i went to the doctors a couple days ago for these small rashes i have on my back and arm, and she said she thought it was ringworm but she wasnt 100% sure. she told me to to use lamisil a couple times a day and said it would work in a couple of weeks. now i have a new one on my other arm. could ringworm spread after being treated for a couple of days?
2006-07-17 06:22:50 · 8 answers · asked by temperforever 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
It's possible. But did she scrap it in order to have it examined by microscope or cultures?
If not it may have another cause. see a dermatologist.
Dan.
ringworm is caused by many fungal species, as well as the genus Tinea., e.g Trichophyton spp., Microsporum, (nanum and vanbreuseghemii), more rarely Epidermophyton (floccosum, etc.)
Be careful with Wikipedia it is often incomplete and occasionally wrong.
2006-07-17 06:27:36 · answer #1 · answered by Dan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ringworm is a very specific looking rash. If this nurse didn't know what this is and suggested ringworm, I'd go to the emergency room instead. There are a whole host of infections of the skin, seen before, and brand new and mysterious out there. But believe me, ringworm is very distinctive. You would have round circles that are raised, and probably run a fever.
2006-07-17 06:30:10 · answer #2 · answered by jenny in ohio 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it's a fungal infection. It could have spread to that location even before you started treatment. Just keep treating. If it continues to get worse go back and see your doctor.
As quoted:
Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is a contagious (excluding tinea versicolor[1]) fungal infection of the skin. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm.
Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Humans can contract ringworm from animals; cats and dogs are often carriers. It should be noted that any contact sports such as wrestling have a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact.
Types
A number of species of fungi cause ringworm. Dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. These fungi attack various parts of the body and lead to the following conditions:
Tinea corporis affects the arms, legs, and trunk
Tinea capitis affects the scalp
Tinea cruris (jock itch) affects the groin area
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet
Tinea unguium affects the fingernails and toenails
Tinea versicolor
Tinea manuum affects the hands and palm area
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Symptoms and Diagnosis
The best known sign of ringworm is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. The affected area may become itchy for periods of time. If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and finally crumble and fall off.
Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow. Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination.
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Treatment
Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, available by prescription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection. According to Living Well on a Shoestring by the editors of Yankee Magazine, a folk remedy for ringworm is cider vinegarwater. Another alternative is tea tree oil. Fungal infections may take a while to clear up.
2006-07-17 06:25:49 · answer #3 · answered by Corn_Flake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is best to have a potassium hydroxide preparation smear test to see if it is really the etiologic agent of ringworm. Tell your doctor about this test, I'm sure he knows about it.
2006-07-17 06:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Doclester 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and you will know its ringworm if the rash is a circle and slowly gets bigger
2006-07-17 06:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by Mr nice guy 2U 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. just keep treating them. if they get worse after a couple of weeks, call your doctor back.
2006-07-17 06:25:32 · answer #6 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go back to the doctors.
2006-07-17 06:26:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-07-17 06:25:28 · answer #8 · answered by terribletm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