How To Eradicate Ringworm

A ringworm infection is not the result of a parasite, despite its misleading name. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and the name is reflection of the appearance of the infection on the skin. Ringworm manifests itself by appearing in a circle or ring shaped mark on the skin that is often red and looks as though it is a flaky or scaly. The effected area may be raised or flat on the skin and can provide irritation to those who are infected with it. In many cases, the fungus that causes the infection known as ringworm can be removed with an over the counter anti-fungal medicine. This medicine may be taken either orally or applied as a topical treatment to the affected area.

Topical drugs may be purchased over the counter or as a prescription from a health care professional. These medicines can come in a variety of materials like ointments, creams, lotions or even powders. The active ingredients in many of these medications include miconazole, naftifine, terbinafine, butenafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole or the drug tolnaftate. These drugs are the most effective when it comes to treating ringworm and a reputable or effective medication should contain one of these. Terbinafine is often listed as one of the most effective anti-fungal medicines for ringworm infections in particular. There are relatively few side effects that come along with these topical medications however it is important to use the medication as directed. If these over the counter topical medications do not clear up the infection, a doctor or health care physician may prescribe an anti-fungal medication is that is stronger than what is available over the counter.

Anti-fungal medications are also available as oral medications. These may be tried if the topical medications did not work to entirely eradicate the entire infection caused by ringworm. Many oral medications contain the same or similar active ingredients as the topical medications though they may vary in the level of concentration. Oral medication is particularly useful for treating ringworm when it has effected the scalp, toes or fingers. Oral medications may have more possible side effects than the topical treatments and some of the most common side effects might include rashes, upset stomach or abnormal liver functions.

Ringworm can take up to a month to treat even if the drugs are used exactly according to directions. If a ringworm infection lasts longer than a month, a doctor should be consulted because a stronger anti-fungal medication may be required to eradicate the infection. Medications that contain the active ingredient terbinafine may be more effective than other medications and the Langone Medical Center  has reported that this active ingredient can remove a ringworm infection in a period as short as one week.

If the case of ringworm is very persistent, additional treatment options may be required to eradicate ringworm. It is important to prevent ringworm from spreading whether that is from one infected area to another or between people. For this reason, it is important to wash and dry pajamas and bed linens everyday  as long as the infection exists because the fungus can live in linens and continue to infect those who touch them. Keeping the body clean and dry is another important element in preventing the spread of the infection.

Preventing ringworm is not always possible but certain steps can be taken to prevent the likelihood of contracting ringworm again. Try to minimize direct contact with animals or people who are infected with ringworm and do not share personal items such as towels, linens, or grooming supplies with them. To prevent fungal infections like jock itch or athlete’s foot, it is important to wear fabrics that do not trap moisture and to wear shoes that allow air to pass through. It is also important to wear shoes in public areas, especially in locker rooms or showers because these are prime places to contract fungal infections from the environment.