No one would want to have a blemished and unhealthy skin. Ringworms are very common skin problem that people suffer. But ringworms are treatable, and there are effective medications to kill the fungi that cause ringworms. Ringworm treatments are very potent fungicidal and they are convenient to use. It will help you in getting back your clear and smooth skin. Eradicating fungi that causes ringworms will also help to prevent the spread and transmission of the fungal spores to other people as well as to your pets.

Two types of Ringworm Treatment

1) Topical treatments- These are applied on the ringworms and the surrounding normal skin. They are applied about 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter. It is important to include the skin around the ringworm to prevent fungal infection on the uninfected skin. They are applied twice a day for three weeks to prevent ringworm reinfection. Topical treatments are available in creams and lotion. Before application of the cream or lotion, you should make sure that you clean the infected area. Allow it to dry so that it will be absorbed by your skin.

Topical treatments include:

Miconazole (Micatin, Desenex, Daktarin, Monistat-Derm, and Decocort)

Clotrimazole (Mycelex and Lotrimin)

Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral A-D, Nizoral, Ketoderm, and Xolegel)

Terbinafine (Lamisil AT, Lamisil, and Lamisil Dermgel)

Clotrimazole with Betamethasone (Lotrisone)

Reminder! Lotrisone contains corticosteroid that is used for ringworms, which have swelling and itchiness. It should be used not more than two weeks as this can cause bad effects. Your doctor will prescribe you to use an anti-fungal cream alone, if swelling and itchiness are gone.

2) Systemic treatments- These are oral anti-fungal medications. These medications are prescribed for severe cases of ringworms. Usually they are taken once a day for seven days. But you should consult your physician to be prescribed by appropriate length of therapy.

Systemic treatments include:

Griseofulvin- Gris-PEG, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin P/G, and Griseofulicin

Itraconazole- Sporanox and Sporanox PulsePak

Terbinafine- Lamisil

Fluconazole- Diflucan

Environmental Decontamination

Along with the treatment, it is important to disinfect your environment as well as your personal things. Bleach is a common household disinfectant, and it is very effective in killing fungal spores. Make bleach and water solution following the ratio of 1:10 or 1:100. Then, you can use it for cleaning all surfaces, door knobs, and all areas that are frequently exposed to the infected person. You can also include your personal things and clothes to remove fungal spores and prevent fungal reinfection.

Prevent Recurrence of Ringworm

When ringworm treatment has been successful, it is important to prevent the possibility of fungal reinfection. Here are some tips that will help you avoid fungal spores:

1) Avoid sharing personal articles to others.

2) Wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing fitted clothes.

3) Keep yourself dry or free from sweat, especially to your groin, armpits, and other areas with folds.

4) Observe proper personal hygiene.

5) Keep away from persons or animals that have ringworms. If you have a pet with ringworm, treat it immediately and isolate.

6) Use disinfectant to clean areas that has been exposed to infected person or animal.

7) Avoid touching patches or lesions from other persons or animals that have similar characteristics to ringworm symptoms.