Medicines and products for ringworm

Most ringworm clears with antifungal medicine. The choice depends on where the infection is, how widespread it is and the person's health. Use medicines as directed, and finish the full course even if the skin looks clear.

Topical antifungals (creams, lotions, powders)

• Clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, luliconazole, sertaconazole, terbinafine and butenafine.
• Apply once or twice a day to the rash and about 2 cm of surrounding skin for two to four weeks, and for one to two weeks after it looks healed.
• Antifungal powders can help with sweat in the groin and feet.

Oral antifungals Doctors prescribe tablets for scalp, nail, beard and widespread or stubborn infections.

• Terbinafine and itraconazole are common choices. Fluconazole is used in some cases.
• Griseofulvin is often used for children with scalp ringworm.
• These can affect the liver and interact with other medicines, so they should be taken only on medical advice, and sometimes with blood tests.
• Treatment for nails can take several months.

Medicines to avoid Steroid creams or combination creams (steroid plus antifungal plus antibiotic) can suppress the rash and make the fungus spread, so they should not be used without a doctor's advice. Overuse can also cause stubborn, hard-to-treat ringworm.

Adjuncts Antihistamines may ease itching. Medicated shampoo with ketoconazole or selenium sulfide helps reduce spread in scalp infection, alongside oral treatment.

Pregnancy and children Many oral antifungals are not suitable in pregnancy. Dosing for children is by weight and must be set by a doctor.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Herbal creams are sometimes used, but evidence is limited, and some contain hidden steroids. Check with your doctor first.

Remember See a doctor if there is no improvement after two weeks of treatment, to check the diagnosis and the choice of medicine.