DEAR DR. GOTT: I have several spots on my arms and legs that look like ringworms but I don’t have a clue where I got them. I have been putting Lamisil, athlete’s products on them. They don’t itch but are just round, red, scaly patches. How long do I keep applying the Lamisil? Is there anything else I can try? How long does it take to get rid of them? My doctor wrote a prescription but it was $147 and I can’t afford that. I am 60 years old and on a fixed income. I have a small dog but how do I know if I got them from her? She doesn’t scratch and appears to be in perfect health. I have a new grand baby and am afraid to touch her. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
DEAR READER: As I am sure you are aware, ringworm is not caused by “worms”, but is rather a fungal infection of the skin. There are several varieties, named for the location they infect. These include the feet (tinea pedis, athlete’s foot), the scalp (tinea capitis), the groin (tinea cruris, jock itch), beard (tinea barbae), and body (tinea corporis). Ringworm can occur following contact with an infected person or pet, or from contaminated items such as the shower, combs, unwashed clothing, and more. Unfortunately, it can be spread fairly easily so you should avoid contact with your granddaughter until the infection has cleared.
Skin symptoms typically include itchy, red, raised, scaly patches with sharply-defined edges which can blister and ooze and red patches with normal skin in the center. Bald patches may appear on the scalp.
In most cases the condition can be easily treated with topical anti-fungal ointments and/or drying ointments and powders. Common home remedies include rubbing the stem sap of the nasturtium flower on the area, or using Burow’s solution (5% aluminum subacetate) that can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies or supermarkets. It is important to wash clothing, bedsheets, towels, and any other items that you come into contact with daily. In many instances, treatment should be continued for two to four weeks. If symptoms persist beyond that or fail to show improvement, prescription medication may be required. In some cases, other conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may be the real culprit.
Because you have a dog, you should have her examined by a vet to determine if she is infected as well, since repeated contact between you and the dog may be the cause of your infection.
You state that you can’t afford a prescription for $147 because you are on a fixed income. While I understand this, you also can’t afford to live with this infection. You will spend excessive periods of time doing laundry and cleaning any items you come into contact with, not to mention the money that detergents and cleaning agents cost. You will also spend most of your time avoiding contact with others which likely means you will spend a lot of time alone to prevent spreading the fungus to loved ones, friends and more. While $147 may seem excessive (and in my opinion, it really is), the cure is surely worth it. You can also ask that your physician prescribe the generic version which should be less expensive. Additionally, you can call around to the pharmacies in your area to determine which one has the lowest price. Chains such as CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens, Target and Walmart will likely have the lowest prices.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis”, “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.