Ringworm Cream

Canesten cream (AU)

Image via Wikipedia

The most effective kind of treatment of ringworm in humans is through the use of an anti-fungal cream.  Ringworm is a very contagious fungal infection that shows up on the skin in a red ring shaped rash.  The skin in the center of the rash may look healthy.  The skin on the edges of the ring many be crusty and raised.  The rash itself is not painful but it does get itchy.  It is the discomfort of the itch that most people find the most bothersome about ringworm.


Since ringworm is not a worm or an insect but a type of fungus, anti-fungus creams work very well to cure the infection. In pets there is also dips and shampoos available for treatment.  In humans the typical treatment consists of cream and sometimes an oral medication if the infection is seen throughout the entire body.  Over the counter creams can sometimes cure most kinds of ringworm.  Ringworm is also known as athlete’s foot when it is found on the feet and jock itch when it is found in the groin.  These conditions require little more then an over the counter medication.


Creams and ointments that are available without a prescription typically contain miconazole or clotrimazole in them.  Brand name anti-fungal creams that contain either one of these drugs are Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat and Lotrimin.  Lamisil which is also a name brand anti-fungal cream contains terbinafine which is a drug that will also treat fungus.  The rash will need to be washed with soap and water and dried thoroughly before the cream is applied.


You should then apply the anti-fungal cream to the rash and spread it beyond the border of the rash.  It is important not to stop the medication simply because your symptoms have decreased or gone away completely.  With most products you need to continue the treatment for two to four weeks.


If your rash has not improved within at least two weeks of treatment it is time to go to your medical provider.  You doctor has a variety of different medications that they are able to prescribe to you in order to help with your ringworm infection.  One such medication is known as allylamines.  It comes in creams, pills or gels.


Ringworm can also be seen under the nails or in the scalp.  A fungal nail infection attacks a finer or toe nails or the skin under the nail.  Fungal nail infections can be hard to treat.  Fungal nail infections can be hard to treat.  You can try an anti-fungal cream, lotion or a nail polish.  There are some available without a prescription.


The most effective form of treatment for a fungal nail infection is an anti-fungal pill which you can get from your doctor.  An anti-fungal pill is the most effective treatment for ringworm of the scalp as well.  The fungus affects the hair and sometimes causes it to fall out leaving round patches of missing hair.  You can use prescription creams as well to treat ringworm of the scalp.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]