Ringworm is something that most people have had to deal with at one time or another. Knowing how to treat ringworm is another story.
Ringworm is not a worm at all, but rather a fungal infection that can appear anywhere on the skin, especially in warm, moist areas. It will appear as a reddened ring on the skin, but can also be on hair shafts in people and animals. Knowing the proper way to treat ringworm is yet another issue.
In the early 1900s ringworm first appeared and was treated with compounds such as mercury and iodine. Some hairy areas were considered to difficult to treat with these compounds and x-rays and antiparasitic compounds.
Unfortunately, misdiagnosing ringworm as pityriasis rosea, can cause other issues. That particular ailment is treated with topical steroids and can cause the ringworm to mutate into tinea incognito which does not give the raised border you see with ringworm.
How to Treat Ringworm on the Feet
Ringworm on the feet is commonly called athletes foot. This can come from locker rooms, public showers or wet areas at your home if someone else in the home has it. Protection can be effective with shower shoes or water shoes. It appears that wrestlers are especially susceptible to ringworm.
There are numerous over-the-counter anti-fungals that can treat ringworm, but also have their side effects.
Other types of ringworm can appear in the groin area, (jock itch) or on nails. It is especially prevalent during the summer months. Dogs and cats can have it and transmit it to humans during normal interactions with your pet. This is especially true if your pet has any bald spots. Pets will need both topical and systemic treatment. Bathing twice a week will also help get rid of the spores which can last up to two years on the hair shaft.
Diagnosing Ringworm
Diagnosing ringworm can be done by several different methods. Most will not show up under normal diagnostic techniques and the search can continue. Black lights, microscopic exams and cultures can be done. All of these will be able to distinguish some types of ringworm, but none will diagnose all of them. Knowing the proper way to treat ringworm can be relatively expensive. There is not need for very expensive salves and ointments.
Final Word on Ringworm Treatment
Knowing how to treat ringworm is the key to success. Many people will reach for antifungal ointments such as miconazole, ketoconazole or other creams applied twice daily. This treatment can take up to two weeks to show improvement and then it should be continued for an additional week. Most of us do not want to have to treat what appears to be an insignificant spot on their skin for such a prolonged period.
Ringworm treatment needs to be continued until the spores are gone. This time frame will vary depending on the area of your body or your pets body that it appears. Some of the alternative, natural solutions on how to treat ringworm, will work just as well as costly creams that you can buy. Learning how to treat ringworm is the key. The method you use is your choice.
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