Posts Tagged ‘diagnosis’

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Cream

The ringworm fungal infection, athlete’s foot is often treated with topical antifungal agents, which can take the form of a spray, powder, cream, or gel. The most common ingredient in over-the-counter products is miconazole nitrate. In the United States the typical concentration found in products is two percent.  Tolnaftate is also quite popular. One percent concentration is normal in the U.S. for it. Terbinafine is another over-the-counter drug. There are a big variety of prescription antifungal drugs available. These encompass many different drug families. They are ketaconazole, itraconazole, naftifine, nystatin, caspofungin. In one study it was found that allylamines which are terbinafine, Amorolfine, naftifine, butenafine, cure slightly more infections than azoles.  Azoles include miconazole, ketaconazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole, and sertaconazole.  Undecylenic acid which is a known castor oil derivative is a fungicide that can be used for athlete’s foot and other skin infections. Whitfield’s Ointment or benzoic and salicylic acid is an older treatment that is still used on occasion.

There are many conventional medications like over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as alternative treatments for athlete’s foot .and other fungal skin infections.  In most cases of ringworm athlete’s foot cream seems to be the treatment of choice.  Keep in mind that the practice of good hygiene is always important with any treatment plan you use. Conventional treatment typically involves daily or twice daily application of a topical medication along with hygiene measures to help with prevention. To prevent the infection from returning a person should keep feet dry and good hygiene practices can never be stressed enough. Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with oral anti-fungal medication. Zinc oxide based diaper rash ointment is another option that may be employed. Talcum powder can also be used to absorb the moisture.

Some makers of these products have made claims that a gel penetrates the skin more quickly than a cream and does not promote the excess moisture.  No matter which ringworm athlete’s foot cream or gel used, curing the infection may take as long as 45 days, or in extreme cases possibly longer.  The recommended course of treatment is to continue to use the topical treatment for four weeks after the symptoms have subsided. This is to ensure that the fungus has been completely eliminated. It is quite common for patient to end treatment too quickly because in most cases the itching associated with the infection goes away more quickly than the actual infection.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Contagious

Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, contagious rashes can all be contracted if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected.  Touching contaminated items can also spread the infection. Direct skin contact also raises the chances of Ringworm or other contagious skin infections. Humans are far more likely to contract Athlete’s Foot or Ringworm from places like a school, playground, gym, or shower facilities. Tinea corporis in medical terms, but Ringworm to most people, is the name used for minor skin afflictions of the trunk, legs or arms of a dermatophyte fungus. Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi that infect and live on the top layer of the epidermis.  Ringworm in the feet is a skin infection is called Athlete’s Foot and caused by this fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.

The term Ringworm refers to round or oval red scaly patches that appear on the skin.  They are often seen to be less red and scaly in the middle or can even look healed at the center.  It is typical for one ring to develop inside another preexisting ring. Acute Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot infections show up as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular.  Chronic Ringworm is more likely to be found in sweaty body folds.  Severe cases of Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, contagious rashes and the like all have a tendency to be hard to treat and have a likely-hood of recurrence.  There are non-fungal conditions that look a lot like Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot and other contagious rashes.  They include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea.

Athlete’s Foot symptoms may appear suddenly and then spread rapidly.  In chronic cases there is a slow growing area of a relatively mild, minimally inflamed, rash.  It will more than likely affect exposed areas and it is not uncommon that it could also spread from other infected areas.  Athlete’s Foot is most often treated with antifungal drugs topically applied. Topical therapy is adequate in most patients with Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot or other contagious rashes.   It is normal for creams containing anti-fungal agents to work by hindering the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol. This is a necessary part of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially blocked, an intact cell membrane can no longer be produced. This effectively kills the fungus. Keeping feet clean and dry, not sharing socks or contaminated articles and wearing shower shoes goes a long way to keeping Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot contagious as it is from spreading.

Baby Heat Rash

As suggested by the name, baby heat rash is triggered in some babies when they become overheated, either because they are overdressed or because it is just too hot outside. As they become hot and sweat, their sweat ducts become blocked and rupture.

Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is the most common type of heat rash. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed.  They look like small bumps with a red halo around them. These may cause a ‘prickling’ or stinging sensation. This type of heat rash may also cause mild itching. Usually found in areas under a child’s clothing, these bumps can be found grouped together inside the folds of the child’s skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Infants who wear a hat may also get a heat rash on their forehead and scalp.

