How To Get Rid of Ringworm Fast

Ringworm is a common cause of skin irritation. Caused by a fungal infection, ringworm leads to raised, itchy, flaky patches that can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It’s also highly transmissible, allowing it to spread easily between family members. 

Treating ringworm promptly is the most effective way to clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading to others. 

What Is Ringworm?

The first thing to know about ringworm is that it is not a worm. The medical term for it is tinea corporis, which is caused by a minor fungal infection. It’s called ringworm due to its appearance: It causes red, raised patches with a ring-like perimeter that can resemble a worm.

Ringworm is extremely common, and many people will experience some form of it at some point in their lives. It’s not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, showers and locker rooms are a common place to be exposed to ringworm because the fungus that causes it thrives in warm, moist environments. 

Ringworm may resolve on its own, but it can take several months for the infection to fully clear. To effectively treat ringworm, most experts recommend prompt treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. Prescription medications are used for stubborn cases that don’t clear up with OTC treatment or ringworm on the scalp. 

Is Ringworm Dangerous?

Ringworm can be uncomfortable and annoying, but it’s generally not dangerous. For healthy individuals, ringworm is a superficial condition that only affects the skin. It can be treated with topical creams, sprays, or powders, and typically clears up within a couple of weeks. 

Untreated ringworm can worsen over time. That can lead to complications such as severe skin irritation and secondary infections in the affected areas. Bacterial infections can spread and cause serious health problems if they aren’t treated with antibiotics. 

Young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of complications from ringworm. The rash may spread, become inflamed, or develop a bacterial infection. They may also heal more slowly, causing lingering discomfort. Prompt and consistent treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

Common Causes of Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by exposure to any of the types of fungi that cause ringworm. You can be exposed in a variety of ways, including: 

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated surfaces, like gym mats, locker room floors, or shared equipment
• Sharing personal items such as towels, razors, hairbrushes, or clothing
• Contact with infected animals, especially cats, dogs, or farm animals
• Excessive sweating or lingering moisture, especially in joints or folds of skin, that creates a warm, moist environment where fungus thrives
• Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing for extended periods
• Walking barefoot in public areas, such as pools or communal showers

How Does Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can easily spread between individuals. The fungi that lead to ringworm can linger on surfaces such as showers, locker room floors, bathroom counters, towels, and sheets. You can contract ringworm after touching contaminated surfaces. 

Ringworm can also linger on personal care items, such as combs and brushes, razors, or toothbrushes. It’s best not to share those items with others. If you develop ringworm, clean and sanitize or replace your personal care items to reduce the risk of reinfection. 

Skin-to-skin contact is one of the easiest ways to contract ringworm. This can particularly affect parents or caregivers who may be treating ringworm in children, older adults, or other individuals who need care. 

Be sure to wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after applying ringworm treatments or bathing individuals affected by ringworm. This will reduce your risk of developing ringworm or further spreading it to others in your household. 

Pets can also transmit ringworm to humans. Washing hands after petting dogs and cats can reduce the risk of developing ringworm. 

What Does Ringworm Look Like?

Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body. It’s common to see it on the arms or legs, where it causes patches called plaques. They are typically a round and raised area that looks reddish or darker than the surrounding skin. The skin may feel dry or scaly, and it can be very itchy. 

Ringworm from athlete’s foot often causes cracked, painful, or itchy skin between and under the toes.

Ringworm can appear as a red rash on the groin and thighs. This is often called jock itch. 

The fungi that cause ringworm also affect the hair and nails. It can cause onychomycosis, a fungal condition that affects finger- and toenails, causing yellowing and distortion of the nails. When ringworm develops on the scalp, it can lead to bald patches, which may become permanent if left untreated. 

How to Get Rid of Ringworm Fast

To get rid of ringworm fast, you should begin treatment right away. Most cases of ringworm respond to OTC antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. Look for ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and tolnaftate. 

Before applying topical treatment, gently clean the affected area with soap and water and pat it dry. Apply the cream, spray, or powder as directed on the product label. Wash your hands after treatment to prevent transmission. To eliminate ringworm permanently, continue to use the medication for the full duration recommended on the label.

In addition to medication, you can manage ringworm with home care:

• Clean the affected area with soap and water and dry it thoroughly.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wash bedding, towels, and clothing frequently to prevent the spread of the fungus.
• Avoid sharing towels, clothing, combs, hairbrushes, and hats, as these can spread the infection.

It is not advisable to use steroid anti-itch treatments on ringworm. They won’t address the underlying cause and can actually exacerbate ringworm. Rubbing alcohol can kill ringworm on the surface of the skin, but it won’t completely treat the infection. 

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If OTC treatments don’t clear up ringworm within two to four weeks, or if you have an underlying condition that causes a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about prescription treatments. You may need a stronger topical treatment. 

Severe cases and ringworm of the scalp and nails often require oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. Use any prescription treatment according to your doctor’s instructions.

At Next Level Urgent Care, we can diagnose ringworm and other skin conditions and help you start the necessary treatment. If you think you may have ringworm, schedule your appointment today or walk in anytime between 9 AM – 9 PM — we’re here to help.