Treatment of ringworm 

The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. It is a result of a fungus infection. Nevertheless, the name "ringworm" has stuck. Some of these fungi produce round spots, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots are not from fungus. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.

The medical term for ringworm is "tinea." (Tinea gets us back to worms. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.) Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Tinea capitis, for instance, refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, and so on.

What causes ringworm?

Although the world is full of yeasts, molds, and fungi, only a few cause skin problems. These agents are called the dermatophytes, which means "skin fungi." Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. They rarely invade deeper into the body and cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.

Treatment
Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm is usually treated using anti-fungal tablets (oral anti-fungals).

Terbinafine and griseofulvin are the two types of oral anti-fungal medicines that have been shown to be effective in treating scalp ringworm.

However, the type of anti-fugnal medicine that your GP will prescribe for you will depend on the type of fungi involved, and your own personal health circumstances.
Terbinafine

Most people with scalp ringworm are advised to take terbinafine once a day, for four weeks. Side effects of terbinafine can include:

* nausea,
* diarrhoea,
* indigestion, and
* skin rashes.

These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Some people have also reported that terbinafine affects their sense of taste. However, this is only a temporary side effect of the medicine, and it will pass once the treatment has been completed.

Terbinafine is not suitable for people with a history of liver

Answered by Jitendra at 3:53 AM on October 21, 2008

Some cases of ringworm disappear without treatment. Other cases can be treated with various forms of medication. Some medications are applied directly to the infected skin in the form of powder or cream. Others must be taken orally (by mouth). Doctors recommend that medications be continued for two weeks after symptoms disappear. This precaution guarantees that all fungi are killed.

There are also specific treatments for each type of ringworm. These include:

Body ringworm: Wear loose clothing and check daily for open sores. Apply wet dressings to those sores two to three times a day.
Ringworm of the nails: Cut infected nails short and clear dead cells with an emery board


Ringworm on a man's chin. Ringworm infections are most common on the feet, scalp, on the body, or in toenails, but they can infect any part of the skin. (© 1989. Reproduced by
Custom Medical Stock Photo
.)

Ringworm of the groin: Wear cotton underwear and change it more than once a day. Keep the infected area dry. Use antifungal powder and/or lotion.
Scalp ringworm: Use antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulfide or a prescription shampoo.
Alternative Treatment
Both homeopathic and herbal remedies are recommended for the treatment of ringworm. Some homeopathic products suggested include sepia, tellurium, graphite, and sulfur.

Herbs recommended for the treatment of ringworm include tea tree oil, thuja, and lavender. Practitioners may recommend other herbs to improve the body's immune system in general. Echinacea and astragalus are the two herbs most commonly recommended for this purpose. Alternative practitioners also suggest a well-balanced diet that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and good quality fats to strengthen the immune system.

Answered by NIVEDITA at 8:53 PM on October 20, 2008

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot).
Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

Treatment :

Ringworm usually responds well to self-care within 4 weeks without having to see a doctor.

• Keep your skin clean and dry.

• Apply over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, lotions, or creams. Those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar ingredients are often effective.

• Wash sheets and nightclothes every day while infected.

A severe or persistent infection may require treatment by a doctor. Antifungal pills may be given and are necessary if your hair is infected. Prescription antifungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole, are stronger than over-the-counter products and may be needed. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat related bacterial infections.

Infected pets also should be treated.

Answered by Yogeshwar at 8:29 PM on October 20, 2008

use zole ointment it help you to treat ringworm and avoid to eat dry fish-chicken-brinjjal

Answered by Bawa at 8:17 PM on October 20, 2008

use btex .it works. u can get it in medical stores

Answered by Mel s at 6:11 PM on October 20, 2008

Ringworm can be treated topically (with external applications) or systemically (for example, with oral medications):

Topical treatment for ringworm:

When fungus affects the skin of the body or the groin, many antifungal creams can clear the condition in two weeks or so. Examples of such preparations include those that contain clotrimazole (Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotromin cream, lotion, and solution, and Lotrisone cream); miconazole (Monistat-Derm cream and Lotrimin cream, powder, and spray); ketoconazole (Nizoral cream and shampoo); and terbinafine (Lamisil cream and solution). These treatments are effective for many cases of foot fungus as well.

Systemic treatment for ringworm:

Some fungus infections do not respond well to external applications. Examples include scalp fungus and fungus of the nails. To penetrate these areas, oral medications are necessary.
For a long time, the only effective antifungal tablet was griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, and Gris-PEG). In recent years, newer agents have been introduced that are both safer and more effective. These include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). Reputations die hard, however, and many people continue to fear that even these newer agents are "bad for the liver," when in fact they are quite safe when used properly.

Answered by Alok at 5:57 PM on October 20, 2008