Just like prickly heat, Miliaria crystallina is a type of heat rash that occurs when the sweat ducts become blocked and rupture. These sweat ducts are closer to the skin surface though and don’t get inflamed, leading to the classic appearance of small clear vesicles on the child’s skin, without any redness or other symptoms, typically on their neck, head, or upper chest. Try to prevent any scratching of the affected areas as this could lead to a secondary infection.

Most methods of preventing heat rash start with the goal of not allowing your child to get overheated and include things like dressing your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn’t get overheated. Another key factor is avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible. Occlusive ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products on a child’s skin, which can also block the sweat ducts should also be avoided.

Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment, which can be as simple as removing the child from the environment that triggers the rash.  These include alternatives such as dressing in less clothing.  Moving the child inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment also goes a long way to easing their discomfort.  Mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed can be used for treatment if necessary. Calamine lotion is another remedy often used on itchy baby heat rashes.  Another option to try is compresses with cool water.  In the event a secondary infection does occur, antibiotics will probably be needed to treat it.

Cure Ringworm

Depending on who you talk to, there are as many remedies for ringworm as there are types of ringworm infections, more actually.   Over the counter creams and ointments can provide relief for ringworm and oral products can be taken for effective treatment of severe cases of ringworm skin infections.  Do-it-yourself home remedies are also touted as just the thing to cure ringworm.

What is ringworm?  Fungal infections that are on the surface or top layer of the skin are referred to as ringworm.  These are called dermatophytes which mean “skin fungi.”  Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. The Greeks called it Herpes meaning circular or ring form.  In Roman times the disease was believed to be associated with the larval stage of Tinea, the genus for clothes moth. The two names were eventually combined to the term “ringworm”.

Fungal infections like ringworm, while contagious are not necessarily dangerous to a person or the people around them.  It is rarely serious, but in most cases requires treatment of some kind. Most people who come down with ringworm infections are healthy.  There is sometimes a problem with infection and re-infection within families, communities, and schools.

What happens when ringworm starts to develop is a small area of infected skin tends to spread outwards. It typically develops into a circular, red, inflamed patch of skin. This infection can affect both animals and humans. The appearance of the rash may vary depending on which type of fungus causes the infection.  The fungi can travel around the body in the blood stream which enables them to spread to the warm, moist areas of the body.

Precautions can be taken to avoid ringworm type infections.  Staying away from and avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with a human infected with ringworm or contact with an animal infected with ringworm is always a good idea.  Sharing another person’s towel or bedding could cause ringworm to spread. Things like playing in the dirt, while very rare, have even been thought to cause the spread of ringworm infections.

To cure ringworm infection is a process.  Trial and error play a big part in coming up with a solution that works best for each individual.  Whichever ringworm remedy you choose to use be consistent.  Follow the directions carefully and continue the treatment for awhile even if symptoms disappear.  This will ensure that the infection is completely gone and lessens the likelihood of reoccurrence.

Get Rid Ringworm

Fungal infections like ringworm have been around for centuries and for just as long people having been searching for ways to get rid of ringworm and other ailments that plague us.  Some people are more susceptible to fungal infections than others. The tendency to get fungal skin infections or to have them return after treatment seems to run in families. These are some of the most commonly contracted minor medical conditions.  Treatments for this type of dermatophyte infection run the gamut from prescription pharmaceuticals to over the counter products like creams and powders, and even to a myriad of home remedies.  One such example of a home remedy used to get rid of ringworm is apple cider vinegar.

If you decide to try this some things you will need on hand are apple cider vinegar, band aids, clomitrazole, soap, water, and a wash cloth.   The first step is to clean the affected area with soap and water, and let it dry. Do not scratch, and make sure you are using a separate towel and do not re-use it before laundering to avoid a greater chance of the ringworm infection spreading.  Next, apply or dab the apple cider vinegar with a q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm. Be prepared for a slight stinging sensation.  This normal and is a sign that it is killing the infection.

Apply the clomitrazole next with a different q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm completely cover the affected area even going past the edges of the site.  Cover the ringworm completely with a band-aid or bandage if necessary.  It is recommended to follow these steps for seven to ten days.  When the ringworm is gone it will appear flat, but just to be on the safe side keep applying the clomitrazole for another week to be sure the fungus is gone

Things to remember when dealing with a ringworm infection are if you come in contact with the ringworm make sure you wash your hands to prevent spreading it. If the ringworm has not gone away after the seven to ten day period days you may choose to go to the doctor as soon as possible or try another remedy.  Be consistent with whatever home remedy you choose. There are many personal examples of persons who have treated ringworm.  Educate yourself, get as much information as you can and then choose the option to get rid of ringworm that suites you best.

