Ringworm of the Skin

Home Treatment

In most cases, you can treat ringworm of the skin with antifungal creams or ointments. Many are available without a prescription. Use a nonprescription antifungal cream with miconazole or clotrimazole in it. Brand names include Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat, and Lotrimin. Terbinafine cream (Lamisil) is also available without a prescription.

• Wash the rash with soap and water, remove flaky skin, and dry thoroughly. For large areas of blistered sores, use compresses such as those made with Burow's solution (available without a prescription) to soothe and dry out the blisters.
• Apply antifungal cream beyond the edge or border of the rash.
• Follow the directions on the package. Don't stop using the medicine just because your symptoms go away. You will probably need to continue treatment for 2 to 4 weeks.
• If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, call your doctor.

To prevent ringworm from returning after treatment, apply talcum or other drying powder to the affected area daily.

If your rash does not clear after you have tried different topical antifungals, or if the infection is widespread, you may need prescription antifungal pills.

If you have both athlete's foot and ringworm of your groin or legs, you should treat both infections. This will prevent you from re-infecting your legs or groin with the athlete's foot fungus, when you put on your underwear.

To prevent the spread of infection:

• During treatment, children with ringworm should avoid activities where they may spread the infection to others, such as in gyms or swimming pools.²
• Wrestlers should wear a protective bandage over ringworm rashes when practicing. Typically, wrestlers are not allowed to compete until they have finished 1 week of topical treatment with an antifungal medicine, and they are not allowed to practice if bandaging is not possible. Regular skin inspections should be done before practices, and mats and other equipment should be thoroughly disinfected.¹

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
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