We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Antifungal for Ringworm?

By B. Chisholm
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,375
Share

Choosing the best antifungal for ringworm requires a number of factors to be taken into account. These include where the ringworm is, its severity, cost and whether the person is a child or an adult. Fungal infections, including ringworm, may affect all areas of the body and in some cases can effectively be treated topically, while in other cases a systemic, or oral, antifungal is necessary.

There are a number of different drugs that may be given as an antifungal for ringworm, which include griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole and terbinafine. These may be known by different trade names in different countries, according to manufacturer. In most countries the topical preparations are available over-the-counter and in some countries the oral antifungals may only be available by prescription from a doctor.

The choice of which antifungal for ringworm to use depends mainly on which part of the body is affected. When treating ringworm that affects the skin only, a topical treatment is usually used. There are a number of different topical antifungals including terbinafine, clotrimazole and ketoconazole which come in different forms: creams, lotions or sprays. The choice of which to use will be made by cost, ease of use and sensitivity of the ringworm. If topical treatment does not work, oral treatment may be needed.

In the case of ringworm which affects the nails or hair, systemic therapy is usually needed. Again, there are a number of different drugs which may be effective and the choice will be made taking cost, sensitivity and the age of the patient into consideration. Orally available drugs include terbinafine, griseofulvin and itraconazole.

When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence. For mild ringworm the treatment course may be as short as two weeks, but for more severe infections treatment may be over several months, often given as pulse therapy. This is a treatment regimen where the antifungal is taken for a week, then not for three weeks, repeated over some months.

As with any medication, antifungals may have adverse effects, interact with other medications or be contraindicated in people with some underlying clinical conditions. These should all be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist before starting an antifungal for ringworm as these may influence the choice of the best treatment. Pregnancy, desired pregnancy and lactation should also be discussed with the health care professional.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On Jun 02, 2013

Do the over-the-counter antifungal creams work? There is one with menthol that's very cheap but I'm not sure if it can treat ringworm.

By fBoyle — On Jun 01, 2013

@simrin-- Terbinafine is a very good ointment. It's usually the preferred treatment for skin ringworm infections. But since your infection keeps coming back, you need something stronger.

See your doctor and ask about fluconazole or itraconazole. Fluconazole is a stronger antifungal that works against systemic ringworm infections. Itraconazole is even stronger than fluconazole and can be used if the fluconazole doesn't work. Both of these are available in tablet form and you might have to use both tablet and cream.

I would avoid terbinafine in your situation from now on because it sounds like the ringworm has developed resistance to it. If you keep using it, it's not going to do anything. Use only the antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor and make sure to follow doctor's direction about how to use them and for how long.

By SteamLouis — On Jun 01, 2013

I have been dealing with recurrent ringworm infections on my skin. I've had the infection three times so far and each time, I treated it with 1% terbinafine cream. This cream works, but after a few weeks, the infection comes back.

What medication can I use to get rid of this infection completely? Which is the most effective antifungal?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-antifungal-for-ringworm.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.