How to Get Rid of Ringworm: Treatment and Medications

09/29/2022

Signs and Symptoms

Ringworm infection is a red, scaly patch or a bump where it itches. Over some time, that bump turns into a ring-like shaped patch. It might also turn into several rings. The infection patch looks slightly bumpy and raised from the outside, but it's usually clearer and scaly from the inside. You may also notice that hair around the patch might start to fall out, and also your skin might feel tender or sore when touched.

Following are the signs & symptoms of Ringworm Infection :

• Itchiness.

• Slightly raised bump and expanding rings.

• Overlapping rings.

• Flat patch or itchy skin in the middle.

• Scaly ring or circle-shaped area, usually on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks

• Clear or scaly area inside the ring with bumps surrounding it whose color ranges from red to dark reddish on white skin people and brown to grayish on black or brown-skinned people

Causes and Risk Factors

Ringworm infection is a contagious fungal infection and can be caused by common mold parasites living on the outer layer of your skin cells. It can be spread in the ways given below:

1. Human to Human

It can spread via direct contact, skin to skin contact with an already infected person.

2. Animal to Human

If you come in contact with an animal infected with ringworm, you can contract the infection. It can spread by grooming or petting dogs and cats. Now it's even found in cows.

3. Soil to Human

Infection can be contracted from the soil only if there is prolonged contact with infected soil.

4. Object to human

In rare cases, it's possible that the ringworm infection might spread from an object to humans. If an object or a surface is touched by an infected human or animal recently, it can be spread to an uninfected person if he touches or gets rubbed against that surface, such as towels, bedding, combs, or clothing.

You are at a more elevated risk of contracting ringworm infection if you:

• Have a weak or compromised immune system

• Wear restrictive or tight clothing

• Share clothes, bedding, or towels with a person who has ringworm or any other fungal infection

• Have a close contact with an infected animal or person

• Live in a warm or humid climate

• Actively participate in sports that require direct skin to skin contact, like wrestling.

Treatment Options

1. Medications for Ringworm 

Over-the-counter medications

In most cases of ringworm infections, the first treatment option would be a non-prescription antifungal medicine for the skin. These come in creams, ointments, etc., and usually, they work quickly to heal the infection. Antifungal medication that cures this infection on the skin includes:

• Lotrimin cream (Clotrimazole) 

• Monistat cream (Miconazole)

• Lamisil cream (erbinafine)

• Nizoral solution, cream, and tablets (Ketoconazole)

Prescription medications

There are a few cases in which prescription medications are required to treat severe fungal infections. Infections such as ringworm on the scalp and beard don't go away with OTC medication. Your doctor will suggest you use the following prescription medications for infections that get worse and don't go after using topical creams:

• Lamisil tablets (Terbinafine)

• Loprox cream or solution (Ciclopirox)

• Grifulvin tablets (Griseofulvin)

• Sporanox Capsules (Itraconazole)

After consulting with your doctor, you can buy Antifungal Creams, Tablets, and Injections Online from our E-Pharmacy and save time and money.

2. Natural Remedies to Treat Ringworm

Prescription and over-the-counter medications have been proven effective in treating ringworm infections. However, there are some natural remedies that work for people suffering from ringworm infection, such as the following:

Tea Tree Oil 

An essential oil known as tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), widely used in aromatherapy, may help treat ringworm affecting the feet, commonly known as athlete's foot.

Garlic Extract

A natural compound extracted from garlic known as Ajoene has also shown promising results in treating ringworm infections such as tinea cruris (jock itch) and tinea corporis (ringworm on the skin).

3. Home Care for Ringworm

While you will need Antifungal pills and injections to treat the ringworm infection, however, there are a few home care practices also that can help you minimize the spread:

• Washing your clothes, bedding, and towels that you have touched or worn with detergent in hot water.

• Showering after workouts and playing sports.

• Wearing shower shoes while at the gym or pool.

• Getting your dogs or cats checked regularly for fungal infections.

• Washing your hands each time after you have touched your rash before touching anyone else.

Conclusion

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the scalp and skin. It can be treated with OTC topical creams that are applied directly to the affected areas. However, prescription medicine may occasionally be essential to clear up the infection. Ringworm is highly infectious and can be spread between people and animals, so it's vital to keep your skin and clothing clean. You can check out the prices of Antifungal tablets, creams, and injections online on our website after your healthcare provider recommends a treatment. Usually, a ringworm infection clears up with proper treatment within a few days or weeks. Even if it appears to go away within a few days, always make sure to continue ringworm treatment for as long as your doctor advises.