Steroid Creams Can Make Ringworm Worse | Fungal Diseases

You should not treat rashes that might be ringworm with creams that contain steroids. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might have ringworm or if you have ringworm that is not getting better with antifungal treatment.

Photo credit: Dr. Shyam Verma, India

Do not use steroid creams to treat rashes that may be ringworm

Ringworm is a very common cause of skin rashes. People might have a skin rash that they do not realize is caused by ringworm. For this reason, people sometimes apply over-the-counter creams or ointments containing medications called corticosteroids (or “steroids” for short) to their rash. Steroid creams can be helpful for some skin problems and can even temporarily reduce ringworm symptoms like itching and redness. However, steroid creams don’t kill the fungus that causes ringworm.

Steroid creams can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin’s defenses. Steroid creams can allow ringworm infections to spread to cover more of the body. Ringworm that has been treated with steroid creams can have an unusual appearance, making it hard for healthcare providers to diagnose. In rare cases, steroid creams can allow the fungus that causes ringworm to invade deeper into the skin and cause a more serious condition.

An emerging international problem

In the United States, over-the-counter steroid creams are not very powerful, which is why they’re called “low potency.” But in some other countries, people can buy creams containing strong steroids without a prescription. Many of these steroid creams also contain antifungal and antibacterial medicines, and the labels say that the cream can be used to treat fungal infections. However, healthcare providers in India report seeing more cases of severe ringworm in people who have used these combination medications.^1-6 These infections have been reported to cover large parts of the body, last for months or longer, and spread to family members.⁴

If you travel internationally, develop a rash, and think it might be ringworm, be aware that strong over-the-counter steroid creams containing combinations of antifungal and antibacterial medicines can make ringworm worse and can cause other health problems. If a healthcare provider in another country recommends a cream for a rash that might be ringworm, ask what medications are in the cream and whether it contains strong steroids.¹

Information for healthcare professionals

Topical corticosteroid use without an antifungal agent is not recommended for ringworm infections (also called “tinea” or “dermatophytosis”). However, patients may have already applied corticosteroids on their own. For example, patients may have applied over-the-counter low-potency topical corticosteroids before seeking medical care. Others may have used higher-potency corticosteroids from:

• A prescription given because ringworm was misdiagnosed as another condition.
• Treatment for an unrelated condition.
• A previous prescription for a different problem.
• Purchase of high-potency steroids abroad.

Use of topical corticosteroids on ringworm can lead to:

• More or larger ringworm lesions.
• Atypical appearance, called tinea incognito, which may involve less erythema (redness), less scale, and indistinct lesion borders. Unusual shapes or patterns can mimic other conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema).^7,8
• Majocchi’s granuloma, in which the dermatophytes invade deeper than the epidermis (into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue).⁹

These conditions resulting from topical corticosteroid use on ringworm are sometimes referred to as steroid-modified tinea.¹ Use of topical corticosteroids for ringworm also has led to thinning of the skin, striae (stretch marks), and pigment changes when applied to sensitive regions or through excessive or high-potency corticosteroid use.¹⁰

Combination antifungal and mid-potency corticosteroid creams are available by prescription in the United States. Healthcare providers should be aware that treatment failure has been reported with use of combination therapy for ringworm and the use of certain formulations is not recommended in children.^11,12,15

The overuse of steroids to treat ringworm may contribute to antimicrobial-resistant ringworm infections, an emerging public health concern.

Topical therapy for dermatophytoses: should corticosteroids be included?

Review

. 2004;5(6):375-84.

doi: 10.2165/00128071-200405060-00002.

Zulal Erbagci 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Gaziantep, Turkey. [email protected]

• PMID:

  15663334

• DOI:

  10.2165/00128071-200405060-00002

Review

Zulal Erbagci.

Am J Clin Dermatol.

2004.

. 2004;5(6):375-84.

doi: 10. 2165/00128071-200405060-00002.

