How to Get Rid of Ringworm on Your Leg
Ringworm on your leg is the same as ringworm on any other part of your body except the scalp, and as such, you can get rid of it the same way you would treat any non-scalp ringworm infection. Contrary to its name, this circular skin rash is not caused by a worm at all, but is a fungal infection. Therefore, ringworm on your leg requires treatment with an anti-fungal medication. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, lotions, or gels can get rid of most cases of this type of ringworm (REF: CDC Ringworm Information for Healthcare Professionals, CDC Treatment for Ringworm 1)
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Treating Ringworm Using Over-the-counter Topical Medications
You can buy an appropriate cream, lotion, or gel at your corner drugstore. Look for a medication containing an antifungal like terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole. Carefully follow the included instructions, which will typically have you coat the entire circle and borders with the medication, 2-3 times each day for a few weeks. Symptoms generally clear up after two weeks, but continue applying the medication for another two weeks after the symptoms clear. (REF: PubMed Health and CDC Treatment for Ringworm, NYU Langone Medical Center 34)
- You can buy an appropriate cream, lotion, or gel at your corner drugstore.
- Carefully follow the included instructions, which will typically have you coat the entire circle and borders with the medication, 2-3 times each day for a few weeks.
When to See Your Doctor
How to Treat Ringworm That Won't Go Away
Learn More
While most cases of ringworm on your leg easily clear up after using topical medications, sometimes a rash that looks like ringworm is really a different condition requiring different treatment (REF: American Family Physician). If your infection does not improve after two weeks of treatment, or if it gets worse, you will need to see your doctor. (REF: Ask Dr. Sears 5)
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References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ringworm Information for Healthcare Professionals
- American Family Physician: Differential Diagnosis of Annular Lesions
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment for Ringworm
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Ringworm
- Ask Dr. Sears: Ringworm
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Ringworm: A Serious but Readily Treatable Affliction. 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ringworm Information for Healthcare Professionals. Updated February 6, 2020.
- Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-710.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Ringworm: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome.”
- Laniosz V, Wetter DA. "What's New in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Dermatophytosis?" Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2014 Sep;33(3):136-9.
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In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with over a decade of experience as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and a licensed paramedic. He has over 15 years experience writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics in medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.