Creams or lotions such as clotrimazole or terbinafine can help treat your ringworm. Apply the cream or lotion as indicated on the packaging or by your doctor. Usually you need to treat the area for 2-3 weeks. You can purchase antifungal creams at most pharmacies and some grocery stores or larger retailers.
Peel a clove of garlic and slice into thin sections. Place the thin slices of garlic onto the affected area and cover with a bandage Wear the bandage and garlic slices overnight. Keep doing this until your ringworm clears.
Moisten a cotton ball or pad with apple cider vinegar and dab it directly on to the affected area. Apply the apple cider vinegar 3-5 times per day for 1-3 days.
Mix salt and vinegar until they form a paste and then apply directly to your ringworm. Allow the salt and vinegar paste to sit on your ringworm for five minutes and then rinse it off with water. It can take up to seven days for your ringworm to disappear with salt and vinegar treatments.
Mix a 1-1 solution of tea tree oil and water. Use diluted tea tree oil twice daily on the affected area. It can take up to four weeks for tea tree oil to heal ringworm. Apply a small amount of lavender oil to the affected area daily. It may take up to a month for lavender oil to treat ringworm. If pure lavender oil is too strong for your skin, try diluting it with some distilled water.
Mix one part of the solution with 20 parts water. The solution shall be applied for 6 to 8 hours. It is advisable to apply the solution overnight because sweat production is lowest at nighttime. The solution should be washed off before excessive sweating begins. Repeat this procedure until the ringworm heals. You can get aluminum salts at most pharmacies.
Use a mild cleanser to wash skin or a simple hand soap to keep your hands clean after using the bathroom or touching shared surfaces. If using a shower in a gym or other type of locker room, wear shower shoes to keep from contracting ringworm on your feet or other area.
A shampoo with tea tree oil may also help.
You can dry your skin using either a towel or let your skin air dry. Use talc, cornstarch or rice powder to help keep your skin dry. This can absorb excess sweat. Reduced perspiration may help skin stay fungus-free.
Towels or clothing may provide a medium for contracting fungus by sticking in the fabric. Hairbrushes and combs can also spread ringworm, so don’t share or borrow these items.
In the summer, wear soft and lightweight clothing. Cotton is a good option that will allow your skin to breathe. Layer your clothing in winter. If you get too hot or start to sweat, this can make it easier to remove items of clothing without getting too cold. Merino wool is a good option for winter that can keep you warm and dry.
Your regular doctor or a dermatologist can diagnose and develop a treatment plan for ringworm. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for signs of ringworm and will also likely ask for a health history, including factors such as if you’ve been exposed to any people or animals with ringworm. You may find it difficult to heal ringworm at home if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes and may need to see a doctor.
If your case isn’t clear cut, your doctor may take some skin scraping to examine under a microscope. This can help her identify the fungus and more definitively diagnose ringworm.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when using a prescription anti-fungal cream.
The most common anti-fungal oral medications are terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole. Oral anti-fungal medications are usually taken for 8-10 weeks and are available at most pharmacies. Make sure to follow the indications on the prescription for maximum efficacy. You may experience some side effects from these medications including: diarrhea, nausea, headache, and indigestion. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that are more than mild. If you have a ringworm on your scalp, your doctor may suggest pairing an oral anti-fungal with anti-fungal shampoo. If you have ringworm on your nails, your doctor may suggest pairing an oral anti-fungal with an anti-fungal nail paint. Your doctor may take blood tests before, during, or after your treatment course.
