A common skin problem that really could affect anyone, and of course we actually don’t like the appearance of such blemishes in our skin… But is there a way to remove it? Short answer is yes! but let’s dig deeper to understand how to correct this skin problem and antifungal cream for ringworm.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that shows on the skin in a ring-shaped rash. This skin condition mostly occurs on the arms, legs, scalp, feet, face, or the groin. To treat this kind of fungal infection you might need to look for the best cream for a fungal skin infection.
And so, to help you with your probing, in this article we’ll later on review 18 of the best cream for ringworm to make your search more easily.
What Is Ringworm?
It is a common fungal skin infection that is also known as “tinea”. There are different names for this infection that depends on which part of the body is affected. These are the tinea corporis (body), tinea capritis (scalp), tinea pedis or athlete’s foot (feet), and the tinea cruris or jock itch (groin).
What are the Causes of skin fungus?
There are certain fungi’s that can help the body, but the type of dermatophyte that causes the ringworm irritates the skin rather than helping. These fungi live off of the dead tissues of your hair, skin, and nails.
Dermatophytes, as some of you may know, do well in warm and moist areas, such as the skin folds of your groin or the web between your toes. So if you often sweat excessively or have minor injuries on your skin, then you have a higher risk of getting ringworm.
What are the Symptoms of Ringworm?
The symptoms of ringworm vary on which area you are infected. But these are what you commonly experience with the skin infection:
- Patches that begins to ooze or develop blisters
- Scaly, itchy, raised, or red patches
- The patches resemble a ring-like shape
- Patches with edges may be raised and defined
Below will be the different types of skin fungus:
Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
The patches commonly have sharp defined edges. The appearance is often redder on the outside and the center will be with a normal skin tone, but sometimes it may appear like a bull’s eye target. Also, sometimes your skin may also appear darker or lighter.
Ringworm of the Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Tinea Pedis or most commonly known as the athlete’s foot is the most common skin infection. The symptoms may cause inflammation and scale in the toe’s webs, especially between the spaces of your little toe and the space of the toe beside it.
Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
This type most commonly affects the children that are in their late childhood or teenagers, and since it affects kids it may spread out in schools. This creates bald spots on the scalp and may appear scaly and patchy.
Ringworm of the Hand (Tinea Manuum)
Ringworms may appear anywhere in your body, including the hands. It mostly affects the palms and the spaces between your fingers. It usually causes the thickening of the skin, also known as hyperkeratosis.
Ringworm of the Groin (Tinea Cruris)
This is also known as the “jock itch”, this may extend from the folds of the groin down to one or both thighs. It also tends to a reddish-brown color. Ringworm of the groin often occurs on teenage boys and adult men, a jock itch may develop due to hot weather, sweating, or be rubbed by wearing tight pants or clothes.
Ringworm of the Face (Tinea Faciei)
This appears somewhere around the face, except the beard area. It causes red and scaly patches but with obscure edges. It rarely appears in a perfect ring shape.
Ringworm of the Beard (Tinea Barbae)
This appears on the neck and the bearded area of the face. It causes swellings and crusting and sometimes it causes the hair to fall off. Back in the days when men went daily to a barber shop for a shave, they called it a “barber’s itch”.
Ringworm of the Nails (Tinea Unguium)
Ringworm is also one of the most common fungal infections of the nails. It is also called as “onychomycosis”. Infected fingernails may appear brittle, white, thick and opaque, but it more often looks thick, yellow, and brittle.
Using artificial nails may increase the risk of ringworm since emery boards can carry fungal infection, and water can gather under the artificial nail and creates a moisten area where fungi’s can grow.
Ringworm can be uncomfortable, but since it is common, it is also treatable. There are a lot of over-the-counter antifungal creams available in local drugstores, and they are also available online shops like in Amazon.com.
Top 18 Best Antifungal Cream for Ringworm
Here are the best products we have chosen to help you:
Puriya
This is a product that is specifically intended to help you control and prevent the spread of the fungal and its ailments. It handles conditions like jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other kinds of fungal infections.
