Because the fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated. If you have ringworm symptoms, see your healthcare provider for treatment recommendations. It is important to note that common home remedies do not effectively treat this condition.
The short answer is yes - ringworm can eventually go away on its own. However, this can take anywhere from between a few weeks to a few months. Not seeking treatment for a ringworm or jock itch infection can cause you to experience unnecessary itching and discomfort throughout the entire time you have the infection.
How Long Does Ringworm Last? 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.
People who use public showers or locker rooms, athletes (particularly those who are involved in contact sports such as wrestling),2–4 people who wear tight shoes and have excessive sweating, and people who have close contact with animals may also be more likely to come in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.
Ringworm stops being contagious after 48 hours of antifungal treatment. Treatment options include topical creams or oral medication. Without treatment, people are contagious until the ringworm rash goes away. This can take up to 3 weeks.
When to Visit a Doctor. If you've started an OTC antifungal treatment or natural ringworm home treatment and your symptoms are not better within two weeks—or your infection has spread to other body parts—you should visit a medical professional or an urgent care center.
Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm
In severe cases, blistering of the feet can occur. Tinea cruris, or jock itch Itchy, scaly red spots usually appear on the inner thighs. Tinea barbae Scaly, itchy red spots may be visible on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck.
That's too bad about the ringworm! To disinfect white or safely bleachable colored laundry, wash in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular Bleach2. For extra-large or heavily soiled laundry, use up to 1 ¼ cups.
Is Stress a Cause of Ringworm Infection? Yes, stress can be a cause of ringworm infection. Stress or alcohol acts as a trigger also, at times, causes a flare-up of the infection. So, if you are diagnosed to be affected with ringworm infection, avoid alcohol consumption, and unnecessary stress.
Steroid creams can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin's defenses. Steroid creams can allow ringworm infections to spread to cover more of the body. Ringworm that has been treated with steroid creams can have an unusual appearance, making it hard for healthcare providers to diagnose.
Wash the patch daily with soap and water and use the medication as directed. Keep skin and feet dry and clean. Wash sheets and night clothes daily while infected. Ringworm is spread through direct skin to skin contact with a person infected with ringworm.
How does it spread? Ringworm spreads through direct contact with infected skin or fungal spores. The spores can live on fabrics, including clothing, couch cushions, bedding, and other porous surfaces. They also thrive in damp environments, such as public showers and locker rooms.
If you use too much clotrimazole cream, spray or solution or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less the next time.
Healthy skin is a great barrier against ringworm. Vitamins A and D are necessary for healthy skin, so a common supplementary treatment is one shot of these vitamins to boost skin health. Vitamin D is present in sunlight, which helps kill this organism.
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.
Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus. The infection is called “ringworm” because it can cause an itchy, red, circular rash.
It's important to prevent the infection spreading. You should avoid sharing towels, bedding or clothes with someone with a fungal infection.
Ultraviolet (UV) light does, in fact, kill ringworms! However, while ringworms cannot survive under prolonged exposure to UV light, of which natural sunlight is an excellent source, you should still seek medical attention if you have ringworm.
Tea tree oil is quite effective for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin (athlete's foot, jock itch) and nails. You just paint the oil on affected areas two or three times a day. It also treats boils and other localized bacterial infections, for which you can apply it full strength.
Studies show this vinegar does have some antifungal properties. However, doctors warn that, due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar can cause open sores and scarring when used to treat ringworm.
All bedding, brushes, combs, rugs, cages, etc. should be vacuumed, scrubbed, and washed with hot water, detergent, and 1:100 chlorine laundry bleach, or another effective disinfectant (see above). It is best to throw out any items that cannot be thoroughly disinfected. Walls, floors, lamps, etc.