Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, scalp, or nails. The treatment for ringworm depends on its location on the body and how serious the infection is. Here are some tips for treating ringworm:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry: The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist areas, so its important to keep the area clean and dry. When cleaning the area with ringworm, wash the affected area(s) and dry it(them) with a clean towel. Use another clean towel to dry the other parts of your body. Before using these towels again, wash them in hot, sudsy water. To keep the area dry, avoid wearing clothes, socks, and shoes that make you sweat.

• Apply antifungal medication: Some forms of ringworm can be treated with non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications, but other forms of ringworm need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders can be used to treat ringworm on the skin like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) for 2 to 4 weeks. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include griseofulvin, terbinafine, and itraconazole, which are taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. If over-the-counter treatments dont work, you may need prescription-strength antifungal medications.

• Avoid spreading the infection: Ringworm is highly contagious, so its important to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body or to other people. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the affected area, and avoid sharing towels, hats, combs, and other personal items.

• Self-care tips: For a mild case of ringworm, try these self-care tips: keep the affected area clean and dry, change your clothes, including underwear and socks, every day, wash the clothes before wearing them again, and shower after working out.

If your infection doesn’t go away or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.