Skin infected with dermatophytes of the fungus tinea results in ringworm. Anything that meets skin and then contacts more skin can spread the fungus. Warm humid places create the perfect environment for sharing ringworm. Gym shoes and socks carry athlete's foot, another form of ringworm. Towels, clothes and underwear carry jock itch, also a form of ringworm. Non-prescription medicines can treat all forms of ringworm.
OTC Medicines
OTC, or over the counter medicines, work well as a treatment for ringworm. Brand name or generic medicines containing tolnaftate, clortrimazole, miconazole or turbinafine all work to kill the tinea fungus. Look for these ingredients in creams, sprays, powders or gels. Use the products for two weeks to kill all forms of skin fungus, according to the package directions. Then, continue using the products for up to 10 days after that to kill the dermatophytes. The same medicine will work for ringworm, jock itch or athlete's foot.
Home Medicines
In February 2009, a clinical trial initiated by Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Israel launched a study on home treatment for athlete's foot fungus. Sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study examined a "one time immersion of the feet in a liquid containing water, alcohol, vinegar, benzoic acid and salicylic acid for a total of 30 minutes" to evaluate this is an effective treatment for tinea pedis or athlete's foot fungus.
Tinea fungi live in a slightly alkaline, warm and moist environment. Acidifying the skin, scalp and nails will kill the dermatophytes. Vinegar, alcohol, and even lemon juice are acidic and used as a home treatment for ringworm by mothers and grandmothers. Vinegar is safe enough to use on the most tender areas and works great on pets. Soak a cotton ball with vinegar and rub the infected skin gently to kill the fungi.
Indirect Treatments
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot can also contaminate items in the environment, such as clothing, towels and bedding. Wash clothes, bed linens and towels in hot water according to the instructions on any laundry detergent. Add bleach if possible to kill microbes and fungi.
Spray shoes with an anti-fungal spray and keep them clean and dry. Put socks on first, then underwear to prevent transmitting the fungus from the feet to the groin area. Change your socks and underwear daily. Sterilize combs, brushes and anything else that contacts the scalp with alcohol or over the counter sprays.
