Medications for ringworm include clotrimazole cream and other over-the-counter drugs. But doctors sometimes prescribe antifungal drugs, such as oral terbinafine.
Ringworm infections are
Drugstores sell a range of ointments, pills, and creams to treat the different types of ringworm. Many people successfully cure their infections within 4 weeks through regular use of such products.
Ringworm infections are contagious, so people should treat symptoms quickly to reduce the risk of it spreading.
This article looks at the types of ringworm and the treatments available, including over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and prescription medications. It also offers tips to help people manage their infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say there are around
- athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, affects a person’s feet
- jock itch, or tinea cruris, affects the groin area, inner thighs, or buttocks
- tinea capitis affects the scalp
- tinea manuum affects the hands
- tinea corporis affects the arms, legs, or other parts of the body
- tinea unguium affects fingernails and toenails, infections that doctors call onychomycosis
- tinea barbae affects the beard area of the face
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that antifungal treatments will clear all ringworm infections, but it can take time, and people need to complete the course.
Most people can successfully cure their ringworm infections with OTC treatments. Many of these treatments contain the same antifungal ingredients. Some of the most common antifungal medications are listed below.
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole cream or lotion can treat tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) stops the fungi from growing.
When using clotrimazole, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. People usually apply the cream or lotion to the affected area twice per day.
Most people with tinea cruris find that their symptoms improve within 2 weeks, but people with tinea pedis may not notice an improvement until around 4 weeks.
Clotrimazole can cause side effects. These include:
- blistering
- stinging or burning sensations
- swelling
- cracks in the skin
Doctors advise seeking medical advice if any side effects are severe.
Miconazole
People use miconazole (Desenex, Micatin) to treat ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. It comes as a cream, powder, tincture, or spray.
People apply miconazole twice per day, and symptoms usually clear up within 2–4 weeks.
Some people may experience side effects. These include:
- blistering
- peeling skin
- redness
- irritation
- diarrhea or nausea
If any side effects are severe, a person should seek medical help.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine (Lamisil) comes in creams, sprays, and gels and can treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, and other ringworm infections on the skin.
The CDC says terbinafine seems to be the
Possible side effects include:
- peeling
- itchy skin
- blisters
- hives
A person should seek medical help if the side effects are severe.
Other treatments
Some people prefer to treat ringworm with natural products, including tea tree oil, aloe vera, or coconut oil. There is not enough scientific evidence to say whether or not these treatments are effective.
Some tinea infections do not respond to topical treatments, and doctors prescribe stronger medications to combat them. Tinea capitis, tinea barbae, and tinea unguium almost always need prescription drugs.
Griseofulvin
Doctors usually prescribe
People take griseofulvin as a tablet, capsule, or liquid, and dosages vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Griseofulvin takes time to cure infections, and people need to follow a doctor’s directions for several weeks. Toenail infections take the longest time to treat, and people may need to keep taking the tablets for at least 6 months.
Some people experience side effects while taking griseofulvin. These include:
People with current or previous liver disease, lupus, or problems with alcohol consumption cannot take griseofulvin. It is also unsuitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Learn more about griseofulvin here.
Itraconazole
Doctors may prescribe
Some people experience side effects while taking itraconazole. They include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas or bloating
- heartburn
Itraconazole can cause heart failure, so it is not suitable for anyone who has had a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine is an ingredient in some OTC remedies, but doctors may prescribe tablets or granules for nail or scalp ringworm infections.
People need to take the granules with a spoonful of soft food they can swallow without chewing, such as pudding or mashed potatoes. Fruit-based sauces, such as applesauce, are unsuitable as they are too acidic.
Terbinafine interacts with several prescription and OTC medications, and some of its side effects can be serious.
The most common side effects include:
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- itching
- headache
Doctors will not prescribe terbinafine for people with a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fluconazole
Fluconazole (Diflucan) comes in tablet or liquid form, and doctors sometimes prescribe it for people with stubborn or recurring athlete’s foot.
Possible side effects of fluconazole include:
- headache
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
Rarely, people experience serious side effects, including difficulty breathing or swallowing. A person must seek medical help if they experience severe side effects.
Ringworm infections are contagious, and there are three main ways
- Person to person: People with ringworm can share their infections with others, either through direct contact or by sharing personal items. The CDC recommends not sharing towels, clothing, hairbrushes, or other personal items.
- Animal to person: Cows, horses, cats, dogs, and many other animals can have ringworm and can pass it to people. Everyone should wash their hands after petting an animal or handling their bedding.
- Environment to person: Ringworm fungi can live in damp areas, including locker rooms or public showers. The CDC recommends wearing shoes to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot. Also, a person may consider wearing flip-flops while in communal showers or locker rooms.
The AAD stresses the importance of keeping the infected areas scrupulously clean and dry. After touching the area, even after applying treatment, the person needs to wash their hands thoroughly.
People with ringworm infections need to be meticulous about their personal hygiene. They can wash all clothing, towels, and bedding regularly in hot, soapy water to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Most people can treat ringworm infections with OTC medications, but infections on the scalp, beard area, and nails all need prescription medications.
A person should see a doctor if the rash
Ringworm infections can be slow to clear, but people who stick to their treatment and medication regimens will recover completely.
Some people may need to take antifungal medications for at least 6 months before they are clear of the infection.
Ringworm describes a group of fungal skin and nail infections. These infections are also called tinea.
People can buy OTC remedies to treat many infections, but some will need prescription medications.
Even stubborn ringworm infections will clear if people follow their treatment plans carefully.
Ringworm is contagious, so people should take steps to ensure they do not spread the infection to other people.