Ringworm Treatment
Ringworm Treatment
Ringworm is a skin infection that appears in a ring pattern on the skin. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm, nor does a worm form the scaly ring that distinguishes this type of skin infection. Ringworm is a fungal infection that is caused by different kinds of fungi, including trichophyton rubrum (which also causes jock itch), trichophyton mentagrophytes and microsporum canis, all of which can be avoided with a few common sense practices.
How does ringworm appear on the skin?
Ringworm first appears as a scaly, reddish patch of skin that is very itchy. If not treated immediately, it can advance and form a ring with raised scaly borders. The center of the ring is often flat and clear. While this common appearance of the infection gave it its name, ringworm infections do not always appear as rings. They can also look like the usual reddish, raised and scaly rashes and may appear on the nails, toes and groins.
Other than the body, ringworm can also appear on the face and scalp. Skin begins to become inflamed and pus and blisters can develop. On the scalp, ringworm is called tinea capitis and can cause some hair loss, albeit temporarily. Ringworm that appears on the nails can cause painful, hard and discolored nails and is more difficult to treat.
How is ringworm avoided?
Ringworm can be avoided by making sure the infection does not occur. By simply avoiding situations and conditions that encourage the growth of the fungus on the body, ringworm can be prevented. If someone in your family has ringworm, avoid touching the infected area. See a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and medication.
If you engage in contact sports, get in the shower immediately after and use soap to wash off any fungus or bacteria that may be present. If you have pets, wash your hands every time you handle them. Keep your feet safe by wearing flip-flops or sandals when entering a shower, pool or locker room. Avoid keeping wet or sweaty clothes on your body and wash sportswear immediately after use.
How is ringworm diagnosed?
To avoid using the wrong treatment for ringworm, a proper diagnosis from the doctor is important. An inspection of the affected area is usually enough to come up with a diagnosis, although a skin sample may be taken and tested for the presence of fungus. Once properly diagnosed, the proper medications are recommended.
How is ringworm treated?
Thankfully, ringworm is a relatively easy skin infection to tre
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at and its occurrence can be avoided. Antifungal medications may be prescribed in the form of topical creams or ointments. These are applied directly on the infected area for at least two weeks.
Some infections, such as those that appear on the scalp and nails, respond better to oral medication. It is a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient to use topical creams for the scalp and topical creams and ointments are sometimes ineffective for nail fungal infections because deep crevices in the toes are difficult to reach. Oral medications may also be prescribed for more severe ringworm infection cases.
The doctor may also recommend that medication be continued for another week after the symptoms have disappeared. This is to ensure that all the fungi have been killed and to avoid the re-occurrence of the infection.
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Never suffer from ringworm again.
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