Cure for the Skin Fungus Ringworm

Ringworm, known medically as tinea, is a fungal infection in the top layer of your skin. It is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also contract ringworm by using a comb, brush, towel or other item that has been touched by an infected person or animal. Ringworm is especially common among children. In most cases, you can effectively treat ringworm at home.

Symptoms

• Most often ringworm is an itchy, red rash that forms in a circle. Healthy skin will usually appear in the center of the circle. The ringworm lesions may blister and ooze. You may see more than one area of skin affected by the ringworm. Athletes, children in daycare, those who work with animals, people who are obese, people who live in humid climates, and those who have weakened immune systems are most likely to be infected with ringworm. When this fungal infection appears on the skin, it is called ringworm. When a similar infection occurs in the beard, it is commonly called barber's itch; when it occurs in the groin area, it is known as jock itch, and on the feet it is referred to as athlete's foot.

Home Care

• In most cases of ringworm, home treatment with an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication is effective. Topical over-the-counter treatments include clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate. Wash and dry the ringworm-affected area, then apply a thin layer of the medication. Repeat this treatment twice a day for two weeks. While you are treating the ringworm, wash your bedding and pajamas every day.

See a Physician

• If your ringworm infection hasn't responded to home care within two weeks, see your physician. In most instances, your doctor will diagnose ringworm by its appearance and accompanying symptoms; however, in some instances a skin scraping may be necessary. If you need prescription medications to clear your ringworm infection, your doctor may prescribe both a topical and an oral medication. Topical medications prescribed for ringworm include butenafine, ciclopirox, econazole, miconazole, oxiconazole and terbinafine. Oral medications may include itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine.

Prevention

• To prevent future ringworm infection, wash your hands often. This is especially necessary in areas shared by many people, such as schools, daycare centers and gyms. Take precautions to avoid excessive sweating and to keep your skin dry. Don't share personal items such as brushes, towels and clothing with others. If your pet has missing patches of fur, have your veterinarian check the animal for ringworm.