Head Lice Symptoms – Knowing the Tell Tale Signs
Recognizing that you have head lice, or that your child is infected, is important as these creatures are very easily spread. However, the fact remains that a head louse has no wings and cannot fly, meaning the only way it can move from person to person is by walking from hair to hair: those groups of people who have close physical contact – children notably – are therefore the most likely to be infected, and this explains why the head lice problem is particularly prevalent in schools.
Let’s have a look at a few of the main head lice symptoms: the first and most obvious one is incessant itching of the scalp, and this is caused as the lice pierce the skin to feed on our blood. It is important to understand that the itching is rarely noticed straight away, however, and that lice may have been feeding for several days before itching is felt. This is why one of the many recommended head lice home remedies is regular combing with a nit comb, an also why frequent examination is a prevention technique of some success.
Nevertheless, if your suspect lice are present thanks to itching then an examination will help you to confirm the problem: it may be that you can see the lice moving around – and there are lice pictures available, easily accessed on the internet, to help you correctly identify them – or that you notice specks of what appear to be dandruff, or fallen insects, after brushing or combing. The head lice life cycle is such that the population will spread very quickly indeed if not treated, for a female louse can live for a month, and in that time she may lay up to eight eggs on each day.
While on the subject of lice it is also worth noting that pubic lice prevention techniques involve the same regular examination, and while these infestations are less common and not so easily spread, they are treated in a similar manner.
Once you have a good understanding of the symptoms associated with head lice it means you can take action quickly when you suspect that an infestation is underway: making sure the infected patient is kept away from others, an treatment with such home remedies that are recommended – the nit comb, plus various herbal and natural methods that can be found – is essential in order to stop the creatures from spreading out of control.

Ovide – Worthwhile Lice Treatment?

The subject of head lice treatment is one that is fraught with differences of opinion, and may lead to some wildly different paths being followed; there are many home remedies for head lice treatment that are recommended variously on internet forums and websites ranging from the use of essential oils such as tea tree oil, through to the use of vinegar to loosen the nits from their anchors, and the somewhat unusual suggestion that many say has the best result of smothering the lice by way of applying mayonnaise or olive oil to the scalp.

The one method that everyone uses is the wet combing technique, the method of using a dedicated head lice comb to draw out the lice and remove the nits, but what about the prescribed and over the counter insecticide shampoos that are frequently mentioned? Many people vie away from them, but are they really that bad?

One prescription version is the brand known as Ovide, and this very popular treatment has a number of supporters who claim it does the job. But what it is it, and why are people afraid of it?

Ovide is the trademark name of a concoction that is based on the well known and widely used insecticide Malathion; one problem with many of the insecticide products is that over the years head lice have become immune to their actions. Ovide claims not to suffer from this problem, and reckons itself to be the most successful available concoction.

Ovide lotion is applied to dry hair, and firmly worked into the scalp where the lice and the nits are found; it is left to dry naturally and – and this is one problem – is left on the hair for several hours, as many as 12 in some cases, meaning the patient is out of action for that time. After that it is thoroughly shampooed away, and rinsed clean. The routine then involves combing to remove the dead lice and nits, which have been killed by the Ovide.

This method is, as we have seen, subject to a few problems, and there are reported side effects such as an increase in dandruff and possible irritation of the scalp, but it does have a level of success that is worthy of testimony, and if you are happy to go down this route then is worthy of consideration. To find out more about it run a web search for Ovide, or for Malathion, and you will find plenty of information, advice and guidance to help you make up your mind.

Jock itch ringworm is not a worm at all, jock itch ringworm is in fact a fungal infection that affects the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails. This infection is most common in adult and middle-aged men.  Anyone can get jock itch, which is normaly thought to affect nearly all people at some point in their lives. Frequently documented in otherwise healthy patients, those with diabetes, obesity, and those with a weakened immune system like in HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, and cancer cases may be more susceptible. Other issues like regular chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs may also make a person more prone to jock itch.

Potential causes of this common groin irritation include irritation from tight or chafing underclothing, surplus moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic issues, fungal infection, Candida or yeast infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin infection.  Cases of jock itch caused by an infection may be transmitted through skin or sexual contact, sharing of swimwear, or towels although most cases of jock itch ringworm are not contagious.

