Remedy for Ringworm & Scabies

Ringworm and scabies are highly contagious skin conditions that transmit through direct skin-to-skin contact 1. Both conditions cause distinguishing rashes and require rigorous treatment. Ringworm can develop on the scalp and skin 1. On the scalp, the rash usually causes bald, scaly patches. On the rest of the body, it usually appears as a circular ring of inflammation that may blister and ooze. Scabies, caused by the bite of the human itch mite, appears as a reddened, inflamed rash that is extremely itchy. The itch often intensifies at night. Scabies can appear anywhere on the body, but the mite tends to burrow into cracks, folds and crevices in the skin.

Ringworm Treatment

Clip nails short and wash hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.

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Shower or bathe, taking care to thoroughly clean skin. Dry yourself carefully with a freshly-clean towel.

Apply the OTC antifungal cream to your entire body, including your scalp, if necessary. If your scalp is affected, OTC antifungal pills may be necessary. If bald patches appear, your doctor may prescribe a stronger prescription antifungal pill. An OTC antihistamine may be necessary to control the itching. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a cream that contains miconazole, clotrimazole or similar ingredients.

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Sleep in a bed with fresh linens.

Repeat this process nightly for up to four weeks while the infection clears. Keep skin as dry as possible throughout treatment, and wash linens, clothing and bedding daily while you're infected.

Scabies Treatment

Clip nails short and wash hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.

Shower or bathe, taking care to thoroughly clean skin. Dry carefully with a freshly-clean towel.

Apply the 5 percent permethrin cream (recommended by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology) to every inch of skin, head to toes, avoiding eyes and mucus membranes.

Sleep in a bed with fresh linens.

Repeat treatment one week later if you're still infected. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports that a single, correctly applied application is sufficient in 95 percent of cases.

Vacuum all carpets, furniture, floors, bedding, linens and curtains in the house where an infected individual lives. Throw away the vacuum bag afterward.

Bag clothing that will not be worn during that week. After three days, the mites will die without a human host. Bagging the clothes ensures they won’t be re-infested during treatment. Clothing that is worn during treatment should be washed daily for seven days after treatment.

Tips

Do not share linens or bedding during either a scabies or ringworm outbreak.

Dogs, cats and other animals can infect a person with ringworm (though not scabies). Treat infected pets as well.

If the medication instructions differ, follow those.

Warnings

If ringworm spreads to your scalp, contact your physician, as prescription pills may be necessary.