Ringworm Treatment and Fungal Nail Infection Remedy

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails—not an actual worm. It’s caused by fungi called dermatophytes and gets its name from the circular, ring-like rash it often creates on the skin. Ringworm of the body is also called Tinea corporis, it’s a fungus infection. A fungus is a germ that’s too small to see. It gets its name from the ring or circle it makes on the body.

What Ringworm Looks Like:

Skin: Red, scaly patches or rings that may itch or blister.

Scalp: Flaky patches, hair loss, and sometimes black dots where hair breaks off.

Nails: Thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.

Ringworm Signs and Symptoms

• Ringworm typically begins as a rash with small red bumps that gradually expand, forming a round or oval ring about ½ to 1 inch in size.
• The edges of the ring are red, raised, or scaly.
• The skin inside the ring may appear pink or close to normal.
• The rash often appears in a few areas on the skin but can occur anywhere on the body and may cause itching.
• Ringworm is generally not serious and can be treated effectively.

How It Spreads:

Ringworm is contagious and can be spread through:

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal
• Contact with contaminated surfaces (towels, gym equipment, etc.)
• Soil or dirt with fungal spores

How to Prevent Ringworm

Fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist areas of the body. To prevent ringworm from spreading to others:

• Keep the skin clean and dry. Dry thoroughly after washing or bathing.
• Wash hands immediately after touching a ringworm rash.
• Wear clean clothes daily, especially fresh socks and underwear.
• Avoid sharing personal items like clothes, towels, stuffed toys, hairbrushes, combs, and barrettes.
• Wash and dry clothing and towels that come into contact with the rash. Use the hottest setting allowed by the care labels.
• Clean the bathtub and sink thoroughly after each use.
• Wash hands after handling animals. Check pets for signs of ringworm and seek treatment if needed.
• Wear footwear, like flip-flops, in locker rooms and public showers.
• Shower immediately after contact sports such as wrestling and football.

Ringworm Treatment

Treatment for ringworm varies based on the severity of symptoms and the affected body area, such as the skin, scalp, or nails.

Antifungal medications are available as creams, ointments, lotions, powders, and pills. Some mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal products, while others may require prescription medication.

Avoid using over-the-counter creams containing steroids or corticosteroids for ringworm or undiagnosed rashes, as these can worsen the infection.

Types of Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm on the Skin

Skin-based ringworm, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris), is typically treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. These products—available as creams, ointments, lotions, or powders—are usually applied for 2 to 4 weeks. Be sure to follow the product instructions and continue treatment for the full duration, even if symptoms improve.

Common non-prescription antifungal treatments include:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Ketoconazole (Xolegel)

Ringworm on the Scalp

Scalp ringworm requires prescription antifungal medication taken orally for 1 to 3 months, as topical treatments like creams, lotions, and powders are ineffective. Common prescription antifungal medications for scalp ringworm include:

• Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails may cause discoloration or changes in nail shape. Since these symptoms can also result from other conditions, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis before starting treatment.

Early treatment is key to effectively managing fungal nail infections. Prescription oral antifungal medications are typically the most effective option. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be removed entirely. Recovery can take several months to a year.

If left untreated, fungal nail infections can spread to the surrounding skin. Even after treatment, they may return, particularly in individuals with diabetes, who are at higher risk for recurring infections.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Although over-the-counter treatments are available, it’s best to consult a dermatologist near you if you suspect ringworm. They can diagnose the infection and recommend the most effective treatment.

Certain types of ringworm may require testing and prescription medication.

Be sure to contact a healthcare provider if you:

• Suspect ringworm on the scalp.
• Suspect a fungal nail infection.

Emerging and Severe Antifungal-Resistant Ringworm

A more severe, antifungal-resistant type of ringworm has been spreading globally, with some cases reported in the U.S. These infections may not respond to standard ringworm treatments.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have ringworm symptoms that:

• Are unusually severe or widespread.
• Persist despite treatment.
• Develop after contact with someone who has a severe infection.

Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history.

What to Avoid

Avoid using creams or ointments containing steroids (corticosteroids) for ringworm or undiagnosed rashes that could be ringworm.

Many over-the-counter rash treatments contain corticosteroids, which can worsen ringworm infections. These medications weaken the skin’s defenses, allowing the fungus to spread more widely. They can also intensify burning and redness.

Additionally, corticosteroids may alter the appearance of ringworm, making it harder for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat the infection accurately.