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Chaya, a young lady, consulted a gynaecologist for a infection in the groin. A corticosteroid ointment (Betnoyate) was prescribed. She did not get any significant relief and returned to hospital after a week. She was asked to continue the same treatment. However, to her good luck, she met a skin specialist who listened to her carefully and collected a scraping from the affected area for microscopic examination. He confirmed the diagnosis as fungal infection (candida) and prescribed the proper medicine which cured her. Very often we buy an ointment or use one lying at home for skin infection. It would be wiser to consult a skin specialist rather than trying selfÂmedication.
Fungal infection, ringworm, and moniliasis, technically called dermatophytosis, may involve any part of the body. In the head it spreads through the barber's instruments, hair brushes, and combs, causing a patchy hair loss. The patient may smell a peculiar odour called a 'mousy' odour. In the skin it starts as a papule which spreads around leaving a central coinÂshaped clear area. Another characteristic feature of these fungal infections is an itching sensation.
Griseofulvin (Girfungin-P, Grisovin-FP, Walavin-FP)
This drug is used for treating ringworm infection. It is available as tablets of 125 mg. The total daily dose is 500 mg. The effect starts slowly and if toes and nails are involved, it takes a few months before significant benefits are seen.
Adverse Effects: It is a relatively safe drug. Some patients may complain of headache and gastric upsets. It is also known to cause photosensitivity reactions (allergy to sunlight).
Precoutions
Always take this drug with a fatty meal to allow maximum absorption.
If photosensitivity develops, a doctor must be consulted.
Avoid alcohol as it may cause palpitation and flushing.
Ketoconazole (Ketozole, Phytoral, Nizral), Fluconazole (Syscan)
These have been introduced recently for treatment of fungal disorders. The spectrum of action is wider, that is, these are effective in rignworm, candida, and other fungal infection. The duration of treatment is, considerable, varying from a few days to weeks. Ketoconazole is available as tablet (200 mg) for oral use in a dose of 200 mg once or twice a day for 1-2 weeks or longer. Other topical preparations available are 2% cream, solution, shampoo and ointment. A multi-ingredient shampoo contains ketoconazole 2%, zinc pyrithione 1 % and is commonly recommended for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Fluconazole is used in a dose of 100 to 200 mg/day for 2 weeks (candid infections) to one month (esophageal candida infection). Ketoconazole or Fluconazole is given in a dose of 3 to 6 mg/kg once a day to children.
Miconazole (Darktarin, Zole), Clotrimazole (Mycocid)
These preparations are applied locally in the form of a lotion or ointment and are very effective in controlling most fungal infections.
Ringworm is a scalp and skin virus that is also known as "Tinea". It's a fungal infection that can be present on any part of your body. Contrary to its name, ringworm has no relationship with a worm. It is mainly a reddish to brownish bumpy part of skin that can be lighter in color at the center, which gives it an appearance of a ring. Ringworm can be transmitted from human to human, with contact with animals, shared changing rooms such as swimming pools. Schools and nurseries are perfect places for children to catch ringworm. There are many forms of ringworm that will affect a number of parts of the body. Some could be unpleasant, very irritating and persistent. This information will center on the various forms of ringworm that affect your body, and the fungal skin infection remedies available.
Although our world is full of infection causing yeasts and bacteria, only a few cause skin infections. These bacteria start to cause infections either by direct contact with an infected person or animal, or by contact with any item that has been touched by an infected person or animal. Another reason people can get bacterial infections is by the over use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill your body's beneficial bacteria that inhabits your skin. This beneficial bacteria is the body's natural defence against fungi and other micro-organisms.
The symptoms of Ringworm include: Red, itchy, raised, scaly patches that may blister and weep. The infected areas regularly have sharply-defined edges. These patches will often be redder on the outer part with normal skin tone in the middle. This probably will create the look of a ring. Your skin probably will also appear strangely dark or light. When the scalp or beard is infected, you will see bald patches.
Your doctor will usually determinate you have ringworm by the ring-shaped skin eruption. To properly diagnose that you're suffering from ringworm fungus, your doctor will probably look at a skin scraping under a microscope.
Anti-fungal creams are availableZcan be purchased for this infection, and are often mixed with a mild antiseptic and a mild steroid to reduce your itching. Keeping the skin infection clean and well aired plays an crucial role in healing this infection. If a anti fungal treatment doesn't work, or the infection is widespread, you should see your doctor. He may prescribe you some medication such as fluconazole.
Luckily, ringworm is fairly easy to diagnose and treat. Health practitioners can usually determine your ringworm based on its characteristics, but on occasions they will scrape off a tiny sample of the infected area to test it for bacteria.
The doctor will recommend an anti-fungal lotion for the ringworm skin infection or an oral anti fungal drugs for your scalp and nail ringworm infection.
There are successful natural ringworm treatments that will treat both your scalp and skin ringworm infection. There are many things you should take look at when taking oral anti fungal treatments for your ringworm. A major one is starting a family within 6 months of the treatment if you're a man.
Natural fungal infection treatments can be used by the whole family at the same time. This works out a lot cheaper saving you the need to purchase a different remedy for every member of your family. Using the same anti fungal cure for your scalp and skin infection also saves you money.