 Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin in humans and domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. Fungi are organisms that survive by eating plant or animal material. Those that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive best on skin that is warm and moist.
Antifungal treatments include topical agents such as miconazole or terbinafine applied twice daily until symptoms resolve (usually within two weeks), however if constantly touched it can leave a dark patch of skin where it had been. In more severe cases or where there is scalp ringworm, systemic treatment with oral medications may be given.Misdiagnosis and treatment of ringworm with a topical steroid can result in tinea incognito, a condition where ringworm fungus will grow without typical features like a distinctive raised border.
Treatments
An over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment is the usual treatment for ringworm, except for tinea capitis, which is much more difficult to treat and often requires several months of an oral medication (like Griseofulvin).
Prescription topical creams, suspensions and lotions are also available, like Loprox, Spectazole and Oxistat.
What You Need To Know
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 * Ringworm is often a misdiagnosis for other conditions, especially numular eczema and pityriasis rosea.
* Remember that athlete's foot is unusual in preteen children. These children often have Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis or a contact dermatitis when they have an itchy red rash on their feet.
* Ringworm is only mildly contagious, so children undergoing treatment may continue to attend school or daycare. In addition to infected people, you can get ringworm from infected cats and dogs. So examine your pets if someone in your family develops ringworm.
* Tinea capitis is difficult to treat and the fungi that causes it have become resistant to griseofulvin, so higher doses are now used. Be sure to take this medicine with a fatty meal or glass of milk to increase absorption. You might also use a shampoo with selenium sulfide so that he is less contagious.
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