Author

Zulal Erbagci 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Gaziantep, Turkey. [email protected]

• PMID:

  15663334

• DOI:

  10.2165/00128071-200405060-00002

Abstract

Dermatophytoses, commonly known as ringworm or tinea, represent superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes, which are among the most common infections encountered in medicine. The use of corticosteroid-containing combinations in dermatophyte infections that are usually treated with topical medications is still a much-debated issue. The addition of a corticosteroid to local antifungal therapy may be of value in reducing local inflammatory reaction and thus carries the theoretical advantage of rapid symptom relief in acute dermatophyte infections associated with heavy inflammation. However, the use of such combinations requires caution as they have some potential risks, especially with long-term use under occlusive conditions. Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous adverse effects have been reported primarily in pediatric patients due to inappropriate application of these preparations on diaper areas. Additionally, the corticosteroid component may interfere with the therapeutic actions of the antifungal agent, or fungal growth may accelerate because of decreased local immunologic host reaction, such that underlying infection may persist, and dermatophytes may even acquire the ability to invade deeper tissues. Analysis of the literature documenting clinical study data and adverse reactions related to combination therapy, drew the following conclusions: (i) combination products containing a low potency nonfluorinated corticosteroid may initially be used for symptomatic inflamed lesions of tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and tinea cruris, in otherwise healthy adults with good compliance; (ii) therapy should be substituted by a pure antifungal agent once symptoms are relieved, and should never exceed 2 weeks for tinea cruris and 4 weeks for tinea pedis/corporis; and (iii) contraindications for the use of these combinations include application on diaper or other occluded areas and facial lesions, as well as in children <12 years of age and in immunosuppressed patients for any reason.

Similar articles

• Terbinafine. An update of its use in superficial mycoses.

  McClellan KJ, Wiseman LR, Markham A.

  McClellan KJ, et al.
  Drugs. 1999 Jul;58(1):179-202. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199958010-00018.
  Drugs. 1999.

  PMID: 10439936

  Review.

• [Oral Antifungal Drugs in the Treatment of Dermatomycosis].

  Tsunemi Y.

  Tsunemi Y.
  Med Mycol J. 2016;57(2):J71-5. doi: 10.3314/mmj.57.J71.
  Med Mycol J. 2016.

  PMID: 27251319

  Review.
  Japanese.

• [Dermatomycosis–classification, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment].

  Watanabe S.

  Watanabe S.
  Nihon Rinsho. 2008 Dec;66(12):2285-9.
  Nihon Rinsho. 2008.

  PMID: 19069093

  Review.
  Japanese.

• Role of oral antifungal agents for the treatment of superficial fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

  Millikan LE.

  Millikan LE.
  Cutis. 2001 Jul;68(1 Suppl):6-14.
  Cutis. 2001.

  PMID: 11499333

  Review.

• Clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate: a review of costs and complications in the treatment of common cutaneous fungal infections.

  Greenberg HL, Shwayder TA, Bieszk N, Fivenson DP.

  Greenberg HL, et al.
  Pediatr Dermatol. 2002 Jan-Feb;19(1):78-81. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1470.2002.00027.x.
  Pediatr Dermatol. 2002.

  PMID: 11860579

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Topical antifungal-corticosteroid fixed-drug combinations: Need for urgent action.

  Rana P, Ghadlinge M, Roy V.

  Rana P, et al.
  Indian J Pharmacol. 2021 Jan-Feb;53(1):82-84. doi: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_930_20.
  Indian J Pharmacol. 2021.

  PMID: 33976006
  Free PMC article.

  No abstract available.

• Tinea incognito: Clinical perspectives of a new imitator.

  Dhaher S.

  Dhaher S.
  Dermatol Reports. 2020 Jun 25;12(1):8323. doi: 10.4081/dr.2020.8323. eCollection 2020 Jun 25.
  Dermatol Reports. 2020.

  PMID: 32655844
  Free PMC article.

