How To Treat Ringworm With Iodine

Foot with ringworm

Image Credit: TuelekZa/iStock/Getty Images Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. It’s a condition caused by a fungal infection under the surface of the skin, and it’s highly treatable with antiseptics such as topical iodine. Iodine applied to a ringworm site kills the fungus through skin absorption. Iodine should not be ingested, and adults should closely supervise the use of iodine on children.

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Step 1

Cleanse the ringworm site and surrounding skin thoroughly to remove any bacteria and dead skin cells. Use a mild skin cleanser or antibacterial soap, then pat dry with a clean towel. No one else should use the towel, as ringworm is highly contagious. Towels used during treatment should be bleached afterward.

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Step 2

Apply a small amount of 7 percent iodine tincture to a cotton ball. Avoid contact with clothing and other areas of the skin, as iodine will stain. Rub the iodine into the affected skin until the skin is thoroughly saturated. The skin will absorb the iodine, which in turn will kill the fungus. You can apply iodine up to three times daily until the ringworm has disappeared.

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Step 3

Apply a bandage large enough to cover the entire ringworm site. This will prevent iodine transfer and keep the ringworm fungus from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people through physical contact. You may keep the bandage off while at home, being careful to prevent spreading the fungus, but when you’re in public, the area ideally should be bandaged.

Things You'll Need

Skin cleanser Clean towel 7 percent iodine tincture Cotton balls Bandage Warning Iodine can be toxic in high doses. Avoid using iodine tincture more than three times daily. Symptoms of iodine poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, mental confusion and a metallic taste in the mouth. If you suspect iodine poisoning, call 911 immediately.

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  references & resources
  
      United States Department of Energy: Iodine as an Antiseptic
    
      Drugs.com: Topical Iodine
    
      National Institutes of Health: Iodine Poisoning
       




  references & resources
  
      United States Department of Energy: Iodine as an Antiseptic
    
      Drugs.com: Topical Iodine
    
      National Institutes of Health: Iodine Poisoning
    




Foot with ringworm

Image Credit: TuelekZa/iStock/Getty Images

Image Credit: TuelekZa/iStock/Getty Images

• Skin cleanser
• Clean towel
• 7 percent iodine tincture
• Cotton balls
• Bandage

Iodine can be toxic in high doses. Avoid using iodine tincture more than three times daily. Symptoms of iodine poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, mental confusion and a metallic taste in the mouth. If you suspect iodine poisoning, call 911 immediately.

      United States Department of Energy: Iodine as an Antiseptic
    
      Drugs.com: Topical Iodine
    
      National Institutes of Health: Iodine Poisoning