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Ringworm

Fortunately, there are several excellent OTC products that provide excellent therapies for the various forms of ringworm. It is our intention to inform you of some the best ways to treat the condition, as well as how to avoid it in the future.

To begin with, the cause of Ringworm isn't a "worm" as the name suggests, but rather a mold-like fungus called "dermatophyte." Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues of the skin, hair and nails. The types of fungus that cause Ringworm are widespread around the world and live in humans, animals and soil (although most types of fungus that cause Ringworm of the foot and nails live only in humans).

Identification and Treatment of Ringworm

Tinea Corporis (Ringworm of the body) can affect any part of the body-except the scalp, feet, and facial area where a man's beard grows. The lesions develop mainly in the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum), are usually slightly scaly and may appear as a ring or a series of rings around a clear center- hence its name "Ringworm." The ring-like pattern, however, is not an absolute, and can vary widely. The lesions are contagious and are often spread by infected household pets (especially cats or kittens) and occasionally through person to person contact.

The good news is that these lesions respond well to topical antifungal creams such as "Lotrimin Ultra," and Lamisil 1% Cream by Lamisil. Just make sure to continue using these medications for one week after the lesions have cleared because there may be some residual infection within hair follicles. Household pets should also be examined (and treated, if required) to avoid recurrent infections.

Tinea Pedis ("Athlete's Foot") is the most common fungal infection of skin. It's most common in adolescent males and usually begins as a moist, whitish skin area that peels easily away between the toes. The lesions are commonly associated with blisters, and are accompanied by itching or marked discomfort and may be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.

A good antifungal product like "Lamisil 1% Cream" by Lamisil or "Tineacide Anti Fungal Cream" by Blaine Labs is generally all you need. However, if the infection is extensive or prolonged, you may require a prescribed antibiotic or oral antifungal medication such as oral Lamisil.

To avoid recurrent infections keep the feet as dry as possible and use a good anti-fungal foot powder daily, such as Zeasorb-AF Powder by Stiefel Laboratories. Wear cotton socks and alternate two or three pairs of shoes, so they will always be completely dry. Open-toed sandals are recommended and boots should be avoided. It is also a good idea to wear slippers when showering in public places, as these are prime areas for contact with the fungal infection.

Tinea Cruris ("Jock Itch") is a fungal infection of the groin areas around the genitalia and the anus, and affects primarily adult men. It is not a contagious condition and direct person to person contact rarely causes an infection. In most cases, the groin area is affected with moist reddish-purplish lesions with well defined, reddish, scaly and slightly elevated borders. The lesions are can be extremely itchy and even painful at times.

Ringworm of the groin responds well to topical antifungal creams such as Lamisil 1% Cream by Lamisil, which can be followed by the application of a super absorbent powder (applied twice daily) such as Zeasorb-AF Powder by Stiefel Laboratories. If the affected areas are very itchy or inflamed, a mild cortisone product such as Sarnol-HC by Stiefel Laboratories may be added but should always be used in conjunction with antifungal products. To prevent recurrences, try wearing loose cotton underwear, drying thoroughly after bathing and dusting the groin area with powder.

Tinea Capitis (fungal infection of the scalp) primarily affects school age children, although in recent years it has been reported with increased frequency in adults. The infection spreads through close human contact, as well as from contact with inanimate objects such as combs and brushes, barrettes, bed linens, stuffed animals, telephones, wrestling mats, and even theater seat-backs. The fungal rash consists of one or several reddish scaly patches often associated with hair loss. Some lesions, if untreated, may become severely inflamed, boggy or ulcerated, a condition known as "kerion." Such lesions may result in marked scarring and permanent patchy baldness. It may also look like black or blonde dots on the scalp (which are actually the tips of broken hair shafts).

The use of anti-fungal shampoos can provide some relief from itching, but it is generally not capable of penetrating the hair and killing the baseline fungal infection. The only medication currently indicated for the treatment of tinea capitis is the prescription medicine griseofulvin, which has been the standard of treatment for the condition for nearly 40 years. If you suspect that you or your child has Ringworm of the scalp, please see your doctor, dermatologist, or preferred health care professional right away.

Also encourage your children not to share hats, combs and brushes with their friends, and periodically disinfect all hair care items with diluted Ammonia or Bleach solution. Just make sure they are well rinsed so that the chemicals don't come in contact with your skin.

Tinea Unguium (fungal infection of the nails) generally starts at the tip of one or more toenails, which gradually thicken, discolor, and show accumulation of debris under the nails. In worse cases, there may be separation of the nail from the nail's bed. Fingernails are not as frequently affected as toenails.

Excellent OTC anti-fungal products that may be helpful in the treatment of nail fungus are "Dual Defense Anti-Fungal Formula by Elon which combines 3 anti-fungal agents and helps to eliminate fungus on skin and cuticles and Tineacide by Blaine Labs. More advanced fungal infections of the nails may require oral prescription medications such as Lamisil (terbenafine) or Sporanox (itraconazole.) Please see a medical professional for further information.

Ringworm Prevention

To protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming infected in the future, try the preventative measures listed below.

• Do not share clothing, towels, or headgear (particularly hats, combs or brushes). Because children are often carriers of ringworm of the scalp, they should always have combs and brushes separate from other family members.

• When you're at home, take your shoes off and expose your feet to the air.

• Change your socks and underwear every day, especially in warm weather.

• Keep your skin clean and dry. Dry your feet carefully (especially between the toes) after using a locker room or public shower.

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Instead, wear "flip-flops," sandals or water shoes.

• Don't wear thick clothing for extended periods of time in warm weather. The sweat can create an environment ready made for infection.

• Throw away worn-out exercise shoes and never borrow other people's shoes.

• Check your pets for areas of hair loss. Ask your veterinarian to check them too.

• Shampoo regularly, especially after haircuts.

Make sure to bookmark this page for further reference for yourself and your family and continue to check back at DERMstore.com for all the latest products and information on skin care.

Article posted 3/03/2004.

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Sarnol-HC Lotion by Stiefel Laboratories $16.40

Dual Defense Anti-Fungal Formula by Elon $27.99

Tineacide Antifungal Cream by Blaine Labs/Tineacide $15.99