Ringworm is an infection caused by the fungi. This infection is very contagious and you could get infected by direct and indirect contact with the infected person or even a pet. Sometimes, people may get ringworms simply by touching the same thing as the infected person. Ringworm is easily recognized, because the infection causes red rings on the skin of an infected individual, and it may cause infections of the feet, the body, nails or scalp. Infection can also expand further, but red ring stays visible in the center. In some cases, if there are more than one patch of the skin affected, rings may overlap. Many people complain about the rash and itching, that usually follow ringworm infection.
There are many treatments that can be used to cure ringworms. If your skin problem is primarily fungal infection, you can use some of the over the counter products, designed for fungal infections. These products should efficiently deal with ringworm infection. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks of treatment, it is high time to consult the dermatologist.
Azoles against Fungal Infections
Group of azoles contain some widely used anti-fungal medications, such as ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, butoconazole and others.
Ketoconazoleis one of the most commonly used anti-fungal drugs. It can be purchased as gel or foam cream, and ketoconazole shampoo is proven to cure scalp ringworm and dandruff. This substance is used in many anti-dandruff shampoos, because it is proven to efficiently control itching, scaling and flaking. It should be used on the skin affected by fungi, twice a day, and the treatment is advised to last for 3 to 5 weeks.
Miconazole has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and it is also very effective against fungi, including ringworm infection. This drug can cause some adverse effects, and patients reported mild burning sensation when using miconazole.
Butoconazolenitrate is the main ingredient of Mycelex, medication proven to be very efficient against fungi. Clotrimazole is yet another of azole drugs used against fungal infections. It can also cause mild side effects, such as redness of the skin or mild burning.
Other OTC Fungal Drugs
For crusted lesions on the skin caused by ringworm infections, doctors usually recommend tolnaftate. After the crust is removed, patients may use some other anti-fungal medications on the infected skin. Terbinafine is found in most pharmacies as tablets or a different ointment. Pills could provoke abdominal cramps or diarrhea, while ointments may lead to some itching of the skin. Terbinafine creams and other ointments should be used two times a day, for at least 2 (and up to 4) weeks. These two drugs, terbinafine and tolnaftate may also be used in combination.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...