Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOver-the-Counter Ringworm MedicationsPrescription MedicationsNatural Remedies for RingwormHow to Care for Ringworm at HomeNext in Ringworm GuideRingworm Causes, Signs on Different Skin Tones, and Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Over-the-Counter Ringworm Medications
Prescription Medications
Natural Remedies for Ringworm
How to Care for Ringworm at Home
Next in Ringworm Guide
Ringworm(tinea), a fungal infection that affects the top layer of skin, hair, and nails, can be cured with over-the-counter ringworm medication or a prescription. Some people find that natural remedies are also effective for getting rid of the infection.
This article will explain the various types of medications used for ringworm. It will also provide a list of home remedies that can help ease symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading to other people.
Ringworm treatment usually depends on the part of the body that has it. Ringworm that appears on the feet (tinea pedis, orathlete’s foot) may need to be managed differently than ringworm that affects thescalp (tinea capitis), for example.
Verywell / Maritsa Patrinos
For most cases that affect the skin, the first thing to try is a non-prescription antifungal medicine.
These come as creams, ointments, powders, or sprays and usually work quickly. They’re available in drugstores, the pharmacy section of supermarkets, big-box stores, and online.
Antifungal medications that treat ringworm on the skin include:
You’ll probably notice that the scaly rash disappears before the general redness of your skin goes away. Most of the time, ringworm on the skin will clear in a couple of weeks.
Continue to apply medication to the area for as long as directed, even if you think your ringworm is cured. This will help prevent the infection from coming back.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022
There are a few situations and types of ringworm that require a prescription antifungal medication. If ringworm on the skin persists even after you’ve used topical medications as directed or if it gets worse, one of the following may be prescribed:
How Long Is Ringworm Contagious?Within 48 hours of starting prescription medication, ringworm is no longer contagious.However, before that, ringworm is highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person. Even dogs and cats can get (and spread) ringworm.
How Long Is Ringworm Contagious?
Within 48 hours of starting prescription medication, ringworm is no longer contagious.However, before that, ringworm is highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person. Even dogs and cats can get (and spread) ringworm.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
Ringworm on the Scalp or Beard
Fungal infections on the scalp (tinea capitis) or beard (tinea barbae) must be treated with an oral prescription antifungal medication.Examples include Gris-PEG (griseofulvin), Sporanox (itraconazole), terbinafine, and Diflucan (fluconazole).
Sometimes a healthcare provider will also prescribe prescription-strength ketoconazole shampoo to treat stubborn ringworms on the scalp. This product usually can be used every three or four days, just as you would a regular shampoo, for up to eight weeks.
Antifungal-Resistant RingwormMost cases of ringworm will respond to medication, but in some parts of the world, a new type of fungus is spreading that does not respond to antifungals. You may be at risk for this infection if you travel internationally. Signs of this type of ringworm include a more severe or widespread rash and symptoms that do not clear up with medication.Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about this type of infection.
Antifungal-Resistant Ringworm
Most cases of ringworm will respond to medication, but in some parts of the world, a new type of fungus is spreading that does not respond to antifungals. You may be at risk for this infection if you travel internationally. Signs of this type of ringworm include a more severe or widespread rash and symptoms that do not clear up with medication.Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about this type of infection.
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OTC and prescription medications are tried-and-true ways to get rid of ringworm. However, some preliminary research suggests there may be natural remedies that work for some people.
Talk with your healthcare provider about using alternative treatments for ringworm, and watch for signs of a worsening infection
Tea Tree Oil
Some preliminary research found thatMelaleuca alternifolia,an essential oil known astea tree oilthat’s widely used in aromatherapy, may help cure ringworm.
Before applying tea tree oil to a ringworm rash, clean the skin and apply the tea tree oil with a cotton ball. You can dilute the oil with water or a carrier oil (such as coconut oil). This can reduce the risk of the oil irritating your skin.
Continue applying the tea tree oil for several weeks or until the rash clears.
Garlic Extract
Ajoene, which is a natural compound extracted from garlic, has been proven to have antifungal properties. An oil extract of garlic is used to cure ringworm.As a broad-spectrum fungicidal, garlic extracts have also been shown to be effective against yeast, warts, skin parasites, and other fungal infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains antifungal properties. Studies have shown that it’s effective in killing fungi in certain conditions and has specifically been touted as a cure for fungal infections of the mouth that affect denture wearers.There is no evidence that apple cider vinegar gets rid of ringworm. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to your rash will not likely cause harm, but watch for reactions or symptoms that become worse.