Fungal infections like the ringworm are really unpleasant to deal with, but this product can promise that it can help you a lot by removing your fungal infection.
This product is made of natural botanical ingredients that are well-known by many people and reliable. It includes eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, rose geranium, macadamia nut, and olive oils and vitamin C.
Improvements can be seen during the first or second week of the application as long as it is applied on the affected skin daily. And most importantly, it doesn’t have any side effects. But if your skin is too sensitive then use the product with a carrier oil to avoid complications.
Phytozine
This product is also an effective and topical ointment that quickly cures and eliminates ringworm infection. According to the manufacturer’s website, their product is one of the most effective and fast-acting treatments for fungal infection in the market.
In the website, it also states that Phytozine is specifically formulated for any kinds of fungal infection. It is also made with organic elements and minerals but it also includes Tolnaftate, it is a synthetic anti-fungal agent and it is commonly used in treating different kinds of infection.
The product is FDA approved and since it is natural it doesn’t cause any side effects. According to the manufacturer, you can safely use this product more than twice a day to keep the solution active. Use this for at least 2 weeks for the best result.
Lotrimin
This product is another well-rated product that can particularly help get rid of ringworm and other fungal infections. The product’s main active ingredient is Clotrimazole, it is a strong antifungal agent that effectively works on the fungus.
One of the benefits of this product is that it can be purchased without the prescription of the doctor and quite cheap too, this is good for people who are on a limited budget.
Lotrimin is available in cream and powder form, you can choose your preferred form of the product. This product is safe and doesn’t cause any side effects, but in case you do not see any improvements after one month then stop.
Clean and dry first the infected area before applying the cream. You can use it twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.
Baza Antifungal Cream
Like any other antifungal cream, this medicine also prevents and cures the fungus that’s on your skin. The active ingredient of the product is the Miconazole Nitrate. It is a common ingredient for treating skin conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot and other types of fungal skin infections.
The proper usage of this product is that it should be applied twice daily on the affected area after being thoroughly cleansed and dried. It is important to always follow the instructions in the back panel of the product to avoid other complications.
Before using the product, consult your doctor first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to miconazole nitrate. This product also has a side effect, it may include swelling, burning, stinging, or red and irritated skin. If you’ve experienced any of the side effects after using the product, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
3M Cavilon
This antifungal cream can effectively relieve the irritation, scaling, redness, itching, burning, and discomfort. It is also enriched with water-repelling ingredients to protect the skin.
According to the In Vitro testing, this product is also effective against candida albicans, It mostly causes yeast infections and the two dermatophytes that are responsible for the common tinea infections.
This product also contains miconazole nitrate, so if you are allergic to it do not use the product. Same for pregnant woman and those who breastfeed, using products like these may have a bad effect on unborn babies, and also may affect the breastmilk of the mother.
Consult your doctor before using this product and if there is an irritation or if there is no improvement within two weeks.
Terrasil Antifungal Treatment Max
This is a product produced by the Aidance Skincare, and it is proven that their product can kill the fungus eight times faster than other brands. It treats different kinds of fungus including the ringworm.
You’ll notice the instant relief from the burn, pain, and the itch that commonly comes with the skin condition. This product also contains a moisturizer that can help repair the skin’s flakiness and dryness as the result of the fungi
This product is 100% natural and FDA approved. You also won’t have to worry about the side effects of it since it is made from natural ingredients. Like any other medicated cream, wash and dry the infected area and apply a thin layer of cream over the infection twice a day.
Wild Thera
A lot of users often feel the fast benefits from products that are free from harsh ingredients. So here is another, natural antifungal cream for ringworm, the wild thera.
Wild thera is another natural antifungal cream or balm that has no water, chemicals, harmful preservative, petroleum by-products, sulfates, artificial colors, alcohol, stabilizers, and any other synthetic ingredients and chemicals.
