Ringworm treatment???

Question

I work in a school where a child in my class has ringworm. I now have ringworm. It started in one place- and I now have 5 places where ringworm has spread. I have been using Myconizole since the first spot appeared- that one has almost cleared. I am also using alcohol to dry them up, then applying the myconizole several times a day.

I am beyond frustrated. I am washing my hands as usual and have never had this before. My family does not have it- but I am treating it, using separate towels and such. I am washing constantly.

If I go to my doctor, is it possible to have them prescribe an oral antifungual treatment? Are such treatments safe to take when you are breastfeeding? I am calling tomorrow from work but need ideas since I am so beyond frustrated.

The child's family said they are treating it and I do hope so.

Advice???

Also, I read that it can be 10-14 days to show after exposure. How can I stop this from spreading like this? It is on my body- arms, 1 leg, and now tummy.

I know the child didn't give it to me on purpose. Last year, the brother had ringworm on his head and they did not treat it. It went bacterial and he lost all hair while he walked about with scabs literally covering his head. My heart ached for him because his head hurt so much. That is my concern- didn't have space to write it there and didn't think it necessary to do so.

I work in a very poor area and the kids come in sick. I have been there for a long time, and have seen the worst of the worst as far as infections that remain untreated until CPS steps in.

Answer 1

Here is a *short* list of antifungals approved by the FDA for use in nursing mothers:
http://kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html#Antifungals

If you need more information on any drug during breastfeeding the best source is motherisk:
[phone] - Motherisk Info Line -Ask about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy and while nursing 9-5 EST
(you can call from anywhere in the world, you just have to pay the long distance.)

Answer 2

Fast Ringworm Cure?

Answer 3

Ringworm While Breastfeeding

Answer 4

I had ringworm many years ago and an old GP gave me a yellowish salve to treat it. He also had me shower every day and when the ringworm scab softened and came off after the shower I had to daub a 50/50 bleach/water solution on it, let it air dry and put on the salve. I took a couple of weeks and kept getting smaller until gone. good luck.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, ringworm is caused by a fungus. And fungal infections are notorious for being difficult to rid yourself of sometimes. Since the time from exposure to breakout is so long, it may seem as if you are getting new spots constantly when you really aren't getting anything new at all- they are just now showing up. Washing hands and keeping everything separate is great to help keep from spreading it to anyone in the family, but it's not going to help prevent what is already in the works to breakout. Terbafine is one drug that comes to mind as effective in these cases, but the fact you are nursing would probably be a cause to avoid it. It has some nasty gastric side effects for folks who take it, and I'm fairly certain it would express in breast milk. And it wouldn't be something you'd want baby to get a dose of. That would be the case for all the oral antifungals that are effective against ringworm, in fact. The cream and ointment treatments can take longer, but they are not nearly as hazardous to you or baby. You might also be adding to the misery if you are getting really zealous in the bathing and washing as well- irritated skin is more susceptible to things because it's irritated and the protective oils and such are getting stripped away. As far as bathing, I hope you are doing showers and using an antibacterial soap. It's also best to use a bath scrubbie versus a cloth, as the scrubbie can get dipped in a disinfectant and air dried a lot easier than anything else. Plus only use a towel once, and then wash and bake dry. You will want to avoid shaving legs while this is ongoing as well, yuck I know- but the shaving can spread it as well. It may be you are particularly sensitive at the moment to fungal infections, as a new mom nursing, your immune system is not quite back up to full strength and that leaves you more open to things like this starting up. I understand your frustration with it, but it's just one of those things that is really nobodys fault. Children are by nature more likely to come in contact with the fungus, and anyone caring for them is at risk because of that. Aside from the usual handwashing and good hygiene practices, there isn't a lot you can do. Keep in mind the child didn't give it to you deliberately, and I'm sure the family is doing whatever they can to get it under control as well. It has nothing to do with being dirty, or bad housekeeping or any of those things. It's just a fungus that lives all over the place, looking for a good home. In fact, clean skin is a lot easier to infect than dirty skin- it's easier to get into for starters. You can certainly ask the doctor for a more potent cream form antifungal, there are some types available in stronger concentrations than sold over the counter. What is available depends on what country you live in as well. You can always ask for an oral form, just be ready to hear that it's not a good idea in your case. And to be honest, as bad as it seems, it's not quite in the category you'd want to take the risks it would come with. Just keep up with the cream you use now, and the usual separate linens to protect the family, and keep heart. It can take a few weeks to get all under control but it will happen. It's not anyone's fault, its just one of those things.

Answer 6

There is at least one cream that will clear it quickly. I had it at Boot Camp. I went to sick call and a week later it was gone.

An old Southern remedy has worked on my dad that has had multiple cases through his years. Rub the green hull of a Black Walnut onto the site. It will dye your skin, but it does seem to remove the fungus.

Answer 7

Yes blue star ointment works like a charm

Answer 8

Fungal infections are hard to treat and take the longest. You should see your doctor for a prescription strength cream. As far as orals are concerned, ask your doctor and see what he/she says. Your best bet, however, are prescription creams and doing what you are doing as far as hygiene. Good Luck

Answer 9

There are oral meds but docs do not like to use them. They can do a lot of damage internally.

Go to the doctor. There are meds to apply externally that kill the fungus very quickly and vanish so you do not look greasy.

Answer 10

use isoprophyl alcohol to avoid further enlargement of rashes based on my experience then after 6 hours put anti fungal ointment xD...