How To Treat Ringworm, Fungal Infections

High humidity during Nigeria’s rainy season creates ideal conditions for fungal skin infections to spread rapidly.

Ringworm (dermatophytosis), athlete’s foot and similar infections thrive in warm, moist environments, especially when sweat, damp clothing and poor hygiene are involved.

Clinical studies in Nigeria show that dermatophyte infections are among the most common reasons people visit dermatology clinics, highlighting how widespread the problem is.

What is Ringworm Infection?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by organisms such as Trichophyton and Microsporum.

These fungi live on keratin, the protein found in the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails.

Once they attach to the skin, they begin to multiply, leading to visible symptoms.

The infection often starts as a small patch and gradually spreads outward, forming a ring-like shape with clearer skin in the centre and a raised, active edge. This is why it is commonly called ringworm.

It spreads through direct contact with infected skin, especially in crowded environments such as schools or shared homes, sharing contaminated items such as towels, clothing, bedding or hair tools, contact with infected animals or surfaces, including floors and furniture.

These fungi can also survive for long periods on fabrics and surfaces, which makes reinfection very common if hygiene is poor.

Treatment of Ringworm and Fungal Infection

What do I do to treat ringworm and fungal infections? This is the essence of this article and will be discussed here:

1. Use antifungal creams

Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, terbinafine, miconazole and ketoconazole are the most effective first-line treatments for mild to moderate infections.

These medicines work by disrupting the structure of fungal cells, either stopping their growth or killing them completely.

However, they do not act instantly. The fungus dies gradually, which is why consistent application is important.

Apply the cream to the affected area and about 2 cm around it. This is important because fungi often spread beyond the visible edge of the rash.

Clotrimazole should be applied two to three times daily for at least four weeks. Even when the itching stops and the skin looks normal, treatment should continue for one to two additional weeks to ensure that all fungal cells are eliminated.

Failure to complete the full course allows surviving spores to multiply again, leading to recurrence.

2. Keep the skin completely dry

Moisture control is a critical part of treatment.Continue Your, Reading. .