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How Do I Choose the Best Antifungal for Ringworm?

B. Chisholm
B. Chisholm

Choosing the best antifungal for ringworm requires a number of factors to be taken into account. These include where the ringworm is, its severity, cost and whether the person is a child or an adult. Fungal infections, including ringworm, may affect all areas of the body and in some cases can effectively be treated topically, while in other cases a systemic, or oral, antifungal is necessary.

There are a number of different drugs that may be given as an antifungal for ringworm, which include griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole and terbinafine. These may be known by different trade names in different countries, according to manufacturer. In most countries the topical preparations are available over-the-counter and in some countries the oral antifungals may only be available by prescription from a doctor.

When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence.
When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence.

The choice of which antifungal for ringworm to use depends mainly on which part of the body is affected. When treating ringworm that affects the skin only, a topical treatment is usually used. There are a number of different topical antifungals including terbinafine, clotrimazole and ketoconazole which come in different forms: creams, lotions or sprays. The choice of which to use will be made by cost, ease of use and sensitivity of the ringworm. If topical treatment does not work, oral treatment may be needed.

Antifungal creams for ringworm -- or tinea -- typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
Antifungal creams for ringworm -- or tinea -- typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.

In the case of ringworm which affects the nails or hair, systemic therapy is usually needed. Again, there are a number of different drugs which may be effective and the choice will be made taking cost, sensitivity and the age of the patient into consideration. Orally available drugs include terbinafine, griseofulvin and itraconazole.

When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence. For mild ringworm the treatment course may be as short as two weeks, but for more severe infections treatment may be over several months, often given as pulse therapy. This is a treatment regimen where the antifungal is taken for a week, then not for three weeks, repeated over some months.

Antifungals come in different forms, including a spray.
Antifungals come in different forms, including a spray.

As with any medication, antifungals may have adverse effects, interact with other medications or be contraindicated in people with some underlying clinical conditions. These should all be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist before starting an antifungal for ringworm as these may influence the choice of the best treatment. Pregnancy, desired pregnancy and lactation should also be discussed with the health care professional.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

Do the over-the-counter antifungal creams work? There is one with menthol that's very cheap but I'm not sure if it can treat ringworm.

fBoyle

@simrin-- Terbinafine is a very good ointment. It's usually the preferred treatment for skin ringworm infections. But since your infection keeps coming back, you need something stronger.

See your doctor and ask about fluconazole or itraconazole. Fluconazole is a stronger antifungal that works against systemic ringworm infections. Itraconazole is even stronger than fluconazole and can be used if the fluconazole doesn't work. Both of these are available in tablet form and you might have to use both tablet and cream.

I would avoid terbinafine in your situation from now on because it sounds like the ringworm has developed resistance to it. If you keep using it, it's not going to do anything. Use only the antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor and make sure to follow doctor's direction about how to use them and for how long.

SteamLouis

I have been dealing with recurrent ringworm infections on my skin. I've had the infection three times so far and each time, I treated it with 1% terbinafine cream. This cream works, but after a few weeks, the infection comes back.

What medication can I use to get rid of this infection completely? Which is the most effective antifungal?

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    • When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence.
      By: schankz
      When using an antifungal for ringworm, it is important to complete the full course to minimize the chances of recurrence.
    • Antifungal creams for ringworm -- or tinea -- typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
      By: agephotography
      Antifungal creams for ringworm -- or tinea -- typically contain clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
    • Antifungals come in different forms, including a spray.
      By: jedi-master
      Antifungals come in different forms, including a spray.
    • Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.
    • In some areas, oral antifungal medications are only available from a pharmacist or by prescription.
      By: JackF
      In some areas, oral antifungal medications are only available from a pharmacist or by prescription.
    • Foot fungus may be transmitted by using public showers.
      By: Andreas Schindl
      Foot fungus may be transmitted by using public showers.