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Ringworm treatment. If you or your child has ringworm, a doctor will recommend an antifungal cream. That usually does the trick, but it takes several weeks to work. If the rash is particularly stubborn, or is located on the scalp, an oral medication may be prescribed.
Ringworm is usually diagnosed based on a health history and physical exam of your child. Most ringworm infections are treated with medicines that you apply to the skin. But ringworm of the scalp and nails require a prescribed antifungal medicine that your child takes by mouth.
Treatment for ringworm and other tinea infections. Because the fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated. Specific treatment will be determined by your child's doctor based on: Your child's age, overall health, and medical history.
Treating pets for ringworm, if they’re infected. Washing hands thoroughly after contact with animals. A weak immune system or living in a damp, warm climate increases your risk of a fungal infection.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after treating your child's ringworm. Use soap and clean, running water. Teach your child how and when to wash their hands as well.
A single patch of ringworm can be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream. Creams usually contain clotrimazole, ketoconazole, econazole, tolnaftate, or terbinafine. If there are many patchy areas, your child may need a prescription cream, or oral antifungal medicine taken by mouth.
Ringworm on the nails or scalp usually is treated with medicine taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. An antifungal shampoo prescribed by the doctor can help prevent the spread to other people. Your child should use the medicine for as long as recommended, even if the rash seems to be getting better.
Treatment for ringworm depends on symptom severity and the part of the body infected (such as skin, scalp, or nails). Antifungal medications for ringworm come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, powders, and pills. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with non-prescription (over-the-counter) antifungal medications.
Conditions. How to manage ringworm in babies and children. Ringworm is a contagious skin infection caused by a fungus. Here's how you can prevent and treat it in babies and kids. Medically reviewed by Teresa Wright, M.D., FAAD, FAAP, pediatric dermatologist. Written by Amanda Krupa, MSc | Mar 11, 2024.
Listen. Print. What Is Ringworm? It sounds like the name of a creep-crawly bug. But ringworm isn't an animal — it's a contagious infection on the skin, scalp, or nails that's caused by a type of germ called a fungus.