i have ringworm- do i need to decontaminize my house or something? and, whats the best home remedy for this?

Question

hi all,
this is just great. i have a bunch of ringworms all over my arms and a couple on my stomach. what do i do now?

i heard applying iodine and leaving it on for 30 seconds will help significantly. i just put some on, and its itching. maybe that means its working. ?

also, i touched things, slept on my bed, and wore my clothes, and sat on my couches and chairs. i don't want to catch ringworm again after its gone, so do i need to wash all of these things or something?

gosh, this is making me freak out.

also, am i supposed to keep it as un-lotioned and un-moistuized as possible?

Answer 1

The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. It is a result of a fungus infection. Nevertheless, the name "ringworm" has stuck. Some of these fungi produce round spots, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots are not from fungus. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.

The medical term for ringworm is "tinea." (Tinea gets us back to worms. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.) Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Tinea capitis, for instance, refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, and so on.


What causes ringworm?

Although the world is full of yeasts, molds, and fungi, only a few cause skin problems. These agents are called the dermatophytes, which means "skin fungi." Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. They rarely invade deeper into the body and cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.


What are the sources of skin fungi?

Some fungi live only on human skin, hair, or nails. Others live on animals and only visit humans sometimes. Still others live in the soil. It is often difficult or impossible to identify the source of a particular person's skin fungus.

Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes. This also accounts for their reputation as being caught from showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. This reputation is exaggerated, though, since many people with "jock itch" or "athlete's foot" are neither jocks nor athletes.

Answer 2

All people have ringworm fungus on their skin - its not something you catch. Ringworm is a condition where the fungus takes over. Usually, the problem pops up when the skin is moist for an extended period of time (usually from sweating) or from taking antibiotics that kill bacteria that keep the fungus under control, or when the skin is irritated after the oils in the skin are removed by harsh soaps. Using a fresh towel and washcloth each day is probably the most effective thing you can do. It wouldn't hurt to bleach your towels, clothes, and bedding, but its not really necessary.

Iodine is not a good treatment treatment for ringworm because it irritates the skin. You should get a couple of different anti-fungal creams that have different active ingredients, and the ringworm will go a way in a few days if youuse alternate creams in the morning and evening..

Answer 3

Fast Ringworm Cure?

Answer 4

Trust me girl, the best thing for you to do is calm down. It's bad but it's curable. I asked this same question last week and mine is already drying up. So get this creme from CVS/Walgreen's called LOTRIMIN, it's an anti-fungal creme. Put it on twice a day and wash it with a mild anti-bacterial soap; like Dial. And what most people don't know is you shouldn't cover the ringworm with band aids! If you give a fungus warmth it will grow. Gauze is better,don't want to mess us your clothes. LET IT GET AS MUSH AIR AS POSSIBLE THOUGH! And by the way, people CAN touch you, just not the affected area. And was, wash, wash your hands like crazy after you apply the medicine each time. Disinfect with a little Lysol to in some common areas in your home just to be safe. And as far as your sheets and clothes go-- they must be washed nightly so you don't get infected again. Ringworm has also been know to linger on towels after use.(ie. just had a bath, DON'T reuse the same towel, wash it!)

Answer 5

The guy that says that you cannot catch ringworm is an idiot. YES. You can. Or it wouldn't be contagious. Simply treating the rash and not sharing clothes or towels will be sufficient. Vaginal yeast infection medication applied topically will clear up a ringworm infection.

Answer 6

I used athlete's foot cream for my ringworm. It went away in a few days. Good luck.

Answer 7

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. You could try athelete foot medicine. I know that is a fungus. Just keep things as clean as possible without going overboard.

Answer 8

It might help to wash everything, but I don't think it's necessary. It's not really a worm, just a fungus...But I would just use and anti-itch cream like Cortaid!

Answer 9

Honey, go to WALMART and get you some BLUE STAR ointment. It will do the trick.. Don’t worry about going to the Dr. or cleaning your house. DO bleach your shower, and DON’T use damp towels (ever) or SHARE them… OR walk barefoot around outside animals….hope this helped…

Answer 10

check your athlete cream, They have listed ringworm, It is contagious, so do not let other people touch you.