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Does Anyone Know the Causes and Cures for Ringworms?

By December 2, 2008 - 7:22pm
 
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A friend of mine recently got a nasty case of what I would call ringworms on the back of her calf. She said she's had the same two lesions for about a year and can't recall how she got them. She says she keeps the areas clean and has tried OTC antifungal topical treatments with no luck. She wants to avoid taking any antibiotics if possible. Any ideas?

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Your friend needs to see a doctor before determining if it is ringworm or not. Having this fungus for a year is not uncommon, but just to be sure a doctor should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis.

There is another name for ringworm: Tinea. This is a very contagious fungal infection that can affect the scalp, body, feet, and nails. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms! It usually manifests as a red ring that appears on the infected person's skin. Where is the fungus from? Anywhere. My kids used to get it every summer while in swimming season. Which shows that this type of fungus is tolerant to chlorinated water. Animals such as cats are big carriers of ringworm fungus.

Does your friend have a flat, round patch on her calf? Is it localized to that area only? Ringworm fungi can appear anywhere on the skin including in some cases the scalp and feet. However, the most common area of infection is the groin. The rash gradually grows and expands, forming a ring.

I would recommend the used of Absorbine Jr. Original Formula (which is different than other versions of the product or Apple Cider Vinager (ACV) rubs. Usually only one application will do the trick. I have used this with my kids and I think the longest time frame that it has ever taken to get rid of a ringworm has been about 24 hours.

December 2, 2008 - 9:37pm
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