How to Kill Ringworm Fungi

Human skin

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that creates a discolored and itchy rash that often has a circular or ring-like shape. It is a contagious condition and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact as well as by sharing fabrics such as clothes and towels that have come into contact with an infected body. Ringworm is usually spread from human to human, although touching animals with ringworm can lead to human infection as well.

Things You'll Need

• Non-prescription antifungal medication
• Medical prescription (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Keep the infected skin dry. Like any fungus, ringworm thrives on dampness. Keeping an infected area dry discourages the growth and further spread of ringworm. Unfortunately, ringworm typically does not just "go away," so other steps must be taken to kill it. However, taking care of the skin will help with treatment.

2. Use an over-the-counter medication such as butenafine 1 percent, clotrimazole 1 percent, miconazole 2 percent and terbinafine 1 percent to kill the ringworm fungus. It is usually advised to apply the medication to the infected area and surrounding skin twice daily for two weeks, plus an additional week after the area has cleared. Follow the instructions as they appear on the medication's container for the most successful treatment.

3. Obtain a prescription from a doctor. It is necessary to visit a physician with more serious ringworm cases, or when over-the-counter medication do not work. She can prescribe a cream, pill or other medication specifically made to kill ringworm. Serious infections may require surgical attention or antibiotics.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash you hands often and keep your laundry separate from other household members if you have ringworm in order to avoid spreading it to others.

References

• WebMD: Ringworm of the Skin
• eMedicineHealth: Ringworm on the Body