SKIN THERAPY - TINEA/RINGWORM

Tinea capis is usually called ringworm, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Like most tinea infections, as it grows it spreads out in a circle leaving normal looking skin in between. That makes it look like a ring. At the edge, the skin will be red, raised and scaly. Some people think it looks like a worm under the skin and that's where the name "ringworm" comes from. There is no worm under the skin, though. Instead it is a fungus growing on the skin. If it's in the scalp, the hair can be destroyed, leaving bald patches.

Treatments

Most tinea infections can be treated with a topical cream. Sometimes however oral medications will be needed. Treatment can last for months to fully get rid of the infection. No one is sure why people get tinea versicolor; however with other tinea infections, the best defense is a good offense.

Prevention

Prevention means keeping potential infected areas dry and clean. That means not wearing the same socks or other athletic equipment without washing them. The American Academy of Dermatologists and AAFP have some other suggestions: