How Ringworm Is Treated :

Since most cases of ringworm are minor and can be diagnosed by visualizing the characteristic lesion, ringworm can generally be treated without consulting a physician or nurse. A lesion will usually vanish in less than a week when treated with an antifungal cream like Lotrisone. Lotrisone cream contains a combination of a steroid (betamethasone) and an antifungal drug (clotrimazole). The cream should be applied to the lesion twice daily until the skin is clear. After the lesion disappears, application of the cream should be continued for one more week. The additional week of treatment is needed because fungus can live undetected under the skin, and if the antifungal agent is not applied for an additional week, the lesion could reappear. If antifungal cream specified for ringworm is not

available, creams for treating athlete's foot and jock itch can also be used. (Fungi are responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch.)

If ringworm does not go away after a week of treatment, a physician should be