Do you think you have Ringworm?
Ringworm is a serious condition that should receive immediate treatment. This type of fungal infection is highly contagious and is easily spread over the body and to others. Common symptoms of ringworm include circular, red, scaly dry patches that tend to look like a round worm just under the skin.
Ringworm can be itchy, appear like blisters, and it can even cause hair loss when it’s on the scalp. From a medical terminology perspective, ringworm falls into the Tinea classification. Specifically ringworm is known as Tinea Corporis. When it is on the scalp it’s referred to as Tinea Capitis. Athlete’s foot is called Tinea Pedis and jock itch is Tinea Cruris.
Ringworm can easily be passed from person to person, and can even be spread from a pet to a human. Fungal infections like ringworm will often appear in more than one area of the body. Clothes that touch the infection and then touch another part of the body can cause spreading.
Is Ringworm a worm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection similar to jock itch and athlete’s foot. Like other fungal infections, ringworm is the result of microorganisms that act as a parasite attacking the body. Ringworm is a mold-like fungus that eats away at the skin’s outer layer. This type of cell eating mold fungi is known as dermatophytes. Despite the name, ringworm is not actually a worm under the skin; its name is derived from its circular appearance.
How is Ringworm treated?
Ringworm can be treated with topical ointments or cream, but in some cases will require an oral prescription. Treatment can take several weeks, and the medication should be used based upon the dermatologists directions, and should not be discontinued earlier just because the symptoms disappear.
The most common topical treatments are Lamisil and Naftin. Lamisil is a cream that uses the active ingredient terbinafin, a synthetic topical antifungal agent. Lamisil is most likely to be prescribed for fungal infections that are on the skin, and also comes in oral (pill) form. Naftin is another common topical fungal treatment that kills the fungus and prevents further growth and spreading.
Your dermatologist may also prescribe an oral treatment. Griseofulvin is an oral fungal treatment usually given when the topical treatments fail to clear the infection. Ketoconazole is an oral medication taken with an acidic drink such as juice or soda. The acidity assists with the treatment’s absorption, which prevents the growth of the membranes surrounding the fungus.
If you suspect that you may have ringworm or any other skin condition, contact OC Skin Institute conveniently located in Orange County, CA today for a consultation.