Ringworm treatment before you begin

Although some experts consider ringworm as mild and harmless infection, ignoring it and hoping that somehow it would go away on its own, can be detrimental to your child's health or your's. In some instances, like in ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), which is most common in children, it could lead to permanent (and premature) hair loss and baldness. Ringworm treatment must be initiated as soon as you detect the ringworm. Failure to treat the infection can make it chronic, persistent, and more widespread – making it all the more difficult to treat later.

Ringworm, an infection caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes (not by worms!), is so common that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at any given time, approximately twenty percent of the population is affected by it. Before you start ringworm treatment at home, I suggest you make certain first that it is really ringworm you are dealing with and not other conditions that show similar symptoms. Please see Symptoms of Ringworm.

What does ringworm look like? What are the symptom of ringworm? To see pictures of ringworm please visit the page 'What does ringworm look like?' Take a few minutes to learn the facts before starting ringworm treatment. Ringworm has a distinctive appearance and quite easy to spot. It would appear as reddish circular lesion with healthy skin in the middle and raised scaly borders, usually 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, or about the size of a dollar coin. If you're not sure, have a medical professional take a look at the lesion for accurate diagnosis of the symptoms.

Fortunately, ringworm is easy to treat and responds well to home care or personal care ringworm treatment. Using over-the-counter medications (you don't need a doctor's prescription to purchase any of these), you can start treating ringworm and expect the infection to be completely cured in 2-4 weeks.

In some instances, like in ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), an infection most common in children, it could lead to premature and permanent hair loss and baldness - something that could severely impact a child's self-esteem growing up. Failure to administer medication can make the infection chronic, persistent, and more widespread – making it all the more difficult to treat later.

Ringworm Treatment at Home

Fortunately, ringworm is easy to treat and responds well to home care or personal care treatment. Using common over-the-counter medications (you don't need a doctor's prescription to purchase any of these), you can start treating ringworm and expect the infection to be completely cured in 2-4 weeks.

The most common over-the-counter topical agents (in cream, powder, or spray form) available are:
Tolnaftate (common brands: Tinactin®)
Miconazole (common brands: Monistat Derm cream, Micatin)
Clotrimazole (common brands: Lotrimin®, Cruex®, Desenex®)
Ketoconazole (common brands: Nizoral)
Terbinafine (common brands: Lamisil)

Thoroughly wash and clean the affected area. Allow it to dry. Then, apply a thin layer of the topical agent twice a day for at least two weeks, or according to package directions. Some doctors actually advise to also apply the cream one inch beyond the affected spot, just to arrest the spread of the infection. Continue with this regimen for at least two more weeks even if the infection appears to have dried up and vanished.

Infected pets should also be treated, if there are any. This is to prevent you or your child from getting infected again.

Before You Begin

What is ringworm? Ringworm is an infection caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes (not by worms!). It is exceedingly common - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, at any given time, approximately twenty percent of the population is affected by it. Before you start treating fungal infection at home, it is strongly suggested for you to confirm beforehand that what you're dealing with is indeed ringworm and not another condition that manifests similar symptoms.

What does ringworm look like? What are the symptoms of ringworm? Is ringworm contagious? Take a few minutes to look at pictures of ringworm and learn the facts before starting any treatment regimen. Ringworm has a distinctive appearance and quite easy to spot. It would appear as reddish circular lesion with healthy skin in the middle and raised scaly borders, usually 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, or a bit larger than a quarter. If you're not sure, have a medical professional take a look at the lesion for accurate diagnosis of the symptoms.

When To See a Medical Professional

Some fungus infections do not respond well to external applications. In fact, home care ringworm treatment, using the over-the-counter medications mentioned above, is ineffective in treating ringworm of the scalp and of the toenails. These types of infection attack the toenails and the scalp deep in the roots of the hair, and to penetrate these areas, oral medication, prescribed by a doctor may be necessary.

See your doctor immediately, if ringworm of the body covers a large area, affects the scalp or nails, is severe, or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication within 4 weeks of self-care.

Your doctor will recommend either prescription-strength topical (external) medication such as:
Econazole
Miconazole (common brands: Monistat, Micatin)

In most cases, the doctor will recommend oral medication like:
Griseofulvin (common brands: Grifulvin, Fulvicin, and Gris-PEG)
Terbinafine (common brand: Lamisil)
Itraconazole (common brands: Sporanox)
Fluconazole (common brands: Diflucan)

Known Side Effects

In taking oral medication to treat severe ringworm infection, the Mayo Clinic article cautions that "side effects from oral medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver functioning. Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of these drugs. Oral ringworm medications may also alter the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your blood."

For years, when the only available medication for treating ringworm of the scalp and nails was Griseofulvin (common brands: Grifulvin, Fulvicin, and Gris-PEG) doctors often caution patients against these side effects of oral ringworm drugs. As a consequence, many patients until this very day, try to avoid using oral medication even if topical creams are shown to be ineffective in treating their scalp or nail infection.

The MedicineNet article however, observes that "in recent years, newer agents" for treating ringworm "have been introduced that are both safer and more effective. These include terbinafine, itraconazole , and fluconazole. Reputations die hard, however, and many people continue to fear that even these newer agents are 'bad for the liver,' when in fact they are quite safe when used properly" under the supervision of a medical professional.

Natural or Organic Remedies

An alternative method for ringworm treatment is the natural or organic method. This ringworm cure being harnessed by modern medicine in treating ringworm and other fungal and bacterial infections, uses one hundred percent organic plant extracts. One of these uses Tea tree oil extracts taken from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), a plant native to New South Wales in the north east corner of Australia. Many scientific studies have demonstrated that this is a very safe and effective ringworm remedy.

If you are averse to taking oral medication, you might consider using natural treatment methods in dealing with ringworm of the scalp or nails. Tea tree has been known to be a powerful antifungal agent and can penetrate deeply-rooted infections like these.

Tea tree extract-based ringworm treatment is completely natural and organic. Unlike synthetic medications, it has minimal adverse side effects and is safe to use in treating ringworm externally in children and pregnant women. Of course, we each have our own physical peculiarities and for some people, natural may not always mean effective or safe. Like in any other medication or substance that you apply to your body, it is best to consult a medical professional before starting treatment and to follow product directions.