Ringworm Treatments are easily available and can be either self-care at home treatments or medical treatments.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is common in humans resulting from coming in contact with dermatophytes.
The dermatophytes live on the dead outer layer of the skin and feed off skin and hair.
The fungus causes a ring-shaped rash (lesion) that remains on the exterior of the skin.
The ringworms thrive in warm, moist conditions which makes the human body a good breeding ground.
The risk of becoming infected with ringworm is between 20-30% which increases if your immune system is weakened (from being sick) or if you come into contact with an infected human or animal.
The signs of ringworm include a red, raised, tender or itchy circular rash with healthy looking skin in the middle of the ring.
It may be scaly or crusty and in some circumstances, weep.
The circle may appear alone or in groups of three or more and commonly affect legs, arms, face, neck and underarms.
If you notice any of the mentioned signs you should consult a doctor, or purchase a non-prescription antifungal medication (athletes, foot cream).
However, if the non-prescription cream does not work after one week of twice a day application, consult your doctor.
If using a topical antifungal cream, apply twice a day directly onto the lesion and a further 1 inch beyond it.
The infected area must be kept clean and dry to prevent further infection.
Treatment should continue for a further 2 weeks after symptoms disappear.
The follow creams are suitable for use; miconazole 2%, clotrimazole 1%, butenafine 1% and terbinafine 1%.
As ringworms are highly contagious, avoiding touching the infected areas are you may spread the infection to others, or surfaces in your home.
Surfaces that are infected also may pass on ringworm to others who may touch it.
Wash your hands and body more often than usual and wash your clothing and bed linen separately from your other family members or housemates.
Contact sports should be avoiding for a minimum 48 hours after beginning treatment to ensure the infection goes away and also that you do not infect others.
Your doctor may prescribe any of the following topical medications to cure your ringworm: clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, econazole, oxiconazole, sulconazole, sertaconazole, naftifine, terbinafine, tolnaflate, or ciclopirox.
Steriods are not a suitable choice for ringworm treatment and their use may actually worsen the infection.
Some ringworm medications include both an antifungal and a steroid, which should be avoided at all costs.
Deep or severe ringworm which form abscesses may require a surgical procedure to drain the fluid.
Infections which are not cured by antifungal topical creams may be given antifungal medication in pill form.
These include; itraconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole or griseofulvin.
After your visit to the doctors, it is important any and all instructions about the treatment, are followed.
Ensure you finish the full course of treatment and follow the hygiene requirements to prevent spreading the infection.