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 over-The-Counter Ringworm Treatment?

By Marlene de Wilde
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 31,352
Share

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.

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.

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.

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 discographer — On Jun 02, 2013

Iodine is another over-the-counter product that can be used for ringworm. But it's kind of risky because iodine can cause burns if it's kept on the skin for too long.

By SteamLouis — On Jun 02, 2013

I don't want to sound like I was paid to promote this product, so I won't say the brand. But there is a very cheap anti-fungal, jock itch ointment at the pharmacy that is very effective against ringworm. It cleared mine up in about four days. It was recommended to me by the pharmacist. I don't have insurance right now so the only option I had for ringworm treatment was over-the-counter medications. I'm so glad this ointment worked.

My friend also told me some home remedies for ringworm like garlic but why deal with garlic when there are cheaper ointments that work.

By SarahGen — On Jun 01, 2013

My mom is using a topical treatment right now for ringworm on the toes. It looks like a bottle of nail polish and she applies it on her nails daily. I will have to ask her about the active medication but I think it's miconazole.

She is happy with this treatment though, she was telling me yesterday that it's working. My mom has been dealing with this ringworm infection for several months now and this is the only over-the-counter treatment that has worked so far.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-over-the-counter-ringworm-treatment.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.