Ringworm can strike at any time. Even if it is common in the summer and wanes in the winter, you can actually be infected very easily. You can catch it by taking the public transport, in the communal shower at the gym you frequent, on the beach, when you went swimming in the pool, or from the clothes you bought at the thrift store or borrowed from an acquaintance. There is a stigma associated with fungal infections, especially since it is highly contagious. But treating it is actually very easy, if you know how.
Ringworm in humans lives on skin, hair and nails. It is caused by Dermatophyte, a fungus that lives on the Keratin in the epidermis. The problem can cause round rashes with red edges and healthy-looking skin in the middle. It can also lead to bald spots, nails that crumble and fall off, athlete's foot and jock itch.
There are several treatments available for ringworm in humans. These are commonly over-the-counter treatments, which should be used for two to four weeks. Others, like those that require a prescription, have shorter treatment cycles. In this case, the prescribing doctor would be the one to specify how often and how long it should be used. These instructions must be followed precisely to ensure the treatment removes ringworm in humans as well as prevent side effects and allergic reactions. If anything unusual does happen, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
One of the stronger chemicals used in ringworm creams is Clotrimazole with Betamethasone. These substances are present in the product Lotrisone. The first chemical has anti-fungal properties, while the second has anti-inflammatory characteristics. This means that the former will tackle the cause of the infection while the latter will remove symptoms. It is not meant for long-term use since it is stronger than most. You must follow the doctor's prescription precisely when using this cream.
Some over-the-counter products, like Ketoconazole, are also strong, and should only be used once a day. This is found in products such as Ketoderm, Xelogel, Extina, Nizoral and Nizoral A-D. It can produce side effects in some people like itching and a rash. It may also cause allergic reactions like difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Most consumer anti-fungal products can be applied twice a day to remove ringworm in humans:
* Terbinafine is a common substance used in Lamisil, Lamisil AT and Lamisil Dermgel. It can create side effects from burning, irritation and redness to more severe ones like swelling and blisters.
* Clotrimazole is used in Lotrimin and Mycelex. It may cause side effects like redness, a burning sensation, itching, peeling or swelling.
* Miconazole can be found in Decocort, Daktarin, Desenex, Micatin and Monistat-Derm. Its side effects are increased burning, itching or skin irritation.
The anti-fungal creams should be used properly so that they take effect. The infected area should be washed thoroughly and patted dry before applying the ringworm cream. The same should be done with your hands. This prevents the chemicals from being contaminated by dirt, or diluted by water.
A thin layer of the cream must be spread over the infected area and its surroundings. This prevents the rash from growing. Besides, the seemingly healthy skin may already have the roots of the fungus underneath.
After applying, let the cream be absorbed into the skin, until it is dry. Most would recommend covering the infection with a bandage to prevent the fungus spores from getting on clothes and beddings and spreading ringworm to other humans. Before covering the infection, make sure the cream has been absorbed. Aside from topical treatments, some severe cases involving nails and the scalp can require oral medication. Anti-fungal soap can help as well.
Ringworm in humans lives on skin, hair and nails. It is caused by Dermatophyte, a fungus that lives on the Keratin in the epidermis. The problem can cause round rashes with red edges and healthy-looking skin in the middle. It can also lead to bald spots, nails that crumble and fall off, athlete's foot and jock itch.
There are several treatments available for ringworm in humans. These are commonly over-the-counter treatments, which should be used for two to four weeks. Others, like those that require a prescription, have shorter treatment cycles. In this case, the prescribing doctor would be the one to specify how often and how long it should be used. These instructions must be followed precisely to ensure the treatment removes ringworm in humans as well as prevent side effects and allergic reactions. If anything unusual does happen, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
One of the stronger chemicals used in ringworm creams is Clotrimazole with Betamethasone. These substances are present in the product Lotrisone. The first chemical has anti-fungal properties, while the second has anti-inflammatory characteristics. This means that the former will tackle the cause of the infection while the latter will remove symptoms. It is not meant for long-term use since it is stronger than most. You must follow the doctor's prescription precisely when using this cream.
Some over-the-counter products, like Ketoconazole, are also strong, and should only be used once a day. This is found in products such as Ketoderm, Xelogel, Extina, Nizoral and Nizoral A-D. It can produce side effects in some people like itching and a rash. It may also cause allergic reactions like difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Most consumer anti-fungal products can be applied twice a day to remove ringworm in humans:
* Terbinafine is a common substance used in Lamisil, Lamisil AT and Lamisil Dermgel. It can create side effects from burning, irritation and redness to more severe ones like swelling and blisters.
* Clotrimazole is used in Lotrimin and Mycelex. It may cause side effects like redness, a burning sensation, itching, peeling or swelling.
* Miconazole can be found in Decocort, Daktarin, Desenex, Micatin and Monistat-Derm. Its side effects are increased burning, itching or skin irritation.
The anti-fungal creams should be used properly so that they take effect. The infected area should be washed thoroughly and patted dry before applying the ringworm cream. The same should be done with your hands. This prevents the chemicals from being contaminated by dirt, or diluted by water.
A thin layer of the cream must be spread over the infected area and its surroundings. This prevents the rash from growing. Besides, the seemingly healthy skin may already have the roots of the fungus underneath.
After applying, let the cream be absorbed into the skin, until it is dry. Most would recommend covering the infection with a bandage to prevent the fungus spores from getting on clothes and beddings and spreading ringworm to other humans. Before covering the infection, make sure the cream has been absorbed. Aside from topical treatments, some severe cases involving nails and the scalp can require oral medication. Anti-fungal soap can help as well.
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