[O375]Over The Counter Treatment For Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. There can be multiple forms of ringworm, and the disease can affect different parts of the body. Ringworm commonly infects the skin on the hands, feet, neck and face. The disease can also affect the scalp or the nails. Ringworm first appears like a red dot on the skin. As the infection evolves, the inflammation worsens and the redness expands, covering more skin. In the absence of medical treatment for ringworm, the infection spreads quickly and the disease can aggravate rapidly. Left untreated, blisters and pustules may occur on the skin patches affected by ringworm and the infected areas become itchy. The borders of the affected skin become raised, crusty and have a ring-like aspect; hence the disease was given the name ?ringworm?.

Ringworm is caused by infection with a species of fungal organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi commonly populate the soil and they can be found everywhere in nature. Ringworm is very contagious and the fungal organisms responsible for causing the disease can either be contracted directly, through physical contact with infected people or animals, or indirectly, through physical contact with contaminated objects. Many domestic animals are infected with dermatophytes and ringworm is common in furry animals such as cats and dogs. Although many animals are carriers for the infectious fungal elements responsible for causing ringworm, very few are actually affected by the disease.

People who acquire ringworm can be carriers for the fungal organisms without showing any symptoms of disease. The infection may occur only if the persons who have contracted the infectious fungal elements present skin lesions, scratches or irritation. Damaged skin allows the fungi to penetrate the superficial epidermal layers, in which case they can cause inflammation and infection.

In the absence of an appropriate treatment for ringworm, the infection evolves rapidly and the inflamed skin regions are also susceptible to bacterial infection. The treatment for ringworm should commence as soon as the infected persons show signs of the disease. The most effective treatments for ringworm should contain antifungal materials, either under the form of oral pills, or under the form of creams, gels and lotions for external use. Antifungal medications are aimed at killing the fungi and they can clear the infection in about 7-10 days if ringworm is uncomplicated. In order to prevent the recurrence of the disease, the treatment for ringworm should continue for another 10 days after the symptoms have disappeared.

Ketoconazole-containing medicines are very effective in the treatment for ringworm. Nizoral shampoo contains ketoconazole (a powerful antifungal substance) and it is commonly used in the treatment for ringworm. The shampoo should be applied on the scalp and on the entire body skin in order to ensure complete eradication of the infectious fungi. Nizoral should be used 2-3 times a week in order to achieve the best results.

Hydrochloride cream (Lamisil) is also very effective in overcoming fungal infections and it has been successfully used in the treatment for ringworm. Lamisil should be used daily, applying the cream on the affected regions of the skin. In order to potentate the action of the cream, the skin needs to be clean and dry.

Although external treatments for ringworm are effective in overcoming infections of the skin, if the disease affects the nails, oral medications are required. Oral Lamisil and Griseofulvin are common in the treatment for ringworm and they can be successfully used in overcoming infections of the nails. However, keep in mind that the oral treatments for ringworm have many side-effects and they aren't recommended for long-term use. If you have dermatophytosis, it is best to pay a visit to your dermatologist in order to receive the treatment for ringworm that is most appropriate to you.