Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, which can affect both humans and animals alike. Signs and symptoms include rashes, itchiness, and red, scaly skin. Ringworm is highly contagious, especially upon skin-to-skin contact but can also be spread via use of infected materials like towels, clothes, and bed sheets.
The best cure for ringworm is the use of antifungal topical agents such as Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, and Tolnaftate. Clotrimazole for instance is commonly available, and can be purchased over-the-counter, and available in various dosages and form (creams, liquid, and combination medicine). Tolnaftate on the other hand can come in the form of a cream, powder, spray, or liquid aerosol, and is especially effective against ringworms acquired from pets.
Preparations of Miconazole include a topical cream (2%), combination medicine (2% cream with 1% hydrocortisone), and an oral gel (24 mg/ml). Terbinafine hydrochloride on the other hand is freely soluble in methanol and dichloromethane, soluble in ethanol, and slightly soluble in water and is prepared as a 1% cream or powder.
Ketoconazole is one of the first available oral treatments for ringworm discovered and can be prescribed as a 200-mg pill, a 2% cream, a 2% gel, or a 2% foam solution.
Treatment usually lasts for 2 weeks (even if the rashes and itch has cleared); as there may be a possibility of the infection coming back if you do not strictly follow the instructions of your doctor or dermatologist. It is especially important to follow the doctor’s prescription if you are ordered to take anti-fungal pills (oral medication is usually prescribed when the affected area is the scalp or hairy body areas since absorption of cream and powder antifungal is obstructed by the hairs).
Home remedies include using tea tree oil and manuka oil, which has both been proven an effective antifungal agent. Just rub the oil on the infected area continuously until the infection clears up. Regular application of this alternative treatment to the affected area of the ringworm infection can gradually lessen the effects of the skin lesions and can increase the healing rate of the blisters and lesions.
