Ringworm and How to Treat It

Ringworm is one type of contagious skin fungal infections. As its name, ringworm has a ring- like appearance with the red and itchy rashes. Ringworm also has strong effects on the skin of humans. This is really irritating and embarrassing. Ringworm is not serious. But, it is quite hard to treat this condition. Thus, the appropriate treatments and preventions always play an important role in dealing with ringworm.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus known as “tinea” or “dermatophytosis”. This fungus commonly lives on the skin of animals or humans. It also exists in the contaminated surfaces of household items and locker room floors. Generally, in clothes, bedding and towels. Thus, anyone can have risks of getting this condition. In fact, pet owners, children and people with the weakened immune system are suffering from ringworm. It is since these people get more chances to contact the fungal factors.

Ringworm commonly appears with a circular rash resembling a ring. The rash can be scaly, red, raised and itchy. Also, these rashes develop blisters and begin to ooze.

Ringworm is actually contagious. So, it can spread and infect to any skin area of humans. And, ringworm is infectious through skin- to- skin contact or outdoor activities. For example:

–           Have a direct touch with somebody who already has ringworm

–           Touch contaminated items.

–           Play with animals that carry fungi: cats, dogs or sheep.

–           Use public showers or locker rooms.

–           Have wet skin for an extended period of time.

–           Not bath often.

There are several types of ringworm. It depends on the infected parts of the body. These common types are:

• Scalp ringworm. It is also known as tinea capitis. This type of ringworm commonly occurs in younger children. Adults can be infected, but rarely. The urban environment is the great habitat for ringworm. Because people get more chances to contact with animals, soils and other people.
• Body skin ringworm. It is known as tinea corporis. This type can infect adults, children and babies.
• Feet ringworm or tinea pedis. This type occurs mainly in athletes who sweat and exercise much. It is also known as athlete’s foot
• Groin infections or tinea cruris – This type commonly affects young men. It is also known as jock itch.

Complications of ringworm

Like other kinds of skin fungal infections, ringworm may develop some complications below, but seldom. These are:

• Bacterial infections. When the skin is broken, bacteria may attack and cause serious infections.
• The skin infections may extend from one part of the body to another.
• Weakened immune system. It is not only a reason but also a result of ringworm. Ringworm may make immune systems weak. It is why the body easily catch a harder condition.

How to treat ringworm

There are many treatments for ringworm. These treatments may both relieve its symptoms and delete ringworm roots. But, treatment sometimes depends on the type of ringworm. In mild cases, ringworm can go away within 4 weeks by home remedies. In other cases, your doctor can recommend some drugs, topical antifungal creams or prescriptions.

The suggested OTC antifungal creams, powder and lotion are Ketoconazole (Xolegel), Terbinafine (Lamisil), Miconazole and Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). Fugacil is considered one of the best treatment for fungal infections. It can kill fungi and prevent recurrence of skin fungal infection. Fugacil also contains Garlic, Tea tree oil, Vinegar and Coconut oil. These properties are active and antifungal for ringworm. You can apply Fugacil on the infected skin by a cotton swab for 2 to 3 times a day. And, you will observe results quite soon.

If your infected skin area is too large, or ringworm occurs in many different places of the body, antifungal creams may be not enough. At that time, the doctors will suggest a prescription as an antifungal medication. It may take 1 to 3 months to deal with ringworm. These common prescriptions are:

• Itraconazole (7 to 15 days). It can be applied for all, except the elderly, children, and people with severe liver problems. It also causes some small side effects such as headache, vomiting, nausea and indigestion.
• Griseofulvin (8 to 10 weeks). It is available as a spray. Griseofulvin may cause headache, indigestion and even birth defects.
• Terbinafine (4 weeks). This prescription is not applied for lupus sufferers and people with liver disease.

To scalp ringworm, you should use oral antifungals tablets or drugs. To skin ringworm or groin infection, you had better use OTC anti-fungal creams. This will develop the best efficiency of each treatment.

Protect your body from ringworm

–           Always keep skin clean and dry

–           Have good personal hygiene

–           Avoid sharing personal items

–           Wash your hands with soap and water after interacting with soils or animals

–          Shampoo and shower your hair regularly

–          Change your wet clothing immediately

Ringworm affects strongly to human’s skin. This worries people a lot. Also, ringworm may develop some further infections. So, people should realize the condition to have early treatments.