What creams can you use to treat ringworm

Wash and dry your hands well. How to Prevent Ringworm The fungus grows well on warm, dark, moist areas of the body. To prevent ringworm from spreading to others: Keep the skin clean and dry. Dry the skin well after washing or bathing. Wash hands well and right away if a ringworm rash is touched. Wear clean clothes, socks and underwear every day and do not share clothes or personal items brushes, combs, barrettes with others Picture 2.

Wash and dry clothing and towels that have come in contact with the rash using the hottest settings allowed on the care labels. Wash the bathtub, bathroom sink or pan well after each use. Other Advice Wear shoes in locker rooms and public showers. Shower right away after all contact sports like wrestling and football. Keep fingernails short and clean. Wash hands after playing with pets. Check pets for ringworm and get them treated if necessary.

Your child can return to daycare or school after treatment has begun. Granuloma Annulare. When you are treating ringworm, it is important to finish the full course of medicine prescribed, even if the symptoms have gone away, so that the infection does not return. This prescription medicine should be used with caution and for no longer than 2 weeks, because complications can occur with long-term use of corticosteroids.

People who are taking antifungal pills should have a doctor monitor their blood counts and liver and kidney function during treatment to watch for any harmful side effects.

Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Ringworm of the Skin. Top of the page. Topic Overview Is this topic for you? For information about other fungal infections, see the topics: Athlete's Foot. Diaper Rash. Fungal Nail Infections. Ringworm of the Scalp or Beard. What is ringworm of the skin?

What causes ringworm? What are the symptoms? How is ringworm of the skin diagnosed? How is it treated? Can you prevent ringworm? To prevent ringworm: Don't share clothing, sports gear, towels, or sheets. If you think you have been exposed to ringworm, wash your clothes in hot water with special anti-fungus soap.

Wear slippers or sandals in locker rooms and public bathing areas. Shower and shampoo well after any sport that includes skin-to-skin contact. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after showers or baths, drying your feet last. If you have athlete's foot, put your socks on before your underwear so that fungi do not spread from your feet to your groin.

Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection. Cause Ringworm infection is caused by a fungus. Symptoms Most ringworm infections cause a rash that may be peeling, cracking, scaling, itching, and red. Symptoms of ringworm of the body include a rash: On the chest, stomach, arms, legs, or back. With edges that are red and scaly or moist and crusted. The rash also may have small bumps that look like blisters. The center of the rash may be clear, giving it a ring-shaped appearance, or there may be a cluster of red bumps.

That may form large, round patches. Symptoms of ringworm of the face include a rash: On the face, the ears, or both. With a border that may not be very distinct. That may get worse after being in the sun.

Symptoms of ringworm of the groin jock itch include a rash: On the groin, skin folds, inner thighs, or buttocks. The rash usually does not occur on the scrotum or penis. With edges that are very distinct and may be scaly or have bumps that look like blisters. That may have a red-brown center. Symptoms of ringworm on the hand include a rash: On the palm that may be mistaken for eczema. On the palm that is thickened, dry, and scaly, similar to athlete's foot, while skin between the fingers may be moist and have open sores.

On the back of the hand that is red and scaly, with edges that have bumps that look like blisters. What Happens Ringworm of the skin can start as a small patch of itchy, red, or scaling skin. Ringworm can also spread to other parts of the body, including the feet, nails, scalp, or beard. What Increases Your Risk Your risk of getting ringworm is higher if: You come in contact with a person who has a fungal infection or with a carrier, a person who has the fungi but does not have symptoms.

You are susceptible to fungal infections or you have had a previous fungal infection. You have an impaired immune system due to a disease such as diabetes or cancer. You live in a warm, damp climate. You wear tight-fitting clothes or you let your skin stay damp for long periods, such as by staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes. You are a wrestler. When should you call your doctor? If you suspect you have ringworm of the skin, call your doctor if: You have patches of skin that are itchy, red, or scaly with bumps that look like blisters, and they have not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with a nonprescription antifungal product.

Signs of bacterial infection develop. Signs may include: Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat. Red streaks extending from the area. Discharge of pus. Fever of The rash appears to be spreading even after treatment. Watchful waiting Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. Any persistent, severe, or recurring infection should be checked by your doctor. Who to see The following health professionals can diagnose and treat ringworm of the skin: Family medicine physician Pediatrician Dermatologist Nurse practitioner Physician assistant Internist.

Exams and Tests Doctors often can easily recognize ringworm by its ring-shaped rash. Tests for ringworm of the skin include: A KOH potassium hydroxide preparation.

This test can help your doctor find out whether a fungus is causing your rash. The doctor will take a sample of your skin by lightly scraping the infected area. The sample is placed on a slide with potassium hydroxide KOH solution and gently heated. If fungus cells are present, the doctor can then see them with a microscope. Here are 10 healthy Chinese food options. Many people store fat in the belly, and losing fat from this area can be hard. Here are 19 effective tips to lose belly fat, based on studies.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Topical treatments Don't cover it Wash bedding Dry undergarments Antifungal shampoo Prescription medication Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Treating ringworm. Apply a topical antifungal. Let it breathe. Wash bedding daily. Change wet underwear and socks.

Use an antifungal shampoo. Take a prescription antifungal. The takeaway. Medically reviewed by Sarah Taylor, M. Read this next. Ringworm of the Scalp Tinea Capitis. Causes and How to Treat It.