What can be ringworm on the skin and how to treat

Skin ringworm is a type of disease caused by the presence of fungi on the skin, which causes itching, redness and flaking and can affect any region of the body, being more frequent in summer, as heat and sweat favor the multiplication of fungi that inhabit the skin, causing infection. See more ringworm symptoms.

There are several types of skin mycoses, which can be classified depending on the affected area and the fungus that originated it.

1. Nail ringworm

Also known as onychomycosis, it is an infection that leaves the nail yellowed, deformed and thick, and can be transmitted to areas around the nail or to other nails, being more frequent in the toenails.

How to treat: Nail ringworm can be treated with pill medicines, prescribed by the dermatologist, such as Fluconazole or Itraconazole, or by passing an ointment or enamel to the ringworm of the nail, such as Loceryl, Micolinamine or Fungirox, for example. Another option is the use of a laser, which eliminates the fungus of ringworm through the infrared rays emitted by it.

The treatment for nail ringworm is time-consuming because the fungus is only completely eliminated when the nail grows. Therefore, the treatment usually takes about 6 months for mycosis of the toenails and 12 months for mycosis of the toenails. Learn more about nail ringworm.

2. Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans that manifests itself in the mouth, in the female or male genitals.

Vaginal candidiasis is a very common infection in women due to the increased population of this fungus , which is normally present in the flora of the woman's intimate region, but which develops when the immune system is weakened, in cases of diabetes, when there are bad habits hygiene or after treatment with some antibiotics or corticosteroids.

Oral candidiasis is an infection that affects mainly babies, due to their immunity, which is still underdeveloped, or in adults with weakened immune systems due to the flu, chronic diseases or HIV, for example.

How to treat: The treatment for oral candidiasis can be done at home with the application of antifungals in the form of gel, liquid or mouthwash, such as nystatin, for 5 to 7 days, however, in the most severe cases, the treatment can be done with oral antifungal remedies, such as Fluconazole, as directed by the doctor. See in more detail the treatment for oral candidiasis.

In the case of candidiasis on the genitals, it is possible to use oral or local ointments and pills, such as fluconazole, clotrimazole or ketoconazole. Learn more about how to treat candidiasis.

3. Pityriasis versicolor

Also known as white cloth or beach ringworm, it is a type of ringworm caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, which produces a substance that prevents the skin from producing melanin when exposed to the sun. Thus, in the places where the fungus is, the skin is not tanned, leading to the appearance of small white spots. Learn more about this type of ringworm.

How to treat: The treatment for beach ringworm is made with the use of remedies such as Fluconazole, or antifungals applied on the spot, such as creams, ointments, lotions or sprays, depending on the degree of skin involvement. If ringworm returns soon after treatment, you should go to the dermatologist for a specific treatment.

4. Athlete's foot

Also known as pedis or chilblains, this is a type of ringworm of the skin caused by the fungi Trichophyton , Microsporum or Epidermophyton, which mainly affects regions on the sole and between the toes.

How to treat: The treatment usually consists of applying antifungal creams or ointments, however, in some cases, the symptoms may not improve just with the use of this type of creams and, therefore, it may be necessary for the doctor to prescribe Itraconazole antifungal pills, Fluconazole or Terbinafine, for about 3 months. Learn more about this ringworm and how to treat it.

5. Ringworm in the groin

Also called crural ringworm, this ringworm is caused by the fungus Tinea cruris , being more frequent in obese people, athletes or people who wear clothes that are too tight, due to the creation of a hot and humid environment, favorable to their development.

How to treat: Treatment usually consists of applying antifungal creams or ointments such as clotrimazole or econazole.

6. Ringworm of the scalp

Also known as Tinea capitis, this is a ringworm that can be caused by different fungi, which can cause hair loss, scalp psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, among others.

How to treat: The treatment consists of the use of shampoos or lotions with tar or salicylic acid or based on clobetasol propionate, which can be associated with antifungals, such as ketoconazole. See more about how to treat scalp psoriasis.

7. Impinge

This ringworm, also known as ringworm corporis, can develop anywhere in the body, and is characterized by a red rash with lighter skin in the middle. Learn how to identify and treat Impingem.

How to treat: In most cases, the treatment is done with the application of creams and antifungal ointments such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, isoconazole or terbinafine, however, if the symptoms do not improve only with the use of this type of creams, you should go to the doctor, to prescribe antifungal pills like fluconazole or terbinafine for example.

During the treatment of ringworm, some home remedies can also be used to relieve symptoms more quickly.

Home treatments for ringworm of the skin

Ringworm can also be treated or alleviated with the use of home remedies such as rubbing a clove of garlic with chlorhexidine on the nails or dipping your feet in a bowl with peppermint tea.

Other home remedies for candidiasis in women are sitz baths with baking soda and the use of natural yogurt in the vagina. They decrease the acidity of the vagina, stopping the growth of fungi that prefer a more acidic environment to develop. These home remedies can also be used by men. See more home remedies to treat candidiasis.

Possible causes

Fungi are the main causes of mycosis on the skin, however, for the disease to develop, it is necessary to meet other conditions, such as depression of the immune system, a hot and humid environment and, in addition, in most cases contagion is necessary.

The infection can appear more often after taking antibiotics, because the bacteria present on the skin decrease, allowing the fungi to proliferate. In addition, walking barefoot in public places such as beaches, swimming pools and bathrooms, having poor blood circulation, having nail lesions, having unprotected sex, taking excessive showers, sweating a lot, wearing tight clothes and going to places that are too humid and hot, increases the risk of developing ringworm.