp include:
- Griseofulvin (available under brand names like Grifulvin V and Gris-PEG)
- Terbinafine
- Itraconazole (such as Onmel and Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (known as Diflucan)
Treating Fungal Nail Infections
Discoloration and changes in the shape of fingernails and toenails can occur due to various reasons, including previous injuries. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper testing to confirm a fungal infection before starting treatment for suspected fungal nail infections.
Treatment for fungal nail infections is most effective when initiated early. Prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth is generally considered the most effective treatment option. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend complete removal of the infected nail. It’s important to be patient as it can take several months, sometimes up to a year, for the infection to completely clear.
If left untreated, fungal nail infections can spread to the surrounding skin. Even after successful treatment, there’s a possibility of infections returning, particularly for individuals with diabetes who have an increased risk of recurrent nail infections.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Ringworm
While over-the-counter treatments are available for certain types of ringworm, it’s always advisable to contact a healthcare provider if you suspect you have ringworm. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your skin condition and recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
In some cases, testing and prescription treatments from a healthcare provider are necessary for effectively managing ringworm infections.
It is particularly important to always consult your healthcare provider if you:
- Suspect ringworm on your scalp.
- Suspect a fungal nail infection.
Emerging and Severe Antifungal-Resistant Ringworm
A more severe form of ringworm, resistant to some common antifungal medications, has been spreading in various parts of the world, and cases have also been reported in the United States. These infections may not respond to the standard antifungal treatments typically used for ringworm.
Contact your doctor promptly if you experience ringworm symptoms that are:
- More severe or widespread than usual.
- Do not improve or go away after using over-the-counter treatments.
- Appear after you have had contact with someone known to have a severe ringworm infection.
It’s also important to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history, as this information can be helpful in diagnosing and treating potentially resistant infections.
Things to Avoid When Treating Ringworm
Avoid using creams that contain steroids (or corticosteroids) when treating ringworm or any rash that might be ringworm.
Many over-the-counter ointments and creams marketed for rashes contain corticosteroids. Using corticosteroids on ringworm infections can worsen the condition. Steroids weaken the skin’s natural defenses, allowing the fungus to spread more extensively and cover a larger area of the body. They can also intensify burning and redness associated with the infection. Furthermore, corticosteroids can alter the appearance of ringworm rashes, making it more challenging for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose the condition if you subsequently seek medical attention.
