This should make the rash go away in a week or two. Sometimes you'll need to use the medicine for up to a month or more to get rid of the ringworm completely.
You'll also need to keep your skin clean and dry. If the infection doesn't clear up, your doctor might prescribe a stronger medicine. This one will be the kind you swallow. For ringworm of the scalp or fungus in the nails, you'll need to take medicine by mouth. You may also need to use a special shampoo to stop the fungus from spreading to other people.
Reviewed by: Michelle P. Tellado, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. You may need prescription medication. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:.
A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. Ringworm is difficult to prevent.
The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Ringworm on an arm Open pop-up dialog box Close. That's why it's common in people who play contact sports such as wrestling.
It can also be passed on objects like combs, brushes, hats, towels, or clothing. Minor skin injuries such as scratches , too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions such as diabetes, obesity , or immune system problems can make a person more likely to develop it.
A doctor can often diagnose ringworm just by looking at it and asking questions about the symptoms and the child's lifestyle. Sometimes the doctor will scrape off a small sample of the flaky infected skin to look at under a microscope or to test in a laboratory. Using over-the-counter OTC antifungal creams, sprays, or powders may solve a mild infection.
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 as long as is recommended, even if the rash seems to be getting better.
If not, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of the body. To help heal the skin, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Your child should:.
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp. Reviewed by: Michelle P. Other animals, like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to people. Please click here for more information about pets and ringworm , and click here for information about how to stay healthy at petting zoos and other animal exhibits.
From the environment. The fungi that cause ringworm can live on surfaces, particularly in damp areas like locker rooms and public showers.
Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself from ringworm. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
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