Ringworm is a simple infection. Here are a few facts

• The name, "ringworm", sounds worse than it actually is.
• Ring Worm is a form of fungus, not an actual worm.
• The name refers to the appearance of the infection on the skin; it looks like a ring and is about an inch in diameter (size of a U.S. quarter).
• It is usually scaly and red, with a clear center.
• It can increase in size over time and might be itchy.
• It can appear anywhere on the body.
• Household pets can get the infection - usually puppies or kittens - and they can pass it on to humans.
• Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person.

It doesn't seem to happen very often; and the infection is itchy during those months of waiting. It seems the best plan is to treat it and be done with it. Frequently, treatment with non-prescription products is successful.

Non-prescription anti-fungal creams, also used to treat jock itch and athletes foot, can help control the rash, and maybe even clear up the infection (for example, Lotrimin).

However, the most common approach to treating ringworm is to visit the doctor for a prescription medicine. There are all sorts of drugs you can get from the doctor, but they're usually a combination anti-fungal and a steroid (to relieve some of the itch). Doesn't it seem reasonable that you'd want to first try some of the non-drug treatments before heading to the doctor?

How about a natural remedy for ringworm? Tea tree oil is very effective against all forms of fungus. Apply a few drops to the whole ring area and cover with a gauze pad and tape. Do this twice a day. For even better impact, consider covering the outside of the gauze with a plastic wrap (i.e., Saran), or use one of the occlusive pads, like Tegaderm. The plastic covering keeps air away and seems to help increase the effectiveness of the tea tree oil. This should clear up the problem in a week or so. Continue applying the tea tree oil for a few days after the ring disappears.

Another approach is nail polish. Yes, this may seem unusual, but it fits with the idea of using a plastic occlusive dressing (see the tea tree oil remedy above). Apply a coat of nail polish over the infected area; make the covered area larger than the ring. Allow it to dry. The polish will crack and flake off. Remove the remainder with polish remover (be gentle) and apply the polish again. You can repeat this for a week. The infection should clear.

Any of the above should take care of the problem. However, you should contact your doctor if the symptoms are different or the rash continues to spread, or it isn't affected by treatment.