Antifungal Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm is an infection of the skin, usually in domesticated animals, caused when a fungus infects and begins to feed on the the top layer of skin, hair, fur or nails. As the fungus eats the keratin from the top layer, it acts as a parasite and spreads by feeding on the keratin. The condition is treatable, and an records some roughly 20 percent of the population suffers from ringworm each year.

First Treatments

• The first known form of treatment for ringworm was in 1906, when trace amounts of mercury were used to combat the parasite.

Habitat

• Fungal organisms habitat in humid, moist and dry areas. Fungi can be living in an area of your body without exhibiting any known symptoms.

Treatment

• The fungi behind ringworm thrive by devouring the keratin in the top layer of your skin. With that in mind, ringworm is usually treated by applying an anti-fungal cream to the skin.

Prescriptions

• The two common creams prescribed for ringworm treatment are miconazole and terbinafine. These creams are used two times a day until the ringworm symptoms stop.

Time Frame

• Symptoms of ringworm will usually begin to fade 9 days after treatment is started. The symptoms should be gone after 2 weeks. If the symptoms remain after 2 weeks, it is time to consult a doctor.

Prevention/Solution

• Ringworm contraction can be prevented by taking several small steps, including avoiding sharing clothes, bathing textiles and sports equipment. Cleaning clothes in anti-fungal soap prevents exposure, as does wearing shoes in locker rooms and beach facilities.