Over-the-Counter Medications for Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection also called tinea. It can affect different parts of the body. When tinea affects the feet, it is called tinea pedis, which is also referred to as athlete's foot. Jock itch is another form of tinea called tinea cruris. Tinea can also affect toenails (tinea unguium), parts of the body (tinea corporis) and the scalp (tinea capitis). According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is the most common type of fungal infection. Although some forms of tinea, namely tinea unguium, tinea capitis and chronic tinea pedis, are difficult to control with over-the-counter medications and require oral treatment, other forms of tinea can be controlled with over-the-counter topical medications.

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is the active ingredient in Lotramin AF and Mycelex. It is also available in generic medications and comes in several forms. For example, Lotramin AF is available as a cream, a liquid spray, a powder spray and a dry powder.

Miconazole

Miconazole is the active ingredient in Micatin. Micatin comes in the form of a cream and can be used in the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea corporis (ringworm on the body) and tinea cruris (jock itch). As with other ringworm over-the-counter treatments, Micatin helps to relieve the symptoms of ringworm infections, including itching, scaling, burning and discomfort.

Terbinafine

Terbinafine is the active ingredient in Lamisil. Lamisil is also available as a cream, a spray powder, a gel and a cream that dries to a powder. There are also generic forms of this antifungal medication. Terbinafine helps to control fungal infections and will therefore help to improve symptoms.

Tolnaftate

Tolnaftate is the active ingredient in Tinactin. Tolnaftate is also available in generic medications. It is available as a powder spray, a cream and a liquid spray. It is used in the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea corporis (ringworm on the body).