Treatment for skin mycosis: ointments, shampoos and nail polishes

Treatment for ringworm on the skin, nails, scalp, foot or groin can be done with antifungal medicines such as fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole in the form of ointments, tablets or solutions, which must be recommended by a dermatologist.

It is important to consult a dermatologist to assess the affected area and thus recommend the best antifungal medication.

In general, the treatment should be carried out for around 30 to 60 days and, therefore, it is very important to continue the treatment for the time indicated by the doctor, even if the symptoms disappear, because if the treatment is interrupted, it is common symptoms return, as the fungus has not been completely eliminated.

How the treatment is carried out

The choice of treatment is made by the dermatologist according to the type and location of the mycosis, which may be:

1. Ointments

Ointments are generally the most recommended by dermatologists to treat superficial skin mycoses, whether in the groin, candidiasis or white cloth.

Treatment is normally carried out for 1 to 4 weeks and the medication is determined by the dermatologist depending on the type of lesion the person has.

The ointments normally recommended by dermatologists are those that contain ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine. Discover the main types of skin mycosis.

2. Solutions or lotions

The solutions must contain active ingredients capable of eliminating the fungus, such as ciclopirox, miconazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole.

The solutions can be used to treat both skin mycoses and scalp mycoses when not found in shampoo form.

3. Nail polish

Nail polishes are used to treat nail mycoses and the ones most recommended by dermatologists are Fungirox and Micolamine, which is an antifungal capable of preventing the fungus’ mechanism of action and altering its structure.

4. Pills

Pills are normally recommended by a dermatologist when skin mycosis is very extensive and treatment with ointments or solutions is not as effective. Most of the time, the dermatologist recommends the use of fluconazole 150 mg, terbinafine 250 mg or itraconazole 100 mg, for example, according to the fungus responsible for the infection.

How to cure ringworm once and for all

Ringworm is a skin disease that has a cure as it is caused by fungi that can be completely eliminated with the use of appropriate antifungal remedies such as Isoconazole, Ketoconazole or Miconazole. However, it is important to take some simple hygiene precautions to avoid a new fungal infection.

Medicines for ringworm must be prescribed by a dermatologist or general practitioner and their form of presentation may vary according to the affected area, and can be used in the form of an ointment, shampoo, spray or lotion, to facilitate their application. See the most used remedies for beard, scalp and nail mycosis.

Ringworm remedies are usually applied to the affected area for 3 to 4 weeks to ensure the fungus is eliminated. However, in cases of mycosis on the skin or nails, the recommendation is normally to use it 2 to 3 times a day, and in other cases, such as mycosis on the scalp, 2 to 3 times a week.

How to prevent ringworm from recurring

After undergoing treatment for ringworm, the fungus is eliminated and the person is cured, however, it is necessary to take some hygiene precautions to prevent a new infection from occurring. Some of the most important precautions include:

• Always keep your skin clean and dry, especially in areas where there are skin folds;
• Use flip-flops to shower in public places;
• Change socks and underwear every day;
• Wear loose, cotton clothing;
• Do not share clothes, towels or sheets with another person who has ringworm.

These precautions help prevent fungi from developing on the skin and, therefore, prevent the emergence of ringworm.

Signs of improvement

Signs of improvement in skin mycosis include the disappearance of round, reddish or whitish lesions on the skin and a decrease in itching and, in the case of nail mycosis, the disappearance of the yellowish or white color of the nail and its growth.

Signs of worsening

Signs of worsening skin mycosis appear when treatment is not carried out or is carried out incorrectly and include an increase in the size of the skin lesion, as well as redness and itching. In the case of nail fungus, signs of worsening may be the fact that the nail becomes deformed or other nails become infected. Find out how nail fungus is treated.