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Athlete's foot can usually be treated with non-prescription medication applied to the skin. The treatment for ringworm depends on its location on the body and how serious the infection is. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications, but other forms of ringworm need treatment with prescription antifungal medication.
alert icon Learn more about how steroid creams can make ringworm worse. For non-prescription creams, lotions, or powders, follow the directions on the package label. Contact your healthcare provider if your infection doesn’t go away or gets worse.
You should contact your healthcare provider if:
An itchy, red, circular rash on the skin or scalp that is scaly to touch is a tell-tale sign of ringworm. While the infection is caused by a mold-like parasite that lives on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, or scalp, it is actually not a worm that is trapped under your skin causing the irritation. Highly contagious, this infection can be spread through direct contact with a person, place, or surface that is affected by ringworm. Those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. Think you may have contracted ringworm? Below is a guide to the various types of ringworm, symptoms, and available over-the-counter and prescription treatment options to help you get rid of it as quickly as possible. What is Ringworm?Contrary to its name, ringworm has nothing to do with a worm being buried under your skin. It’s a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or scalp that manifests as red, itchy, scaly spots that form a circular rash on the body. It is caused by mold-like fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, or nails and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, animal, or object. Ringworm tends to be more common in children than adults; in fact, it is the most common fungal skin infection in children worldwide. Concerned about ringworm? Chat with a provider through K Health.Get Started SymptomsOnce you have come into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, the incubation period can be anywhere between 2-14 days. Symptoms of ringworm on the skin generally appear faster than symptoms on the scalp. The following are common tell-tale signs you have the infection:
Unfortunately, ringworm can affect any part of the body including your fingernails and toenails. Symptoms will vary depending on which part of the body has become infected:
Over-the-counter Treatment OptionsMost cases of ringworm on the skin (like athlete’s foot and jock itch) can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Antifungal creams, lotions, or powders can be applied directly to the infected site for approximately 2-4 weeks to kill off the fungus spores that are living on the body. Over-the-counter remedies include:
Always read the label and use it only as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if the infection doesn’t go away or continues to spread. Prescription Treatment OptionsFor ringworm of the scalp and more severe cases of ringworm, prescription medications may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you antifungal medications in the form of oral medicines. These medications are taken anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. These treatments include:
At-Home CareIn addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications for treating ringworm, there are some at-home care routines and things you can do to help you treat your infection. Don’t cover itWhen cleaning the area with ringworm, you should wash the affected area and dry it with a clean towel before applying any topical ointments. Use a separate clean towel to dry other parts of your body to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Always wash your towels in hot, sudsy water after every use. Don’t cover the infected site so the infection can dry out. You want to make sure that the area has no moisture so if you are working out, be sure to shower immediately after and dry yourself off thoroughly. If you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you wear open-toed shoes that allow your feet to breathe and stay dry. Washing bedding every dayRingworm can live on fabrics and surfaces so it is essential that you wash and disinfect everything you come into contact with regularly. This includes bedding. Wash all bedding consistently in hot sudsy water to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body or to anyone who may be sharing the bed with you. Be sure to also wash your towels and clothing as well. Keep skin dryThe fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist areas. You want to make sure you keep the infected site clean and dry. Avoid wearing heavy clothing including socks and shoes in hot, humid environments that may cause you to sweat. Concerned about ringworm? Chat with a provider through K Health.Get Started When to See a Medical ProfessionalIn some more mild cases of ringworm, the infection may go away on its own without medical treatment as long as you’re implementing proper self-care routines. However, this typically takes longer and is only really suitable for milder cases that appear on the skin. Ringworm of the scalp and more severe cases will require a visit to a medical professional who can prescribe oral antifungal medications. If you are treating ringworm with over-the-counter medicine and symptoms persist or get worse, you should speak with a healthcare provider. How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat cures ringworm fast? When used correctly, topical antifungals can resolve ringworm but most antifungal treatments, topical and oral, require at least a couple of weeks of treatment. Does ringworm go away by itself? Mild cases of ringworm can be left untreated if you employ proper self-care. However, it is advised that you treat ringworm with over-the-counter antifungal medications to speed up the process, stop the spread, and ensure the infection goes away entirely. Ringworm is caused by direct contact with a mold-like parasite that can live on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, or scalp. The condition can remain alive on the skin as long as the fungal spores remain. How do I stop ringworm from spreading? Immediately disinfect and wash any surface that comes into contact with fungal spores that cause ringworm. Treat the infected area(s) with antifungal creams, lotions, or powders, and speak to a healthcare provider if you have a more severe case of ringworm or it appears on your scalp. This may require prescription medicines to be taken orally to treat the infection. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How do you get rid of ringworm overnight?Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.
What cures ringworm faster?You can treat most cases of ringworm at home with over-the-counter antifungals. Popular choices include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and tolnaftate topical (Tinactin). Healthcare companies market these products for athlete's foot, but they will also work on ringworm of the body and jock itch.
How long does ringworm last?How Long Does Ringworm Last? Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
What is the fastest home remedy for ringworm?Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it may help treat ringworm when applied topically to the affected area. To use it, soak a cotton ball in undiluted apple cider vinegar and brush the cotton ball over your skin. Do this three times per day.
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