Some types of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but other forms require prescription antifungal medication.
Medication Options
Treatment of ringworm depends on the location of the infection. Nonprescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders that can treat tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch) include:
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
- miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington Antifungal, Critic-Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex, Fungoid Tincture, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Mitrazol, Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Prescription antifungal medications that can treat ringworm on the scalp include:
- griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
- terbinafine
- itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
- ketoconazole (Xolegel)
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
There has been some research into the use of herbal remedies in treating ringworm, but it is dated and has been mostly limited to animals, and the results of animal studies don’t necessarily translate to humans. A study in the Hong Kong Medical Journal found that a topical herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicines with antifungal properties was effective in treating athlete’s foot in guinea pigs, though not as effective as a topical antifungal medication. And a study in Mycoses found that an herbal formula of essential oils, applied topically, appeared to limit fungal growth in sheep affected with ringworm.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and other remedies may help treat the condition, but that there’s not much scientific evidence to support these recommendations.
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