Dermatophytid; Tinea
Ringworm usually responds well to self-care within 4 weeks without having to see a doctor.
A severe or persistent infection may require treatment by a doctor. Antifungal pills may be given and are necessary if your hair is infected. Prescription antifungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole, are stronger than over-the-counter products and may be needed. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat related bacterial infections.
Infected pets also should be treated.
Skin medication is usually successful at treating Ringworm within 4 weeks. If your ringworm infection is severe or resistant (meaning that it does not respond well to self-care), it will usually respond quickly to antifungal pills.
Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a bacterial infection, which can result from scratching. These signs include swelling, warmth to the touch, sudden worsening in redness of the patches, red streaking, pus, discharge, and fever.
Call your doctor if:
Weinstein A. Topical treatment of common superficial tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2002; 65(10): 2095-2102.
Gupta AK. Treatments of tinea pedis. Dermatol Clin. 2003; 21(3): 431-462.
Pratte M. Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract. 2003; 5(3): 653.