7 At-Home Treatments to Clear Ringworm Quickly (2025)

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a contagious skin infection that causes an itchy, ring-shaped rash. The best fungus-fighting treatment for ringworm depends on its location and severity.

Unfortunately, there's no instant cure for ringworm. However, antifungal treatments start working within days and, with consistent use, can clear the fungal infection within weeks.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Creams

Antifungal creamsdestroy ringworm cell membranes, eliminating the infection. These are effective first-line treatments and should be applied for at least two to four weeks, even after symptoms improve, to ensure the fungus is completely gone.

Creams available without a prescription include:

• Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
• Lamisil (terbinafine)
• Micatin (miconazole)
• Tinactin (tolnaftate)

2. OTC Antifungal Sprays

Sprays work best on hard-to-reach areas or fungal infections with large surface areas, like ringworm. Sprays allow a no-touch application, reducing the risk of spreading the fungus. They provide even coverage, making them ideal for treating areas like the back, groin, or feet.

Some antifungal sprays include:

• Lotrimin spray (clotrimazole)
• Lamisil spray (terbinafine)
• Tinactin spray (tolnaftate)

3. OTC Antifungal Powders

Powders are best for moisture-prone areas (e.g., feet, groin, and skin folds). Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. Powders absorb excess moisture while delivering antifungal agents like tolnaftate or miconazole, which help prevent reinfection and keep the area dry.

Antifungal powders include:

• Lotrimin AF Powder (miconazole)
• Tinactin Powder (tolnaftate)
• Zeasorb Athlete's Foot Powder (miconazole)

4. Medicated Shampoos

Scalp ringworm typically requires oral antifungal medication, but shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide help reduce fungal spores and prevent spread. These shampoos should be used two to three times per week alongside oral treatment.

Examples of antifungal shampoos include Nizoral Anti-Dandruff (ketoconazole) and Selsun Blue Medicated (selenium sulfide).

5. Natural Remedies (Supplemental, Not Primary Treatment)

Some people use diluted tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar as an alternative therapy to treat fungal infections because of their potential antifungal properties. However, clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness against ringworm is limited.

These natural remedies shouldn't replace U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved OTC or prescription antifungal treatments. If and when you use them, you should apply them cautiously and dilute them. This is because they may cause skin irritation (contact dermatitis), allergic reactions, or even worsen symptoms.

6. Good Hygiene Practices

Ringworm is contagious, and it spreads through direct contact with another person's infected skin, animals, contaminated objects, and even soil touched while playing or gardening.

Good hygiene practices can help prevent ringworm, including:

• Washing your hands after touching dirty or infected areas.
• Disinfecting shared items (towels, bedding, combs, gym equipment).
• Avoiding scratching infected areas prevents spreading the ringworm fungus on yourself.
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing to minimize trapped moisture or perspiration.

7. Skin Barrier Support

A dry or cracked skin barrier (stratum corneum) makes people more susceptible to fungal infections like ringworm. Keeping your skin moist and hydrated reduces infection risk and promotes faster healing.

How to maintain a healthy skin barrier:

• Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Avoid occlusive or thick creams, which can trap moisture and create an environment that cultivates fungal growth.
• Apply moisturizer after fully absorbing antifungal treatments to prevent dilution and ensure maximum effectiveness.
• If you are prone to fungal infections, consider moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide.These ingredients support skin barrier function without excess moisture retention.

How to Accelerate Healing

• Don't wait for ringworm to heal on its own.
• Start antifungal treatment early,
• Treat all ringworm simultaneously.
• Avoid touching the affected area; ringworm spreads.
• Change socks, underwear, and other clothes daily.
• Keep the affected area dry—fungi thrive in moisture.
• Complete the entire course of treatment, even if the ringworm rash looks better.
• Boost immune health—a strong immune system helps fight infections.

With proper treatment and care, ringworm usually clears up within two to four weeks, but severe cases may take longer.

Signs Ringworm Is Healing

You may notice the following signs as ringworm heals:

• The rash fades, often clearing from the center outward.
• Itching and flaking decrease.
• The affected area regains its normal texture and appearance.
• The affected area becomes less red on lighter skin tones as inflammation subsides.
• On darker skin tones, the affected area may appear gray, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin as it heals. In some cases, it may lighten temporarily due to post-inflammatory changes.

A stronger treatment may be necessary if the rash stops improving, worsens, or spreads.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention for ringworm if:

• The infection doesn't improve after two weeks of OTC treatment or seems to be getting worse.
• It's severe, widespread, or keeps coming back (chronic or treatment-resistant ringworm).
• You have scalp ringworm, which requires prescription treatment.
• You have a weakened immune system, making fungal infections harder to clear.

Prescription Antifungal Pills and Topicals

If ringworm doesn't improve after two weeks of home treatment, a prescription antifungal might be necessary. A healthcare provider may prescribe oral tablets or topical antifungals depending on the severity and location of the ringworm infection.

Oral antifungal pills work from within, making them more effective for severe, widespread, or persistent cases. Examples include Lamisil tablets (terbinafine) and Diflucan (fluconazole).

Prescription-strength topical antifungals may be taken alone or with oral antifungals for stubborn ringworm that will not go away. Examples include Loprox, Penlac (ciclopirox), and Econazole (spectazole).

Summary

Effective ringworm treatment starts with OTC antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Even after symptoms are gone, continue treatment for at least two weeks. This helps kill any remaining fungus, which can survive on the skin even after symptoms clear.

For stubborn ringworm, prescription oral or topical antifungals may prove necessary. With proper care, most cases clear in about two to four weeks.