Getting infected with ringworm is quite an irritating experience. Ringworm usually manifests itself as red circular rashes that have healthy skin in the middle. The skin around the rash is usually dry and crusty. The rash by itself is by no means painful, but it is the itching that is usually the problem. The itching is what makes the ringworm spread to other parts of the body. Ringworm treatments not only cure the itching, but it also kills the fungi that cause the rashes.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that usually affects the scalp, skin, nails, and feet in humans. It is a very contagious disease, spreading rapidly from one person to another through contact with infected body parts. The fungus not only affects humans, it can also affect animals like your pet dogs and cats. It can also be contracted from infected soil.
For ringworm treatments to be really effective, it is best to treat the infection as early as possible. When you start seeing the signs and symptoms of ringworm, you could simply start with over the counter medicines. You could use creams and ointments designed for eliminating ringworm. These topical agents are usually applied twice a day after taking a bath. You should see positive results within a few days of treatment. Do not stop the treatment until after the recommended application period. Otherwise, the ringworm may come back.
Some of the more popular topical ringworm treatments include Terbanafine, Miconazole, Tolnafate, and Undecylenic Acid. These are quite effective in treating mild ringworm treatments. All you need to do is to apply these on your skin regularly.
You should only use over the counter medicines to cure mild infections. If the infection goes on for more than two weeks or do not disappear despite application of topical medicines, oral medication is in order. These medications are usually coupled with antibiotics. Oral medications can have faster effects that creams and ointments since it is released directly into the bloodstream. You should follow the prescribed dosage so that the ringworms would no longer recur.
You could also use oral treatments if it is difficult to apply treatment to the area affected by ringworm topically. If the ringworm occurs on your scalp or inside your nails, using oral ringworm treatments may be the only solution for your condition.
If you want natural ways of treating ringworm, there are some home remedies that you could try. Though not scientifically proven, they may sometimes get to cure the ringworm infection. Some of the examples of home remedies include vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon, iodine, salt and even vicks vaporub. These treatments can minimize the itching and also aids in the healing of the skin affected by the ringworm.
To be absolutely sure about your ringworm treatment, you should first consult your dermatologist. Better yet, you should visit your doctor even before beginning treatment. Although treating ringworm as soon as possible is important, having an expert examine your particular case of ringworm can assure you that you get the best ringworm treatments.