Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus. A ring-shaped rash on the surface of the skin is most likely ringworm. Related fungal infections include athletes foot and jock itch.
Get Rid Of Ringworm
The fungi that cause ringworm grow best in moist, warm places like locker rooms, swimming pools and skin folds. The fungus tends to live and spread on the top layer of the skin and hair and may show up under the nails.
The ringworm fungus is contagious. The fungus spreads by skin-to-skin contact with another person or animal with ringworm. Common ways the fungus spreads include sharing towels, sports gear and clothing.
In order to prevent ringworm, avoid things like sharing towels and touching lesions and rashes characteristic to ringworm on other people. Wear loose fitting clothing and try to keep the skin dry. Wear shoes in the locker room. Wash hands after handling animals, soil and plants. When involved in sports, avoid sharing towels and sports gear. It is important to practice overall good hygiene techniques.
Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home using topical creams. These anti-fungal treatments are available over-the counter and can effectively get rid of ringworm within a couple of weeks. Examples of these creams include:
- Creams containing clotrimazole: Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream
- Creams containing miconazole: Monistat-Derm cream
- Creams containing ketoconazole: Nizoral cream
- Creams containing terbinafine: Lamisisl cream
When ringworm is suspected, it is important to treat the fungus. If it is not treated, the skin can blister, causing the cracks in the skin to become infected, making it harder to get rid of ringworm.
How To Get Rid Of Ringworm
Occasionally, over-the-counter creams do not get rid of ringworm. If these treatments are not effective, visit your physician. It may be necessary for a doctor may to prescribe an oral medication to kill the fungus.
These cases of ringworm may show up in the scalp or as a fungus under the nails. Oftentimes, a three month course of a systemic treatment with prescriptions like Diflucan or Sporonax is necessary.
Sources:WebMd Medicinenet.com
