Topical Treatments For Ringworm

Ringworm should not be confused with eczema or psoriasis. Ringworm, despite the name, has nothing to do with worms. Ringworm is a skin condition that forms as a raised ring or circle.

Depending on the severity, the outer "ring" can be red, or even scab. In order to treat ringworm, it is important to properly diagnose it. Often times, ringworm can be mistaken for eczema and psoriasis.

Having had severe ringworm in the past, I've had my condition misdiagnosed by doctors on numerous occasions. Mistaken for eczema and psoriasis, this has lead to wasted time spent taking oatmeal baths and creams that didn't help. During the years, I properly diagnosed my skin condition through my own research.

Eczema is a skin condition that is caused by an allergic reaction. Most of the time, eczema outbreaks are caused by harsh detergents and soaps. It is usually found on the hands and neck and appear as red, swelling patches. The rashes can crack, blister, or bleed depending on severity.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is similar to eczema. The causes are not fully understood but there are strong research suggesting that genetics may be a factor. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition and is associated with Psoriatic arthritis. People suffering from psoriasis may show signs of plaque or flakes in the rash. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Ringworm is a fungal skin condition that is contagious. Ringworm can be very itchy. Ringworm can appear as a light reddish, raised rash in the beginning and then develop into the classic ring later on. The ring can be light red when the rash is mild and scab when it becomes severe. Unlike eczema and psoriasis, ringworm can be cured.

Topical treatment. Curing ringworm is fairly easy. You can go to any drugstore and purchase an anti-fungal cream such as Lamisil or Desenex and apply it directly to your rash. I've found that other healing ointments works as well. Aquaphor has been working for me. If you use an anti-fungal cream and your ringworm has not lessen, consider that you may not have ringworm and have your condition properly diagnosed.

Simply applying these creams sometimes is not enough. Like any fungal infection, you must take extra care to completely rid yourself of it.

1. Keep the rash dry before you apply the topical cream. Fungus thrive is moist, wet conditions.
2. Get some sun. It is important to expose your skin to some sun. In the case of ringworm, like any fungus, it grows best in dark, damp conditions so shed some light on your problem.
3. Don't stop your treatment. In the best case scenario, your rash will disappear within as little as 1 week of usage. It is important to keep applying the cream or ointment for another week or even 2. The spores can survive for a very long time. Continuing your treatment is a precaution for recurring breakouts.
4. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, shower, bathe. It may sound childish to repeat these elementary rules but you wouldn't believe how many people do not regularly wash their hands especially after using the bathroom. Think of moments where you could take a minute to wash your hands but didn't. There is always room for improvement.
   

Having suffered from severe to mild ringworm, there is something I noticed. Sometimes, I break out in what seems to be a seasonal cycle. I can literally "feel" the itch before it appears in rash form. In this case, activity such as exercise seem to lessen and even prevent the breakout on occasion.

My only guess is that testosterone buildup from the exercise help suppress ringworm from breaking out. I have no proof but this is from my personal experience.