Ringworm is easily treated using antifungal creams, tablets and shampoo.
Treating scalp ringworm
Scalp ringworm is usually treated using antifungal tablets often in combination with an antifungal shampoo.
There are two main types of antifungal tablets:
The antifungal medicine your doctor prescribes will depend largely on the type of fungi causing the infection.
Terbinafine tablets
Most people with scalp ringworm are prescribed terbinafine. It's an effective treatment for most cases of ringworm. You usually need to take the tablets once a day for four weeks.
Side effects of terbinafine can include:
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- indigestion
- skin rashes
These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Some people have also reported that terbinafine affects their sense of taste; however, this effect is only temporary.
Terbinafine is not suitable if you have a history of liver disease or lupus (where the immune system attacks healthy tissue).
Read more about terbinafine tablets.
Griseofulvin tablets
Griseofulvin is usually taken daily for 8 to 10 weeks.
Side effects of griseofulvin can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- mild diarrhoea
- headache
- indigestion
However, these side effects should improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
Griseofulvin can cause birth defects so shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or if you intend to become pregnant soon after stopping treatment. Men shouldn't father a child within six months of stopping treatment.
Griseofulvin is also not suitable for women who are breastfeeding and people with severe liver disease or lupus.
Griseofulvin can interfere with both combined and progestogen-only oral contraceptives, so women need to use an alternative barrier form of contraception, such as a condom, while taking it.
Griseofulvin may affect your ability to drive and can enhance the effects of alcohol.
Antifungal shampoo
Antifungal shampoo cannot cure scalp ringworm, but it can help to prevent the infection spreading and may speed up recovery.
Antifungal shampoos, such as selenium sulphide and ketoconazole shampoo, are available from your pharmacist. Ideally, antifungal shampoo should be used twice a week during the first two weeks of treatment.
There's no evidence that shaving a child's head will reduce the risk of ringworm infection or speed up recovery.
Treating body ringworm
Most cases of body ringworm (including groin infections) can be treated using an over-the-counter antifungal cream, gel or spray. There are lots of different kinds, so ask your pharmacist to help you choose the right one for you.
Usually, you apply antifungal creams, gels and sprays daily to the affected areas of skin for two weeks. The cream, gel or spray should be applied over the rash and to one inch of skin beyond the edge of the rash. Read the manufacturer's instructions first.
You may be advised to use the treatment for a further two weeks to reduce the risk of re-infection.
See your GP if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of treatment, as you may need to take antifungal tablets.
Both terbinafine and griseofulvin tablets can be used to treat body ringworm infections, as well as another antifungal medicine called itraconazole.
Itraconazole
Itraconazole (known under the brand name Sporanox) is usually prescribed in the form of capsules for 7 or 15 days. It isn't recommended for use in children, the elderly or people with severe liver disease.
Side effects of itraconazole can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- indigestion
- diarrhoea
- headache
Read more about itraconazole (Sporanox).
Now, find out how to stop the infection coming back.
Treating fungal nail infections
Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungal nail paint or antifungal tablets. Antifungal tablets tend to work better than antifungal nail paints, although they can cause side effects, such as headache, nausea and diarrhoea.
Read more about treating fungal nail infections.
