subject: Learn How to Treat Ringworm Effectively [print this page] Ringworm, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin, usually around areas of the body that produce a lot of sweat such as the armpits, the feet, or groin area. It is also highly contagious, easily transmitted simply by making direct contact to the fungal spores.
Its symptoms include itchiness, redness, and some "scaling" of the infected skin. If left untreated, ringworm can spread, further causing discomfort, and can even lead to skin infection. It is important to treat ringworm as soon as possible, before further complication and spreading occurs.
Upon occurrence of ringworm symptoms, it is recommended that you visit a qualified physician as soon as possible. Earlier treatment can save you the trouble of dealing with a more serious ringworm problem.
There are a lot of medications available for treating ringworm, and usually come in the form of creams or lotions. Tinactin, Lotriminutes and other anti-fungal brands can be bought without prescription at the nearest drugstore. It is important that you apply the medication consistently for as long as up to two weeks even after the symptoms disappear as to prevent resurgence. If the infection still does not improve after some time, special anti-fungal medicine may be prescribed by your physician.
Treating ringworm infections can take from a few days to a few weeks depending on the location of the infected area. Ringworm symptoms on the body are generally less difficult to deal with compared to those that occur on the scalp or in your nails. Your immune system also affects the time of recovery before the treatment is completed, and will take longer if you are suffering from another illness. Proper diet also boosts your immune system, allowing you to recover from infection a lot faster.
You should also make sure that the infection does not spread and infect other people. Remember that ringworm can easily get from one person to another just by direct contact with the spores. You can apply bandage on the infected area to prevent direct contact, and you shouldn not let other people use your personal stuff such as clothing, hair comb, or bath towel.
At home, you might want to sleep on a separate bed to prevent contamination of bed sheets used by other people. Avoid going to public places such as public pools and gyms. Fungal spores can easily spread in water, putting a lot of people at risk.