• Familial Dermatophytosis in India: A Study of the Possible Contributing Risk Factors.

  Tuknayat A, Bhalla M, Kaur A, Garg S.

  Tuknayat A, et al.
  J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Feb;13(2):58-60. Epub 2020 Feb 1.
  J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020.

  PMID: 32308786
  Free PMC article.

• A Case Report of Majocchi’s Granuloma Associated with Combined Therapy of Topical Steroids and Adalimumab.

  Chou WY, Hsu CJ.

  Chou WY, et al.
  Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jan;95(2):e2245. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000002245.
  Medicine (Baltimore). 2016.

  PMID: 26765401
  Free PMC article.

• [Local combination therapy of inflammatory dermatomycosis: A review of recommendations in national and international guidelines].

  Czaika VA, Zuberbier T.

  Czaika VA, et al.
  Hautarzt. 2015 May;66(5):360-9. doi: 10.1007/s00105-015-3597-x.
  Hautarzt. 2015.

  PMID: 25939891

  Review.
  German.

See all “Cited by” articles

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Ointment for the treatment of lichen: how to choose, method of application

Where can I buy?

Encyclopedia

Fungus

Lichen is a broad name for a variety of skin diseases that have different causes and symptoms and affect mainly the superficial layers of the skin.

The author of the article

Tamrazova Olga Borisovna

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of Dermatovenereology with a Cosmetology Course of the FNMO of the Medical Institute of the FGAEI VO RUDN University of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow.

Audio version of the page:

Lichen is mainly accompanied by itching and visually manifested nodular rashes, spots ¹ .

Symptoms and manifestations of lichen

Symptoms of lichen depend on the cause of the disease (fungi, bacteria, viruses, allergic reactions, immune disorders, heredity). Allocate common signs (symptoms) of manifestations of lichen:

• Presence of spots with peeling on the surface
• Discoloration of the skin in the affected area
• Itching

The choice of ointment for the treatment of lichen

In view of the widespread lichen caused by fungal infections, consider the effect of Zalain ^® cream based on the modern antifungal drug – sertaconazole.

Keep in mind that many types of lichen have a chronic course. In order to avoid recurrence of the disease, it is recommended to use ointments and creams with a wide spectrum of action.

Ointment with sertaconazole (Zalain

^® Cream) for the treatment of lichen

The active substance, sertaconazole, consists of two active molecules – imidazole and benzothiophene, which explains the wide antimicrobial spectrum of Zalain ^® Cream against pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans, C. Tropicalis, C. Spp., Pityrosporum orbiculare), dermatophytes (Trichophyton and Microsporum) and pathogens of skin and mucous membrane infections (gram-positive strains of staphylo- and streptococci).

The drug has the following antifungal effects:

• Inhibits the growth of the fungus (fungistatic)
• Promotes its destruction (fungicidal)
• Prevents the transition of fungi from an inactive form to a pathogenic one (in relation to fungi of the genus Candida)

Being highly lipophilic, sertaconazole dissolves well in lipid (fat) cell structures. Due to this, the active substance remains in the skin for a long time, providing a triple antifungal effect ²⁴ .

Based on sertaconazole, a preparation is produced – Zalain ^® Cream. It is used in the treatment of many fungal diseases. The results of studies confirm a number of advantages of the drug.

• Zalain ^® The cream has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antibacterial effects ^25.26 .
• The therapeutic effect of sertaconazole (Zalain ^® ) prevails over other antifungal agents ^20.21 .
• The drug has a high safety profile, is well tolerated and has a low level of resistance development ^21.22 .

How to recognize and treat skin fungus? Watch in a two-minute video with Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Borisovna Tamrazova.

Zalain

^® Cream for the treatment of lichen caused by fungi

Sertaconazole contained in Zalain ^® cream inhibits fungal cell membrane function. As a result, the permeability of the cell wall increases and the destruction of the fungus ¹⁹ occurs. Its second mechanism of action is the disruption of the natural reproduction processes of the fungus, which limits its amount on the affected areas of the skin. The sertaconazole molecule has a high lipophilicity, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and stay there for a long time, enhancing the antifungal effect.

