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Exploring ringworm infection (cont’d)
What you need to know:
- This is said to respond to agents applied on the skin otherwise called topical. Examples are terbinafine cream commonly known as fungisafe cream. Sometimes though, there is need to switch to oral medicine.
- It is best to change sponges, get new clothing where possible, soak clothes in disinfectant like Jik and avoid sharing of clothes and perhaps showering in communal places along with wearing clothes with sweat absorbent materials.
Last week, we covered different manifestations of tinea, often referred to as the ringworm. This can be managed using different drugs. Whitefield’s ointments, which contains benzoic acid, can also be used in these cases and is applied twice daily. Oral anti-fungal medicine includes griseofulvin, fluconazole, ketoconazole (used with caution, not under two years), terbinafine, miconazole.
Tinea capitis (on the scalp): According to an article by American Family Physician, this is best treated with a drug called griseofulvin. In addition, during early stages of infection, something for the skin can be applied and this reduces the risk of transmission. There are also ketoconazole shampoos for the management of this.
Tinea corporis (on the body): This can be managed with creams containing miconazole, clotrimazole and terbinafine. Examples of these include the common MCG, which contains miconazole alongside other drugs. The creams are used for up to two weeks after lesions have healed although continuing for up to a month puts one on a safe side.
Athlete’s foot: Patients with a chronic or recurrent case are advised to wear wide shoes preferably open, keep their feet and between their toes dry and some say insert wool between the toes. On the market, are clotrimazole powder and Mycota powder for management of this condition. These are best applied twice daily for seven days after lesions have healed. Preparations that contain tolnaftate are also used.
Tinea curis/Jock itch (in the groin): This most commonly affects adolescent and young adult males, and involves the upper thigh opposite the scrotum. The scrotum itself is usually spared. Terbinafine cream can be used although clotrimazole cream is the drug of choice.
Tinea unguium (Nails): This is more commonly known as onychomycosis. Application of preparations containing amorolfine or tioconazole on the affected area especially in the early stages. it is however best advised that one swallows their anti-fungal medicine.
Tinea pedis: This is said to respond to agents applied on the skin otherwise called topical. Examples are terbinafine cream commonly known as fungisafe cream. Sometimes though, there is need to switch to oral medicine. This is in cases where topical agents have failed, people whose immunity has been compromised and severe infections. It is best to change sponges, get new clothing where possible, soak clothes in disinfectant like Jik and avoid sharing of clothes and perhaps showering in communal places along with wearing clothes with sweat absorbent materials.
The author is a pharmacist
