Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, there are four types of ringworm commonly recognized, each of which is treated by different medications. While ringworm of the body, feet (athlete's foot) and groin (jock itch) can sometimes be successfully treated with over-the-counter drugs, scalp ringworm requires prescription medication to be cured.
Scalp
Scalp ringworm ((tinea capitis) is usually found in young children and is identified by dry, scaly patches and small infected bumps with patches of hair falling from the scalp. The Mayo Clinic states that treatments include terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) in granular form to be sprinkled on food, and griseofulvin (Gris-Peg and Grifuvin), which are prescribed in either tablet or liquid form. A medicated shampoo may be prescribed for use in conjunction with the oral medication; a typical course of medication is at least six weeks.
Body
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) appears as a red, inflamed, circular rash or a patch of itchy skin that is flat and round. A mild case can be treated with the over-the-counter topical medications Lotrimin AF, Mycelex, Lamisil, Micatin and Tinactin. More serious cases require a doctor's care; prescription medications that may be prescribed include the topical medicines Loprox, Mentax, Monistat-Derm, Econazole, and Lamisil ointment. Oral medications that may be prescribed include Sporanox, Nizoral, Lamisil Oral and Diflucan.
Feet
Ringworm on the feet (tinea pedis), is commonly referred to as "athlete's foot." This type of ringworm often responds well to the over-the-counter drugs Micatin, Lotrimin AF, Lamisil AT, Mycelex and Tinactin; prescription topicals are Lotrimin, Lamisil and Monistat-Derm. If the infection does not respond well to a prescribed topical, an oral prescription may be recommended. These medications include Lamisil Oral, Diflucan and Sporanox.
Groin
A mild case of ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris, or "jock itch") may be treated successfully with the over-the-counter topical medications Naftin, Lamisil AT, Monistat-Derm, Lotrimin and Micatin. A severe or stubborn case may require a prescription drug. Topical ones are Oxistat and Spectazole. Oral prescriptions for ringworm of the groin are Lamisil, Sporanox and Diflucan.
