Ringworm is a fungal infection and, therefore, the best form of treatment is the use of an antifungal medication, such as Miconazole, Itraconazole or Fluconazole, for example.
Depending on the affected site, the form of presentation can vary between tablet, cream, spray, lotion, ointment, enamel or shampoo, as well as the treatment time, which is generally longer for cases of nail ringworm, which has an average duration of 6 months.
Thus, the main treatment options include:
1. Ringworm of the skin
The main options for treating skin mycoses are creams, soaps, ointments and solutions that contain active ingredients such as selenium sulfide, miconazole, imidazole, clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, for example, used for about 1 to 4 weeks, according with each case. These principles can also be found in the form of shampoos, which are usually used to treat ringworm on the scalp. Learn more about this type of ringworm and check out examples of shampoos.
When topical options are not possible, or when there is no improvement in the infection, the dermatologist may recommend the use of pills, the base of Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole or Terbinafine, which should be used between 3 to 7 days to fight fungi since inside.
The choice of the best medicine should always be made by the dermatologist and, therefore, whenever ringworm is suspected it is important to go to a consultation before using any medication. Check out more details about the remedies used to treat ringworm and how to use it.
2. Ringworm of the nail
Nail mycosis is usually treated with the use of an anti-fungal enamel based on amorolfine, under medical guidance, requiring 1 to 2 applications per week on the affected nail. This treatment usually lasts between 6 months to 1 year.
When there is a serious infection, or when the nails are severely affected, it may be necessary to use tablet medications, such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole or Terbinafine, for several weeks to months. This type of treatment must be accompanied with returns to the doctor, as the drugs can cause side effects, such as impaired liver function.
Another option is laser treatment, called photodynamic therapy, in which weekly sessions for 1 to 3 months are necessary to eliminate the fungus and promote nail growth. See more details of this and other treatments for ringworm on the nail.
How to speed up treatment results
Some daily habits that can both prevent and help fight ringworm more quickly:
- Dry the skin well after bathing, especially on the feet, between the toes and in the folds of the body; Avoid staying in wet clothes for too long after bathing on the beach or pool; Prefer to wear light and airy clothes, preferably cotton; Do not share clothes, shoes or objects that can transmit fungi, such as hairbrushes, socks and nail pliers, with other people; Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially if they are humid, such as saunas, beaches and public bathrooms; Avoid scratching the ringworm sites to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the body.
Natural remedy options exist and can be used as a complement to treatment, not as a substitute for doctor-directed treatment, and some options may include cloves, sage essential oil and garlic, for example. Check out some options and recipes for home remedies for ringworm.
