Self-Care Guidelines
If you suspect that you have facial ringworm, you can try one of the following over-the-counter antifungal creams or lotions:
- Terbinafine
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
Apply the cream to each lesion and to the normal-appearing skin 2 cm beyond the border of the affected skin for at least 2 weeks until the lesions are completely gone. Because ringworm is very contagious, avoid contact sports until lesions have been treated for at least 48 hours.
Since people often have tinea infections on more than one body part, examine yourself for other ringworm infections, such as in the groin (tinea cruris), on the feet (tinea pedis, athlete's foot), and anywhere else on the body (tinea corporis).
Have any household pets evaluated by a veterinarian to make sure that they do not have a fungal (ie, dermatophyte) infection. If the veterinarian discovers an infection, be sure to have the animal treated.
When to Seek Medical Care
If the lesions do not improve after 1–2 weeks of applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Signs and Symptoms
