Showing posts with label ringworm cure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ringworm cure. Show all posts

Ringworm self treatment

Ringworm treatment should start immediately as soon as the ringworm infection is detected. Some experts do consider ringworm as a mild and harmless condition but ignoring it and hoping that somehow it would go away on its own may not be the prudent course of action.

Self-care
Initially, you can administer ringworm treatment on your own. Ringworm usually responds well to self-care within 4 weeks of medication.

For a mild case of ringworm, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole
  • Terbinafine
Wash and dry the affected area. Then, apply a thin layer of the topical agent once or twice a day for at least two weeks, or according to package directions.

Infected pets should also be treated.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Some fungus infections do not respond well to external applications. Examples include scalp fungus and fungus of the nails. To penetrate these areas, oral medications are necessary.

See your doctor immediately, if ringworm of the body covers a large area, affects the scalp or nails, is severe, or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication within 4 weeks of self-care.

Your doctor will recommend either prescription-strength topical (external) medication such as Econazole or Miconazole; or oral medication like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.

In taking oral medication to treat severe ringworm infection, the Mayo Clinic article cautions that "side effects from oral medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver functioning. Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of these drugs. Oral medications for ringworm may alter the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your blood.

The MedicineNet article however, observes that "in recent years, newer agents" for ringworm treatment "have been introduced that are both safer and more effective. These include terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Reputations die hard, however, and many people continue to fear that even these newer agents are 'bad for the liver,' when in fact they are quite safe when used properly."