Thus, sertaconazole has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and additional antibacterial action. Thanks to these properties, Zalain ^® cream is used in the treatment of lichen caused by fungi.

Instruction

Zalain® Cream

How to use Zalain ^{® Cream}

The cream is applied to the affected areas of the skin in an even thin layer twice a day covering approximately 1 cm of the healthy skin surface.

The duration of treatment depends on the etiology of the pathogen and the location of the infection. As a rule, the symptoms of the disease disappear after 2-4 weeks ²⁰ .

Use of Zalain ^® cream during pregnancy

The safety of the drug has not been specifically studied in pregnant women. The decision to use the remedy is made only by a specialist, weighing the potential benefits for the mother and the possible risks for the unborn child ²⁰ .

Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

Applied 1-2 times a day

Where to buy Zalain® Cream

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Lichen species

Pityriasis versicolor

Superficial fungal infection of the skin, predominantly affecting the face, neck, upper limbs and trunk. This disease is also known as versicolor versicolor.

Incidence rate

Pityriasis versicolor occurs more frequently in adolescents and young adults, affects men and women equally, no ethnic influence identified ² . After 60 years, age-related changes in the structure of the skin occur, which in turn can become a barrier for the attachment of a pathogenic fungus and the development of the disease.

Symptoms

Skin lesions are light or dark, round, scaly patches that may (in severe cases) coalesce into larger, irregular patches.

How is pityriasis versicolor diagnosed and treated? Watch a short video with a candidate of medical sciences, clinical pharmacologist Kukes Ilya Vladimirovich

Ringworm

A common and sometimes intractable fungal infection of the skin and hair.

Incidence

Ringworm occurs almost worldwide. This disease is caused by two types of fungi – Microsporum or Trichophyton . Children are more often ill than adults. Infection occurs through direct skin contact with the patient or through their underwear, towels, combs. Trychophyton fungi affect immunocompromised children who have scratches and other skin lesions. Microsporum canis affects boys more than girls. The source of infection may be animals suffering from this disease (cat, dog) ^3.4 .

Symptoms

The scalp is affected. Pale pink spots, accompanied by peeling over the entire surface. Hair breakage is noted in the affected area, which is probably where the term “ringworm” comes from.

Men and women suffer from ringworm in the same way.

Simple lichen (dry streptoderma)

Atypical form of streptococcal infection in children.

Incidence

30-40% of all skin diseases ¹⁶ .

Symptoms

Round, well-demarcated pink-white spots with flaking on the surface. The favorite localization of lichen simplex is the skin of the face, but it may appear on other exposed skin areas ¹⁶ .

Why lichen occurs

The causes of lichen are quite different:

• In some cases, pathogenic fungi are the cause. For example, pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia furfur, and ringworm is caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton (violaceum, tonsurans) and Microsporum (canis, ferrugineum).
• Sometimes the culprit is the Varicella zoster virus infection, which causes shingles.
• In childhood, cases of b-hemolytic streptococcal infection (GABHS) are not uncommon, and, as a result, lichen simplex occurs.

There are types of lichen, the causes of which are still unknown.

Predisposing factors for lichen

Pityriasis versicolor

Genetic predisposition, immunodeficiency, oily skin, excessive sweating, sun exposure, exposure to high temperatures, humidity, use of oral contraceptives.

Ringworm

Chemistry of sweat, endocrine diseases, decreased immunity, prolonged use of glucocorticosteroids, antibiotics, childhood.

