Scalp ringworm
Scalp ringworm is usually treated using antifungal tablets (oral antifungals).
Terbinafine and griseofulvin are the two types of oral antifungal medicines that have been shown to be effective in treating scalp ringworm.
However, the type of antifugnal medicine that your GP will prescribe for you will depend on the type of fungi involved, and your own personal health circumstances.
Terbinafine
Most people with scalp ringworm are advised to take terbinafine once a day, for four weeks. Side effects of terbinafine can include:
- nausea,
- diarrhoea,
- indigestion, and
- 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 is only a temporary side effect of the medicine, and it will pass once the treatment has been completed.
Terbinafine is not suitable for people with a history of liver disease.
Griseofulvin
Most people with scalp ringworm are advised to take griseofulvin once, or twice, a day (depending on their age and required dosage) for eight weeks.
Griseofulvin can cause birth defects so it cannot be used during pregnancy, or by women who intend to become pregnant in the first month after stopping treatment. Men should not father a child within six months of stopping treatment.
Griseofulvin can interfere with both combined and progestogen-only oral contraceptives, so you will need to use an alternative, barrier form of contraception, such as a condom.
Griseofulvin may also impair your ability to drive, or operate heavy machinery. If this is the case, you should not do either of these activities until your treatment has finished.
Griseofulvin can enhance the effects of alcohol, so you should moderate your alcohol consumption when using the medicine.
Side effects of griseofulvin can include:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- mild diarrhoea,
- headache, and
- indigestion.
However, these side effects should improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
Griseofulvin is not suitable for people with severe liver disease, or lupus (a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue).
Antifungal shampoo
Antifungal shampoo cannot cure scalp ringworm, but it can help to prevent the infection from being spread to others, and may speed up recovery time. Antifungal shampoos, such as selenium sulphide, are available from your pharmacist. It is recommended that you use them twice a week.
There is no evidence that shaving a child's head will reduce the risk of ringworm infection, or speed up recovery times.
Skin ringworm and groin infections
Most cases of skin ringworm and groin infections can be treated using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream. Creams containing terbinafine have proved to be effective. Your pharmacist should be able to advise you about which cream to use.
The antifungal cream should be applied to affected areas of skin, once a day, for two weeks. However, different creams may have different instructions, so before using it, make sure that you read the manufacturer's instructions.
You GP, or pharmacist, may advise you to apply the antifungal cream for a further two weeks in order to reduce the risk of re-infection.
See your GP if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of treatment. You may require oral anti-fungal medicines.
Both griseofulvin and terbinafine can be used to treat skin ringworm and groin infections. The advice and associated side effects of these medicines are the same as for the treatment of scalp ringworm.
Self-care advice for skin ringworm and groin infections
It is recommended that you wash any affected areas of skin before drying it thoroughly. Pay special attention to any skin folds, and the areas between your toes.
In cases of groin infection, it is recommended that you change your underwear daily because fungi can persist in flakes of skin.
Groin infections are often associated with athlete's foot because it is easy to transfer fungal spores from your feet to your groin, or vice versa. It is important that you treat both infections simultaneously, otherwise re-infection of either condition could occur.
