Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ringworm?
A: Ringworm is a contagious infection. The condition has nothing to do with actual worms. The name comes from the characteristic ring that appears on the infected person’s skin. The condition has nothing to do with actual worms. School-age children are commonly affected.
Q: How did I get ringworm?
A: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet, and indirect contact with a surface touched by an infected person or pet can cause ringworm. In rare cases, ringworm can be spread through soil.
Q: What are the symptoms of ringworm?
A: Symptoms may be a ring-shaped rash accompanied by itching, burning, scaling, and discomfort.
Q: Is Lotrimin for ringworm safe for kids?
A: Lotrimin is recommended for ages 2 and over. Do not use on children under 2 years of age unless directed by a doctor.
Ringworm is an unsightly, mildly infectious fungal infection of the skin. Over-the-counter ringworm treatment is readily available and comes in the form of anti-fungal drying powder, creams, and lotions. The more effective treatments contain miconazole and clotrimazole. Ringworm is usually harmless but can be persistent, and prescription ringworm treatment in the form of anti-fungal pills may be required if this is the case.
Curing ringworm will depend on where it is on the body. Ringworm, also called tinea, can appear on the scalp, face, and bearded area of the face, in the groin area, and in the nails and toes. The best advice for sufferers of scalp ringworm is to seek medical advice, as over-the-counter ringworm treatment in the form of anti-fungal creams are unable to penetrate into the scalp. The best treatment for ringworm in this case is doctor-prescribed anti-fungal tablets containing griseofulvin, as well as the use of a shampoo containing selenium sulfide.
Creams for treating ringworm can be found at pharmacies.Treatments for ringworm on the skin, the groin area (also known as jock itch), and on the toes (athlete's foot) include topical applications of miconazole and clotrimazole, which are both effective anti-fungal agents, as well as creams containing terbinafine and griseofulvin. The best advice is to consult a pharmacist or doctor, who will base his diagnosis on where the ringworm is.
Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.Treating ringworm can be difficult to cure in that it spreads easily. Symptoms include itchy, scaly patches of skin, usually in the shape of a ring. Scratching at the skin causes the infection to spread. The symptoms do not appear immediately, so the sufferer may be unaware that he should be receiving treatment for a certain part of his body while he is treating another part. This can give the impression that the infection is untreatable, as it keeps appearing on different parts of the body.
Applying an over-the-counter ringworm treatment should be accompanied by other treatment strategies. Keeping the infection clean is vital, and frequent hand washing after contact ensures the containment of the fungus to one area of the body. It is also important to wash sheets and blankets every day, so as to prevent further infection.
An over-the-counter ringworm treatment needs about two weeks of application, twice a day. Any ringworm persisting after this time should be checked by a doctor, as stronger medication may be required. During the examination, a sample may be taken from the infected area to determine what kind of fungus is causing the problem, and a suitable prescription ringworm treatment given.
The sound of ringworm is enough to make your skin crawl. Thankfully it’s not nearly as creepy (or as crawly) as it sounds. There aren’t even any worms involved. (Cue sigh of relief.)
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“That’s a huge misconception. Ringworm, or tinea, is not a creature but an infection caused by fungus,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. Here’s how to spot this common fungal infection — and how to wipe it out.
Recognizing ringworm symptoms
Ringworm causes red, ring-shaped patches on the skin. The red splotches typically have a wavy border that’s raised or scaly, Dr. Vij says. The rash is usually a little itchy but not always.
And those itchy red patches are all too common. The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, so it often affects kids (who are famously lax about keeping their hands to themselves) and athletes who engage in close contact, such as wrestlers. But it can strike anyone of any age.
It can also show up anywhere on the body. In kids, the scalp is a common spot. But tinea can also infiltrate the feet (where it’s known as athlete’s foot) or the groin (hello, jock itch).
Ringworm treatment
If you have signs of ringworm, you probably want it gone yesterday. Good news, says Dr. Vij: “It’s generally easy to treat.”
Look for over-the-counter antifungal creams such as Tinactin® (tolnaftate topical) or Lotramin® (clotrimazole). These products are often found in the foot care aisle and marketed for athlete’s foot. These creams will:
- Clear it up: Use it twice a day, and the infection should start clearing within a few days, Dr. Vij says.
- Wipe it out: Keep using the cream morning and night for a month to fully wipe out the fungus and prevent it from making a repeat performance, he says. “Using the creams consistently is the key.”
Most often, an OTC treatment works well to clear up ringworm. If it doesn’t, see a doctor, because you might have a deeper infection that requires prescription treatment.
However, DO NOT treat ringworm with apple cider vinegar. Some people suggest applying this would-be home remedy and covering the spot with a bandage. But you may end up with open sores, Dr. Vij says. “I’ve seen people with scarring as a result of trying to treat ringworm with vinegar.”
Keep ringworm infections at bay
When you have ringworm, antifungal creams are your friends. Still, you’d surely rather avoid the infection in the first place.
These strategies can help you avoid those telltale red rings (or prevent them from spreading from one part of your body to another):
- Wash up: After touching the rash, wash your hands before you touch another part of your body. (Or somebody else’s body. Your friends will thank you.)
- Boil the bedding: Wash all linens, towels and clothing that comes into contact with an infected person. (Go ahead and crank up the water temp — you want to scorch those fungi.)
- Check Spot: Have a vet check your dog for fungal infections since they can spread tinea to people.
- Hit the showers: Shower right after working out — especially if you’re a wrestler or participate in other close-contact sports.
- Protect your feet: Wear shower shoes at the gym or pool to avoid catching athlete’s foot.