Dermatophytosis, more commonly known as ringworm, is an infection that is common all around the world. It’s a fungal infection in skin, nails, and hair. These can cause affected areas to have itchy, scaly, red, circular rashes,
Symptoms usually show up four to fourteen days after exposure to the fungus. Around 40 different types of fungus can cause this infection. The most common causes are Microsporum, Epidermiphyton, and Trichophyton.
Moreover, it’s possible that more than one area can be affected by dermatophytosis simultaneously. It can quickly spread, primarily when an affected person uses the public shower, engages in contact sports, and has a poor immune function.
Among the common type of dermatophytosis is:
- Tinea pedis – feet fungal infection
- Tinea unhuium – fingernail and toenail fungal infection
- Tinea corporis – arm, leg, and trunk fungal infection
- Tinea cruris – groin area fungal infection
- Tinea manuum – hand and palm area fungal infection
- Tinea capitis – scalp and hair fungal infection
- Tinea faciei – face fungal infection
- Tinea barbae – facial hair fungal infestation
Treating dermatophytosis depends on where the affected areas are and how severe the infection is. A discussion of the most probable treatments are indicated below.
Intake Medication
Dermatophytosis can be treated by drinking medication. To determine which medication a person can drink, it’s essential to consult medical practitioners or healthcare providers. This ensures the person with dermatophytosis drinks the proper medication and prevents complications.
Medical practitioners or healthcare providers may recommend over-the-counter medicine if the dermatophytosis infection is not that severe. However, if the infection is severe, they must prescribe medication like itraconazole, terbinafine, griseofulvin, and fluconazole.
Fluconazole is the most common medicine they prescribe because it’s very effective in dealing with and treating severe fungal and yeast infections in all body areas. When buying this medication, affected persons can avail of the Fluconazole Discount Coupon as long as they have shown the prescription provided by medical practitioners and healthcare providers.
Apply Antifungal Cream
Applying topical antifungal cream, lotion, or powders is also an excellent way to treat dermatophytosis. These topical antifungal creams, lotions, or powders need not be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Just ensure when applying them to the affected areas, the direction on the package label is followed. They are usually used for two to four weeks until the affected areas are fully healed. After two to four weeks, if the infection in the affected areas doesn’t go away or has worsened, immediately contact a medical professional or healthcare provider.
Among the most common non-prescription topical antifungal creams, lotions, or powders used to treat dermatophytosis are:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Ketoconazole (Xolegel)
- Miconazole (Secura Antifungal, DermaFungal, Fungoid, Critic Aid Clear, Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Micaderm, Micatin, Podsctin, Remedy Antifungal)
Use Antifungal Shampoo
Antifungal shampoo is another treatment or remedy for dermatophytosis, specifically used when the affected area is on the scalp. The usual antifungal shampoo used is ketoconazole shampoo. Please read and follow the directions on the label to determine how long the shampoo should be set before rinsing it off with water.
A person using antifungal shampoo should also monitor possible side effects like hair colour or texture changes, irritation in the affected area, and hair loss. If side effects become more severe, like burning, crusting, or peeling, or there’s an allergic reaction to the product, immediately call a medical professional or healthcare provider.
Observe Proper Hygiene
If the infection is not that severe, improving one’s hygiene is a treatment that the dermatophytosis-affected person can use. The person must ensure that the affected area is always clean and dry. Touching the affected area is prohibited to avoid spreading it in other areas. It means washing hands with soap is obligatory, especially when touching other body parts.
Utilise Home Remedies
Home remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, aloe vera, and lemongrass oil or tea can also be utilised when treating dermatophytosis.
- Tea Tree Oil has antifungal and antibacterial that is extremely effective in treating fungal skin infections.
- Apple Cider Vinegar has antifungal properties that help in treating dermatophytosis.
- Coconut Oil contains both microbial and antifungal properties that are good in treating dermatophytosis infections.
- Aloe Vera has been used for many years as a natural remedy for bacterial and fungal infections.
- Lemongrass Oil or Tea contains antifungal properties that are helpful in the treatment of fungal skin infections like dermatophytosis.
However, this is only reserved for non-severe infections to avoid any complications. Additionally, if the symptoms in the affected area don’t clear up or don’t respond to the home remedy treatment within two to four weeks, consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Treating dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, cannot be overstated. This fungal infection not only causes discomfort and itching but also has the potential to spread to other parts of the body or other individuals.
Timely and effective treatment is necessary to eliminate the infection, alleviate symptoms, and prevent its recurrence. Treating dermatophytosis improves the affected individual’s overall skin health and quality of life since they’ll no longer feel any discomfort caused by the infection.
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