Ringworm

[d3sire]

I have a slightly raised, red, itchy circular spot on my arm which the doctor said was ringworm. Hey gave me some cream (Lamisil) about 2 weeks ago which I am to apply twice daily. I have been applying the cream & keeping the area dry but it is still there! How long does it take ringworm to go away? Also I have been getting itchy in other areas (stomach, back etc) I don't have the same circular, red spot but I do have tiny little bumps, is my ringworm spreading to other areas? It is driving me crazy!!

[Monkeyboots]

Hi D3sire,

I have ringworm of the body too. Firstly, I spoke to some people who mention they had it and they recovered quite quickly so there is hope. Mine is quite widespread, for ages I just thought it was eczema so wasn't treating it correctly so I think mine started in Spring this year.

I am on tablets (lamisil) at the moment and so far its not gone. I tried creams at first mainly canesten but it didn't work for me, I will have taken the tablets for 4 weeks on Thursday and they haven't got rid of it, so I may need to take them even longer as I think you usually have to take them at least a month, but I am worried that they are just not effective. I don't know why its so hard to get rid off. I feel so itchy with mine at certain times it drives me up the wall. Bathing tends to make mine look really red but generally it is quite pale pink and dry looking the pigmentation is affected on my skin too.

I am so frustrated. I have an appointment with a dermatologist but not til December because of the long waiting list.

Keep me in touch with how you get on with treatment etc

I bought some organic apple cider vinegar which some people use for other skin conditions diluted with water it is apparently anti fungal, I will test it on a little patch and see what it does. Just in case you try it do dilute it properly as someone with seborrheic derm tried it but used it too neat and it can burn a bit, however the same person noticed significant improvement in his skin after a few days, so it must be good stuff.

best wishes
M.B

[d3sire]

Thanks for the info! I had no idea what a hassle this was going to be. I figured you put the cream on & it would go away.

When you develop it in other areas of the body does it start off as tiny little bumps? like red spots that itch? I am getting these in other areas of the body, & im an not sure if this is just me overracting or if it is spreading?

Do you wash your effected areas? The doctor told me to keep it clean but dry? I am uncertain if I should be washing it with soap? For the most part I am just trying to keep it as dry as possible & only applying the Lamisil cream perscribed.

I think I will wait another week and if no improvement go back to the doctor & maybe get on oral medication, you said the oral meds aren't helping either??

[d3sire]

ETA: I just read on another site that covering the area with nail polish will suffocate it & it will go away. Have you tried this? Or putting salt on it to dry it up? Are these things worth trying?

[Monkeyboots]

Hi D3sire,

I have been washing my patches with something gentle for sensitive skin. However, my skin feels quite irritated after bathing and looks very red if I have had a bath. What does your skin look like after a bath, are the patches quite vivid? Is yours very itchy? Mine wasn't earlier on when I had it but the last month or so it has been very.

I hate to say it but it does seem to start small in other areas.

I am still looking for answers. I am going to the doctor again this week.

Some people use a baby powder to help keep their skin dry, but it can irritate some peoples skin. I think the nail polish thing might be for people with nail fungus and I think it is a bit debateable, but I haven't tried it so cant say. Is your skin dry too? I mean its complicated as my skin gets quite dry and I want to moisturise but at the same time am wary as I don't want to make the fungus worse, but when its dry I think it aggravates the itching!!

Keep in touch, we can give each other info on what we find helps and what doesn't.

M.B