Antifungal Topical Creams for Ringworm

Having nothing to do with worms, the fungal skin condition called ringworm is so named because of the characteristic red circular rash that appears on healthy-looking skin. Several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength topical creams are available to treat ringworm. The condition appears in various forms, such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris); ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) and fungal infection on the skin of the chest, back and shoulders (tinea versicolor).

OTC and Prescription Creams

• OTC and prescription remedies often contain the same active ingredients, but at a stronger concentration in prescription medications, which are used for more severe cases. Because of possible side effects and drug interactions, the prescription varieties must be taken according to a physician's directions.

Butenafine

• Butenafine is a prescription-only cream that is applied to the skin to treat ringworm of the body, athlete's foot, jock itch and fungal infection on the chest, back and shoulders.

Ciclopirox

• Ciclopirox is a prescription-only cream available under such brand names as Loprox and Loprox TS. It kills and prevents the growth of fungus and treats ringworm of the body, foot, groin, chest, back and shoulders. It is also available in a gel or shampoo to treat seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and in a nail lacquer to treat ringworm of the nails.

Econazole

• Econazole is a presciption-only topical cream available under the brand name Spectazole. It is prescribed to treat ringworm of the body, foot, chest, back and shoulders.

Terbinafine

• Terbinafine is available OTC and by prescription under the brand names Lamisil and Lamisil AT. Terbinafine is applied directly to the skin to treat ringworm of the body, foot and groin, and of the back, shoulders and chest. In addition, it is used to treat yeast infections of the skin.

Miconazole

• Miconazole is found in a wide variety of antifungal creams, some OTC and some prescription. Brand names include Fungoid, Lotrimin AF, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Monistat 1 and Neosporin AF.