Ringworm drugs that are proven to be effective in reducing symptoms

Ringworm, also known as ringworm, is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection (tinea). Red, scaly patches and itching on the skin are some of the hallmarks of ringworm.

Anyone can easily catch this contagious disease, especially groups of people who are immunocompromised. But don't worry, there are various drugs available to treat the symptoms of ringworm.

Medical drugs for ringworm

The main treatment that must be done, of course, is to use medical drugs. Treatment will depend on how severe the skin infection is and where the symptoms appear.

Most of these medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy and are used without a prescription. However, there are also some drugs that must be obtained by prescription from a doctor.

Topical ringworm medication

Source: Medical Xpress

If ringworm appears on the skin of the body such as the feet (water fleas) or groin, the doctor will usually recommend over-the-counter topical drugs. Topical drugs are drugs that are used for external use by applying or spraying, the form can be in the form of cream, gel, powder, or lotion.

Topical drugs to treat ringworm are a class of antifungal drugs. Antifungal drugs are designed to inhibit fungal enzymes and inhibit the action of ergosterol, a major component that plays a role in the formation of fungal cell walls. Some of the types of drugs include clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and ketoconazole.

To use it, you can simply apply this medication over the area affected by ringworm as well as the normal skin area that surrounds it. Usually the medication is used twice a day for two to four weeks, then resumed for a week or two after the rash clears.

The duration of use of the drug can vary depending on the type of ringworm you have. For water fleas, for example, most patients perform treatment for two weeks. Whereas in tinea cruris or groin ringworm, treatment is usually carried out for 10-14 days.

There is also a topical medication in the form of a shampoo that is usually used for patients with tinea capitis or scalp ringworm. The ingredients that are often used in this particular shampoo are ketoconazole, miconazole, and ciclopirox.

Oral ringworm medication

In some cases, the doctor will prescribe oral or oral medications. Patients who need this medicine are patients who have ringworm in hairy areas such as the head and chin, or if the infection is more severe and does not go away despite topical medications.

Some of the types of drugs include griseofulvin, itraconazole (sporanox), and fluconazole (diflucan).

The drug griseofulvin works by stopping the fungus from dividing, but not killing it outright. Therefore, treatment with this drug needs to be carried out for several weeks or months.

Griseofulvin is available in tablet form and must be taken after meals. For those of you who are pregnant or undergoing a pregnancy program, this drug is not recommended because it can cause birth defects.

The drugs itraconazole and fluconazole can bind to enzymes in fungi and stop the production of erogsterol, the main component that forms fungal cell walls. Itraconazole is taken after meals, while fluconazole can be taken before or after meals. Both of these drugs are also not recommended for pregnant women.

Natural remedies for ringworm

Apart from medical drugs, there are several natural ingredients that have the potential to treat ringworm symptoms. Before using various options for this natural ringworm remedy, make sure you have cleaned the skin area with soap and water first.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is believed to have strong anti-fungal properties, so it can help treat various diseases caused by fungi. How to use it by rubbing a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar beforehand on your skin affected by ringworm. Do it regularly for three times a day.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural ringworm remedy because it contains antiseptic agents that can fight fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In addition, aloe vera also creates a cold sensation when used so that it soothes itchy, inflamed, swollen skin.

You don't have to come from the plant directly, you can also use a cream or gel that contains aloe vera. How to use it as a ringworm medicine, you simply apply aloe vera gel directly on the skin that is experiencing ringworm two to three times a day.

3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can treat fungal infections thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Several studies have also shown that the use of coconut oil can be used to treat mild to moderate skin infections.

The way to use it is easy. You only need to warm the coconut oil until it melts and then apply it directly to the problem areas of the skin. Repeat this three times a day.

4. Turmeric

There is no doubt that turmeric is a popular spice known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This is all thanks to the content of the curcumin compound in it. Apparently, ringworm can also be one of the natural remedies to treat ringworm.

The rules of use are not difficult, you can mix turmeric powder with a little water to form a paste. Then apply directly to the skin and leave it to dry, then rinse thoroughly.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil (tea tree oil) has long been known to treat fungal skin infections due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

It's not difficult, you know! You can apply tea tree oil directly to the ringworm area two or three times per day using a cotton ball. If your skin is sensitive, you should first mix tea tree oil with solvent oil.

6. Oregano oil

Oregano oil also has potential in treating skin fungal infections. The reason is, oregano contains two strong antifungal components, namely thymol and carvacrol.

The way to use it is to mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil, then apply it three times a day.

Remember that whichever drug you choose, you still have to be careful and use it according to the rules. If the symptoms do not improve in 2 weeks, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. Especially if you choose natural medicines.

In some cases, ringworm cannot be treated at all with natural ingredients. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor immediately.