Jock itch is an itchy rash affecting the groin that is very common.  With or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals it can cause an extremely intense itch. Sometimes, there may be no rash at all and at other times there may be a dry, scaly rash or a group of small, pinpoint red or pink bumps at each hair follicle. The rash may become dry, rough, and bumpy.  In some cases pus bumps may develop and begin to ooze. It is not uncommon for the uppermost skin to clear as the rash spreads further down onto the thighs. The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch will resolve on its own without any treatment.

Jock itch does not affect the entire body.  For the most part, jock itch is mainly seen in the groin area, but spreading is not unheard of. Jock itch usually begins with mild sporadic itching in the groin. The itching can get progressively worse and become quite unbearable. The itching rash is usually found on both sides of the groin and affects the skin folds, the inner thighs and genitals. This includes the penis, scrotum, labia, and vaginal opening and anus. Severe cases may be extremely uncomfortable. Secondary complications may develop such as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis) is the name used for superficial skin infections of the trunk, legs or arms of a dermatophyte fungus. Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi that infect and survive on the top layer of the epidermis or skin called the keratin.  Ringworm is a skin infection caused by this fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.

There are three groups of fungi that cause skin infection of this type and can be categorized according to their preferred host sources:

* geophile or fungi from soil sources
* zoophile or fungi from animals
* anthropophile or fungi from humans

The fungi transmitted primarily through contact with animals or zoophile is usually responsible for ringworm (tinea corporis).  It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Most mammals have at least one type of fungus, and in most instances the animal and fungus coexist without the animal ever manifesting any symptoms of the fungus. This does not mean that the fungus cannot be transmitted to humans.

Children are particularly vulnerable to ringworm (tinea corporis) and can pass it effortlessly to other children.  Adults are not immune and can also become infected.  Persons who fall in the high risk category are farmers and people who work with animals that have fur.

The term tinea corporis is the medical term for ringworm, which refers to round or oval red scaly patches on the skin.  They are often seen to be less red and scaly in the middle or even look healed at the center.  It is common for one ring to develop inside another preexisting ring.

Ringworm may be acute which means there is a sudden onset and it rapidly spreads.  Or it could be chronic which is a slow broadening of a mild, minimally inflamed, rash.  Most often it affects exposed areas but could also spread from other infected sites. Non-fungal conditions that resemble ringworm include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea.

Acute ringworm shows up as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular.  Chronic ringworm is more likely to be found in body folds.  Acute ringworm has a tendency to be stubborn to treat and prone to recurrence if widespread.  Lessening of natural skin resistance to fungi or because of re-infection from the environment could possibly be the reason for this recurrence.

Tinea is the fungus that causes ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot or in medical terms tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis respectively. These infections are typically not serious, but they can be extremely uncomfortable. They can be contracted by touching or contact with an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet.

Tinea corporis, is the name given to a fungus infection of the skin also called “ringworm of the body,” and often affects children and adults who live in hot, humid climates. The typical appearance of this infection is a circular plaque with a well outlined border. Since tinea corporis can be asymptomatic, it can spread rapidly among children and in day-care and school settings.  It may be spread from person to person, from contact with an infected animal, most often a cat, or from exposure to fungus in the soil. Itchy red scaly patches come up anywhere the animal has rubbed. They often develop into a ring. This kind of tinea usually clears up with appropriate creams.  If the condition was transferred by an animal, even if it has no signs of a skin problem the animal will need to be treated also.

Tinea cruris is usually referred to as “jock itch,” because as this condition implies, it causes itching or a burning sensation in areas of the groin, thigh skin folds, or anus.  It may involve the inner thighs and genital areas. Unlike yeast infections, tinea cruris generally does not involve the scrotum or the penis.  It is very common and affects men more often than women and rarely affects children.

The itchy red patches will spread in the warm moist areas of the body. Variations of red, tan, or brown coloration may appear in the infected areas.  Flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin will also be present. Tinea cruris is often treated with antifungal drugs topically applied. Topical therapy is adequate in most patients with tinea cruris.  Oral therapy is the preferred treatment in cases where the infection spreads to the lower thighs or buttocks,. Customarily creams containing anti-fungal agents work by deterring the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is a necessary part of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially blocked, the cell is no longer able to produce an intact cell membrane. This effectively kills the fungus.