Ringworm Slideshow Pictures Head Lice Slideshow Pictures Scabies Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Allison Harvey, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Ringworm on Body Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Although infection may go away without treatment, some ringworm may require antifungal medications applied as cream to the lesions (topical).

• Apply topical antifungal medications to the lesion itself and 1 inch beyond its border twice daily for a minimum of two weeks, and at least one week after it goes away. Keep the infected area clean and dry. Over-the-counter medications available at the drugstore include



• miconazole 2% (Monistat-Derm, Lotrimin AF Powder, Lotrimin AF Powder Spray, Lotrimin AF Liquid Spray, and Micatin);



• clotrimazole 1% (Lotrimin AF Cream and Mycelex);



• butenafine 1% (Lotrimin Ultra, and Mentax);



• and terbinafine 1% (Lamisil AT).



• Although diaper rash, yeast infections, and ringworm are all caused by types of fungus, the medications used for those infections (nystatin) are NOT effective for ringworm.



• Ringworm is highly contagious.



• Avoid touching suspicious lesions.



• Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands and body frequently and laundering the linens and clothes of an infected family member separately.



• Avoid contact sports such as wrestling until you have been treating the lesions for at least 48 hours.