Learn to Treat Ringworm at Home?

Answer 1

Despite its interesting name, ring worm is caused by a fungus, not worms. The fungi that causes ringworm is commonly found living in warm, moist places such as pools and locker rooms and it is highly contagious. The way that ringworm is spread is through skin to skin contact and by sharing towels, clothing and other items of this nature with a person who has ringworm. Ringworm is often noticed by its distinct shape. It forms a red ring on a person's skin; though sometimes it is just a red area that resembles a rash. It is not an infection that will kill you, but it does pose other health risks if left untreated.

Ringworm does not require a prescription medication to treat, many times you can treat ringworm with a simple over the counter cream designed to kill the fungus beneath your skin. Your doctor will recommend an over the counter cream to rid your body of the ringworm to start; he will only prescribe something if the cream does not work. The cream you use on your ringworm will cause it to disappear within a few days of beginning the treatment. However, it is imperative that you read the instructions that come with the cream and/or heed your doctor's warnings and use the cream until you are instructed to stop. Just because the symptoms disappear does not mean that the fungi is dead.

During the rare instance when ringworm cream does not work to treat and kill the fungus causing the ringworm, your doctor can prescribe a pill that will kill it. Again, you need to take the pill as long as your doctor orders or risk the infection coming back. Leaving ringworm untreated probably won't kill you, but it will cause the ringworm to dry out and your skin to crack, which allows bacteria into your skin. This will cause additional infections that require antibiotics to cure.

Children with ringworm are not in any immediate danger from the infection; however, it is a good idea to treat the infection immediately. While undergoing treatment for ringworm, children may attend school and after school activities because they are no longer contagious.