This product is great for treating itch, skin funguses, ringworm, bug bites, jock itch, heat rash, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Since this is safe to use, you can apply it on the affected area of your skin every five to fifteen minutes. You can also leave it on the skin overnight for best results.
All Stop Medicated Skin Cream
This brand’s package consists of two things, cream, and gel. It is a two-step treatment to remove ringworm. This product can eliminate and prevent the ringworm from reoccurring.
If you prefer a two-step procedure in treating ringworm then you can try this product, it’s effective and safe for the skin. There are no harmful effects, but it is still important for consumers to follow the proper directions of usage of the product.
In using this product, use the cream in the morning and apply enough amount of cream to the infected area and at night use the healing gel instead of the cream. Do this daily.
Clotrimazole
Even though clotrimazole is available on prescription, you can also buy some preparations without the prescriptions. This is available as a spray, topical solution, and cream.
The most frequently used product is the cream form, though others purchase the spray or the topical solution because the infected area is quite hairy.
Unlike other antifungal creams, this can be used to treat fungal infection other than the skin like infections around the ear, vaginal area, and the anus. The cream is prescribed if the infected area has caused the skin to become sore and inflamed.
Tinactin Antifungal
Tinactin is used for infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. Before using this product consult your doctor if it is safe for you to use it. Do not use this if you are allergic to one of the ingredients of the product.
It is still unknown if the product will harm an unborn baby or not, so do not use this if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since it is not known if the product passes into the breast milk or if it’ll harm a nursing baby.
Always consult your doctor before using any kind of antifungal treatment creams.
Conazol Cream Anti-fungal
This cream is used for vulvovaginal candidiasis, napkin rash, vaginal yeast infections, fungal infections, and other kinds of condition. If you are using this product for ringworm use it twice a day for four weeks.
Always wash and dry the affected area before using this cream. This cream is not effective on the scalp and nails. Like the other creams, it relieves the burning, cracking, and itching of the affected area.
In case of irritation, stop using it and tell your doctor about it.
Family Care Tolnaftate Cream
This antifungal cream can treat different kinds of skin infection and different areas of the body like the scalp and nails. Apply the medication on skin twice a day, or follow the direction of usage on the product’s package or directions from your doctor.
After application of the product, wash your hands except if the infected area is on the hands or palm. And do not cover the area unless if you are directed by your doctor.
Use this for a month or so, don’t stop using this if the affected area is still not fully healed. Stopping too early will make the fungus continue to grow.
Secura
Only use this medication on the skin only. Wash and dry the infected area of the ringworm, or other kinds of skin infection, before applying the cream. Use it twice daily or as directed by the doctor.
If you are using the spray form of the product, shake well the bottle before applying. The dosage and length of the treatment depend on the type of infection is being treated and severity of it.
Do not apply this more than what is prescribed, it will take the condition to treat longer and may increase the side effects of the product.
Lamisil
Use this cream to treat fungal infections on the skin, avoid making contact with your eyes, mouth, or nose if your hands aren’t washed after using the cream. It may cause harm if swallowed.
If you are allergic to terbinafine or to any ingredients of Lamisil, do not use it and ask your doctor first.
In using this product put in a thin layer of cream on your fungal infection and rub it gently, do not use any kind of coverings. Also, do not miss doses to gain the most benefits.
DermaFungal
Like some of the antifungal creams listed here, DermaFungal is also a non-prescription antifungal cream. It treats athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections.
This medication contains miconazole, so if you are allergic to it do not use it and ask your doctor first.
In using the product use it twice daily for two to four weeks for the best results or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands immediately after applying it on the affected skin to avoid making contact with your mouth, eyes, or open wounds
Funginix AF
This is an antifungal cream that treats ringworm, athlete’s foot, eczema, jock itch, and other skin infections.
This antifungal cream stops the irritation and the itch of the rash and moisturizes it. Dry skin is a result of lack of oil and water in the outer layer of the skin and makes the skin become cracked, itchy, and scaly.
