Treatment:

Keep the skin clean and dry.

You can buy antifungal cream without a prescription, or your health care provider may prescribe it.

• Wash and dry the area first.
• Apply the cream, beginning just outside the area of the rash and moving toward the center. Be sure to wash and dry your hands afterward.
• Use the cream twice a day for 7 to 10 days.
• Do not use a bandage over ringworm.
• Creams that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbenifine, or oxiconazole are often effective in controlling ringworm.

Once treatment has started, a child can return to school.

To prevent the infection from spreading:

• Wash all towels in warm, soapy water and then dry them.
• Use a new towel and washcloth every time.
• Clean sinks, bathtubs, and bathroom floors well after using.
• Wear clean clothes every day and do not share clothes

Your health care provider will prescribe medicine taken by mouth to treat ringworm that:

• Is severe or covers a large area of your body
• Passes deeper into the skin to the hair follicle, such as in a beard.

Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Infected pets should also be treated.

Expectations (prognosis):

Ringworm usually responds to topical medications within 4 weeks. Severe or resistant cases usually respond quickly to antifungal medicines taken by mouth.

Complications:

• Bacterial skin infections, cellulitis
• Skin disorders such as pyoderma or dermatophytid
• Spread of tinea to feet, scalp, groin, or nails
• Whole-body (systemic) side effects of medications

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if ringworm does not improve with self-care.