Learn How to Treat Ringworm

There are several types of ringworm, including ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), ringworm of the body (tinea coporis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

How to treat ringworm will depend, at least partially, upon the type of ringworm involved.

Scalp

Most often found in babies and young children, this form is most commonly treated with oral medication such as Griseofluvin and Lamisil.

Though topical medication is available, it has not been shown to be as effective as the approved oral medication in treating tinea capitis.

The oral medication may be prescribed for as long as six weeks, sometimes longer. Any problems should be reported to the physician immediately.

Body

Ringworm of the body can be treated with a number of oral and topical options. Prescription medication is usually used when the affected area is large, the condition is severe or there has been no improvement with other treatments.

Topical medications for tinea corporsis include Lamisil, Oxistat, Loprox and Mentax. The oral medications include options such as Lamisil, Diflucan, Nizoral and Sporanox.

Athlete’s Foot

Tinea pedis is typically treated with over-the-counter medication, though prescription medication is available. Prescription topical mediation used to treat athlete’s foot includes Lamisil and Lotrimin. Oral medication may be prescribed if the prescription topical medication is not as effective as hoped. These oral medications include Diflucan and Sporanox.

Jock Itch

For tinea cruris, an over-the-counter medication may be used first, and with some success. If that does not work, a prescription for an oral or topical medication may be recommended. These prescription medications include Lamisil, Diflucan and Sporanox, among others.

It should be noted that if a patient has both athlete’s foot and jock’s itch, both should be treated at the same time to help prevent recurrence.

Side Effects

Some oral medications can cause rash or gastrointestinal upset. There can be a negative interaction between prescription medication for ringworm and other medication the patient is taking. Be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist regarding these possible interactions before beginning any new prescription medication.

One possible interaction of note is the decrease in effectiveness of wafarin, which is an anticoagulant.

Summary

How to treat ringworm can vary with the location of the outbreak, but many of the prescription options are the same. Because there are so many options, a problem with one medication does not mean there is no other option for the patient.

Patients with a weakened immune system may find it more difficult than the average patient to clear up a case of ringworm.

References

Ringworm of the Skin – Topic Overview. WebMD. Last Updated March 24, 2009. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/ringworm-of-the-skin-topic-overview

Ringworm (body). Mayo Clinic Staff. October 28, 2008. https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/DS00489

Ringworm (scalp). Mayo Clinic Staff. January 30, 2009. https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/DS00892