The only way to cure ringworm is withantifungal medication.However, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms until the medication starts to work.
Do everything you can toprevent the fungus from spreadingto other body parts or to another person or pet. Ringworm can be transmitted between pets and humans.
How Long Does It Take for Ringworm to Go Away?How long ringworm takes to clear up depends on the area affected, the severity of the infection, and the type of medication you’re on. Some people notice their ringworm starts to improve after just a few days. It’s more likely it will take two to four weeks for your symptoms to disappear completely if you’re using a topical medication.Even if your symptoms are gone soon after you start treatment, it’s important to continue using medication for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you’re using an OTC product, follow the recommendations on the label.
How Long Does It Take for Ringworm to Go Away?
How long ringworm takes to clear up depends on the area affected, the severity of the infection, and the type of medication you’re on. Some people notice their ringworm starts to improve after just a few days. It’s more likely it will take two to four weeks for your symptoms to disappear completely if you’re using a topical medication.Even if your symptoms are gone soon after you start treatment, it’s important to continue using medication for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you’re using an OTC product, follow the recommendations on the label.
How long ringworm takes to clear up depends on the area affected, the severity of the infection, and the type of medication you’re on. Some people notice their ringworm starts to improve after just a few days. It’s more likely it will take two to four weeks for your symptoms to disappear completely if you’re using a topical medication.
Even if your symptoms are gone soon after you start treatment, it’s important to continue using medication for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you’re using an OTC product, follow the recommendations on the label.
Does Ringworm Go Away on Its Own?
In most instances, you will need some sort of help getting rid of ringworm. It’s possible for ringworm to clear up on its own, but that can take months during which you are at risk of passing the infection on.
The fungi that cause ringworm can live for up to nearly two years if they’re in the warm, moist environment where they thrive.Untreated ringworm can cause skin to become cracked and open tobacterial infection, so it’s best to get it under control as soon as possible. Also if you wait too long to treat ringworm, it can spread and become much harder to manage.
Summary
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and scalp. Most of the time, ringworm will clear up with OTC topical medications that are applied directly to the affected areas. Sometimes, however, a prescription medication may be necessary to get rid of the infection.
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread between people and animals, so it’s important to take measures to keep your skin and clothing clean.
With proper care, a ringworm infection should clear up completely within a few weeks. Even if it seems to go away within a few days, always continue ringworm treatment for as long as your healthcare provider recommends.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infection basics.Seattle Children’s Hospital.Ringworm.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Alkeswani A, Cantrell W, Elewski B.Treatment of tinea capitis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2019;5(4):201-210. doi:10.1159/000495909Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections.Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, et al.Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1120377. Published 2023 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1120377Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: 12 tips for getting the best results from treatment.Iowa State University Center for Food Security & Public Health.Dermatophytosis.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Athlete’s Foot.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infection basics.Seattle Children’s Hospital.Ringworm.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Alkeswani A, Cantrell W, Elewski B.Treatment of tinea capitis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2019;5(4):201-210. doi:10.1159/000495909Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections.Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, et al.Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1120377. Published 2023 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1120377Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: 12 tips for getting the best results from treatment.Iowa State University Center for Food Security & Public Health.Dermatophytosis.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Athlete’s Foot.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infection basics.Seattle Children’s Hospital.Ringworm.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.Alkeswani A, Cantrell W, Elewski B.Treatment of tinea capitis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2019;5(4):201-210. doi:10.1159/000495909Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections.Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, et al.Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1120377. Published 2023 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1120377Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: 12 tips for getting the best results from treatment.Iowa State University Center for Food Security & Public Health.Dermatophytosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infection basics.
Seattle Children’s Hospital.Ringworm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Alkeswani A, Cantrell W, Elewski B.Treatment of tinea capitis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2019;5(4):201-210. doi:10.1159/000495909
Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections.
Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971
Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, et al.Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1120377. Published 2023 Feb 16. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1120377
Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207
American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: 12 tips for getting the best results from treatment.
Iowa State University Center for Food Security & Public Health.Dermatophytosis.
MedlinePlus.Athlete’s Foot.
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