What Is Ringworm? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention - Everyday Health

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Some types of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but other forms require prescription antifungal medication. (11)

Medication Options

Treatment of ringworm depends on the location of the infection. Nonprescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders that can treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch) include:

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
  • Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington Antifungal, Critic-Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, Micaderm, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Miranel, Mitrazol, Podactin, Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)
  • Ketoconazole (Xolegel)

Prescription antifungal medications that can treat ringworm on the scalp include:

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Tinea cruris (jock itch) can typically be treated with over-the-counter topical medications. (12) Dermatologists also advise wearing breathable, cotton underwear. To relieve the symptoms of jock itch, the AAD recommends applying a cool, wet washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes two to six times a day. (13) It's important to use a clean washcloth each time and to use it only on the itch, and to wash it in hot, soapy water before using it again.

There has been some research into the use of herbal remedies in treating ringworm, but it has been mostly limited to animals. A study in the Hong Kong Medical Journal found that a topical herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicines with antifungal properties was effective in treating athlete's foot in guinea pigs, though not as effective as a topical antifungal medication. (14) And a study in Mycoses found that an herbal formula of essential oils, applied topically, appeared to limit fungal growth in sheep affected with ringworm. (15) The German organization Informed Health Online notes that applications of tea tree oil have been recommended for athlete's foot, but that there's not much scientific evidence to support these recommendations. (16)

Prevention of Ringworm

Ringworm can be challenging to prevent, but there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk, or to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body or to other people. (4)

  • Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, hairbrushes, and sports gear.
  • Don't wear heavy clothing for long periods of time if you're in a warm, humid climate.
  • Try to avoid excessive sweating.
  • Wash your hands often and well.
  • Shower right after playing sports and keep your uniform and gear clean.
  • Avoid infected animals, and have your pets or animals checked for ringworm.
  • Change your clothes, including your underwear and socks, every day, and wash them before wearing them again. (10)
  • Shower after exercising.
  • Wear waterproof shoes in locker rooms, public or shared showers, and pool areas.
  • Disinfect or throw out clothes and items that may be infected with ringworm, or that you wore while you had ringworm.
  • Wash towels and bedding that you use while you have ringworm in hot, soapy water.

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