Results can be seen in less than one week and it is specifically formulated to treat fungal skin infections.
Tolnaftate Cream USP
This antifungal cream can treat different kinds of skin infection and different areas of the body like the scalp and nails. Apply the medication on skin twice a day, or follow the direction of usage on the product’s package or directions from your doctor.
After application of the product, wash your hands except if the infected area is on the hands or palm. And do not cover the area unless if you are directed by your doctor.
Use this for a month or so, don’t stop using this if the affected area is still not fully healed. Stopping too early will make the fungus continue to grow.
Sulfur Skin Cream
The Ovante Sulfur Cream has a multi-purpose formula that is specifically designed to quickly heal skin problems that are normally hard to heal. This cream can treat different ailments like ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, sunburns, and many more.
It can also relieve burning, scaling, itching, redness, skin rashes, discomfort, and irritation. This is a topical ointment that made from neem oil, white sulfur, and tea tree oil, so it is safe to use on both the face and body.
Notes
Ringworm is Highly Contagious
Ringworm can spread by contact and it is highly contagious, it can spread in multiple ways. You can get the infection from a person, object, animal, and even from the soil. So to prevent getting infected or accidentally spreading the infection, here are several tips of prevention:
- Use slippers if you are in a locker room or in a public pool and bathing areas.
- Do not your things like clothes, shoes, sports gear, sheets, towels, and other things that you use
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that is made from cotton
- Always change your underwear and socks at least once a day
- Make yourself clean and dry. Dry yourself thoroughly after every shower.
- Put on your socks first before your underwear if you have an athlete’s foot, this is to prevent it from spreading to your groin.
- Also, if you have a pet that has patches of missing hair, take it to the vet for a checkup. It might be a sign of fungal infection like the ringworm.
Anyone can develop can develop ringworms, but it is very common in children and pet owners. Just by simply touching your pet, you can instantly acquire the infection.
So if you’ve seen one of the signs on your pet or kids, immediately use an antifungal cream or other antifungal products to prevent it from spreading.
Other Natural Treatments
Aside from antifungal creams there are also a lot of simple ways to prevent ringworm infection, here are a few of them:
Wash Your Bedding
Since ringworm is very contagious, washing your bed sheets every day can help eradicate the infection. Fungal spores can transfer to your sheets. Sleeping on the infected sheets night after night will make the ringworm to heal longer.
It can also spread to other parts of your body and to your partner or whoever it is that sleep beside you on the bed.
You can use hot water and detergent in washing your sheets and clothes, using hot water alone can also kill the fungus. For extra protection, you can also use a bleach or borax with a regular laundry detergent in washing. Any of these tricks can kill the fungal spores.
Don’t cover the Infected Area
Covering ringworm may seem the most common way to prevent the fungal infection from spreading. However, if it is always covered it will cause the moist to gather on the covered area and then eventually slows down the healing process of the infection.
So instead of covering the rash, just wear loose fitting clothes that are breathable and comfortable. Use long-sleeved shirts and pants, in this way it will speed up the healing process and also prevents it from spreading.
Use Other Antifungal Products
There are also antifungal products like, lotions, soaps, and shampoos that can also be bought in a local drugstore or grocery stores. You can use these products as an extra treatment to speed up your healing process.
Antifungal shampoos should only be used if you have tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp. It can help with healing and irritation. However, also be aware that a scalp fungus is really hard to eliminate without taking oral medications.
Using an antifungal shampoo is not enough, but it still helps with the healing. In purchasing a shampoo, look for ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, and selenium sulfide antifungal active ingredients.
Conclusion
Note that you cannot use these products on children that are 2 years old and below, there are antifungal creams that are exclusively for kids.
Ringworm may be a common antifungal infection, do not just simply ignore this and make a quick action in treating it to prevent spreading the fungus. Learn how you can recognize a fungal infection in people and animals.
Do not share personal items like clothes, towels, shoes, comb or hairbrush and any kinds of personal care things.