Page 50 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

48 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Ringworm

Ringworm produces round, red, itchy, scaly patches on your skin that
enlarge over a week or so to form raised red rings. It can occur
anywhere, but if it affects the scalp, it also causes broken hair and
hair loss. Ringworm isn't caused by a worm – it is a fungal infection
caught by direct contact with an infected person or pet, or from
contaminated items such as towels and hairbrushes.
See also Athlete’s foot and jock itch, p.44; Patch of ringworm on the skin
Disfigured or brittle nails, p.53.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have many patches of ringworm Antifungal creams (see ANTIFUNGAL
DRUGS, p.178) can be used to treat small areas of
or you have ringworm of the scalp
ringworm if you are not already using a drug or
cream prescribed by your doctor. Apply the cream as
directed on the package. The infection should begin
What you can do yourself to clear up within a week or two, although it may
take several more weeks to completely disappear.
You may be able to clear up ringworm yourself Continue using the cream for several days after your
using the following measures. Otherwise, use them skin has started to look healthy again.
with treatment that your doctor prescribes.
● If you have only a small area of ringworm, try an
antifungal cream (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Wash NATURAL REMEDIES
your hands thoroughly after touching the patches.
● Keep your skin clean and dry and try not to Oatmeal bath oils (see OATMEAL PRODUCTS,
scratch. An oatmeal bath oil may help soothe p.187) can help to relieve itching. Relax in the bath
itching (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right). for 10–20 minutes. Make sure you dry yourself
thoroughly afterward, because fungal infections
● To prevent the infection from spreading to others thrive on warm, damp skin.
or reinfecting yourself, wash clothes, bedding, and
towels that you have worn or used recently. If you
have scalp ringworm, also wash brushes, combs,
and hats after each use.
Seek further medical advice
● Don’t touch animals that show signs of infection,
Arrange to see your doctor if:
such as hair loss. If you suspect your pet has
ringworm, make sure it has veterinary treatment. ● The patches have not started responding
to treatment within a week
● If you have scalp ringworm, use a mild shampoo
● Your skin is red and the patches are
such as baby shampoo, and wash and dry your hair oozing and sore
gently without using a hair dryer. Don’t use gels,
● You have a large swelling on your scalp
mousses, or other hair products on your hair.
that is oozing pus and shedding hair
● You don’t need to stay away from other people
but avoid contact sports until you have had at
least 4 days of antifungal treatment.