DEAR DR. GOTT:
My young son has two areas of ringworm on his arm. Since we’ve never had experience with this before, I would like some direction as to how I can best treat it.
DEAR READER:
Ringworm (tinea) is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, not by a worm as the name implies. There are several forms that present with itchy, red, scaly patches that can blister and ooze. Areas commonly affected are arms, legs, nails, the scalp, groin, and feet. Those that occur around the groin area are commonly known as jock itch; those of the feet are commonly known as athlete’s foot. Bacteria and fungi live on the body. While some are useful, others are not; those that aren’t have the ability to multiply rapidly and form infections.
Ringworm is contagious and can be passed easily from person to person through direct contact, by sharing a hair brush, comb, unwashed clothing, or in common shower areas. Dogs (and more commonly) cats also carry the fungus.
Ringworm is ordinarily diagnosed by an exam. It is most often eradicated without physician involvement by using over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or powders, specifically those that contain miconazole. One such product is Miranel that contains 2% miconazole nitrate as its active ingredient. It is promoted as an anti-fungal for areas around and under nails, but can be applied directly to areas where ringworm exists. Treatment with this or other brands available at your local pharmacy should show results within a four week period. Your pharmacist will be able to assist you with the brands he or she carries.
Affected areas of the body should be kept dry. Hair should be shampooed regularly. Pets should be treated if they the offending source. Towels and bedding should be washed regularly. If the fungus were acquired at a community pool or similar facility, sandals or shoes should be worn in those areas to reduce the risk of exposure.
If any lesion is questionable, a physician should be consulted. He or she can test with a blue light in a darkened room. If a fungus appears, it will appear fluorescent and will provide the proper diagnosis. A physician should also be consulted if patches worsen in intensity, become warm to the touch, if a fever occurs, or if red streaking appears near the site of the ringworm.
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