Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungi, microscopic organisms that are similar to yeast and molds. It does not have relation to worms, but is called ringworm because the infection can produce ring-shaped patches on the skin that have red, wormlike edges. Although ringworm can affect almost any area of the body, it favors places that are warm, dark and moist, such as skin in the groin area, the spaces between the toes and the deep skin folds of obese people. Usually, people can catch ringworm in several different ways.
Some common high-risk surfaces include floors in bathrooms, showers and locker rooms; shower stalls; gym mats; and pool decks, especially at school or community pools. In general, any surface that is used by many different people can carry ringworm, especially if the surface is wet or damp. Even contaminated carpets and couches can spread the infection. Depending on its specific location, tinea may be known by a more common name, such as athlete's foot or jock itch. Doctors estimate that at least twenty percent of all people will develop tinea at some time during life.
Avoid sharing anyone else's clothing, shoes, towels or personal-grooming items. If your child goes to sleepover parties, provide a sleeping bag, pillow and blanket from home. When possible, choose absorbent cotton socks and underwear rather than synthetic fabrics. Wear sandals, flip-flops, shower shoes or other protective footwear when you walk through locker rooms or shower rooms or near pools. If you care of a pet or farm animal that develops areas of hair loss or scaly patches, take the animal to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have symptoms of ringworm that involve the scalp or beard. Ringworm can sometimes be confused with other skin problems. If in doubt, see your doctor for a correct diagnosis. If your immune system is weakened by illness or medication, contact your doctor promptly whenever you develop any unusual skin symptoms. In particular, people with diabetes should have skin symptoms, especially on the feet, checked as soon as possible.
The best way for your doctor to diagnose any type of fungal infection in the skin is by scraping the area and looking at the specimen under a microscope to see if it contains fungi. He can determine if you have ringworm by the way it looks. Although you may be able to diagnose yourself, you should call your doctor before you use over-the-counter treatment.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, e.g. whether you are athletic and routinely walk barefoot in pool or locker room areas; live in crowded conditions; share clothing, shoes, towels or grooming items; or have been exposed recently to someone with symptoms of ringworm. If your symptoms involve the scalp or beard, you should see a doctor before attempting any treatment. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment for your condition.
Some of the nonprescription medications include terbinafine, tolnaftate, miconazole, clotrimazole and undecylenic acid. If symptoms do not improve after you have used a nonprescription medicine for two weeks, call your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a prescription antifungal medication that will cure the problem. For extremely stubborn infections, the antifungal medication may be taken by mouth rather than being applied to the skin. Complete treatment can take two or three months, or longer time. Although synthetic drugs are effective, they have much side effects with high price.
Natural medicine comes from nature and are safer than synthetic drugs without side effect. A series of clinical trials for natural medicine have approved that the efficacy of plant medicine is conclusive with scientific pharmacology to illustrate, which enhances the confidence of people. Many people in America don't have health insurance and taking medicine is a major economic burden for them. For some common diseases, it's the most economical choice to take natural medicine. Natural medicine helps eliminate the fungus causing ringworm and stop further germination.
Medical community have recognized that treatment should be stressed on overall view of health; the starting point of treatment is to stimulate the self-healing ability; the lead of disease treatment is the patient and the cure is nothing more than backer. If we change disease treatment to the process of self-protection by supporting the body against pressure, treatment of the body can receive favorable support to help the body heal. To learn more, please go to http://www.fonworld.org.
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