Diagnosis of lichen

• Pityriasis versicolor – visual examination and fluorescence in the rays of a Wood’s lamp with a golden color, positive Besnier’s symptom and Balzer’s test, microbiological studies (microscopic and cultural examination).
• Ringworm – direct microscopic examination, fluorescence in the rays of a Wood’s lamp in emerald color, cultural examination – inoculation of microorganisms from skin scrapings on nutrient media to identify the pathogen and determine its sensitivity to various drugs.

How to treat ringworm?

Any skin changes, itching or other symptoms should be reported to a doctor. Only a specialist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

In the treatment of this vast group of diseases, united by the term “lichen”, an integrated approach should be followed.

The combination of drugs should only be recommended by a doctor, depending on the characteristics of the patient’s disease and the concomitant causes of its occurrence!

Due to the fact that “lichen” is a skin disease, the most attention should be paid to external treatment.

Ointments and creams against lichen

What are the ointments and creams for the treatment of lichen

Superficial action

1) Protective (used to protect against adverse environmental factors)

skin)

Deep action

1) Penetrating (penetration to deep layers of the skin is possible)

2) Resorptive (drugs in the composition of the ointment penetrate from the site of direct application of the ointment into the bloodstream)

Monocomponent

Contain one active ingredient (antimycotic agent, antibiotic, steroid )

Combination

Contains a combination of active substances (antibiotic and antimycotic agent, antibiotic and glucocorticosteroid (GSC), salicylic acid, GCS and antimycotic drug)

For the treatment of ringworm and pityriasis versicolor , as a rule, antifungal ointments are used that inhibit the growth, disrupt the vital activity of the fungus and lead to its death (sertaconazole), for example, Zalain ^® Cream.

Prevention of lichen

Preventive measures to prevent the development of lichen:

Personal hygiene

Treatment of sweating

Veterinary supervision of animals (cats, dogs)

Treatment of chronic infection foci

Stress management

Immunity enhancement

Answers to questions

Is lichen contagious?

Answer: Not always, it depends on the type of lichen. For example, when infected with ringworm, as a rule, sick animals or objects infected with their hair are the source of infection, and in some cases the disease is transmitted from one child to another. Types of lichen, such as scaly or pink, occur for unknown reasons and are not contagious.

Why is ringworm considered a childhood disease?

Answer: Indeed, the age range of incidence of ringworm is 3-7 years. Adults rarely get sick due to the presence of fungistatic (fungal-inhibiting) organic acids in their skin.

Can ringworm go away without treatment?

Answer: Sometimes yes, for example, pink lichen resolves on its own. But in most cases, these are chronic, recurrent diseases that require treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

How to avoid the reappearance of lichen?

Answer: It depends on the cause of the lichen, since there are various methods to avoid recurrence (recurrence) of the disease. If a fungal infection occurs, it is recommended to use external broad-spectrum agents. In other cases, parallel treatment of foci of chronic infection (chronic tonsillitis, carious teeth) is necessary. In some cases, severe stress can cause skin lesions to develop.

Popular articles

More articles

Sources

1. Guidelines No. 131. Lichen planus of the oral mucosa: clinic, diagnosis, treatment, prevention. Potekaev N. N., Zhukova O. V., Tereshchenko A. V., Dzhapueva A. Ya., Katunina O. R., Frigo N. V.
2. Book. Tinea Versicolor Mehdi Karray, William P. McKinney In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.2021 Aug 11.PMID: 29494106. Bookshelf ID: NBK482500
3. Book. Tinea Capitis Ahmad M. Al Aboud 1, Jonathan S. Crane In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.2022 May 8. PMID: 30725594. Bookshelf ID: NBK536909
4. Review Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2020;14(1):58-68. Tinea Capitis: An Updated Review Alexander K C Leung, Kam L Hon, Kin F Leong, Benjamin Barankin, Joseph M Lam. PMID: 31

   2. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624

5. Book Pityriasis Rosea Graham Litchman, Pragya A. Nair, Jacqueline K. Le In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2022 May 8. PMID: 28846360. Bookshelf ID: NBK448091
6. Beview Dermatology. 2016;232(4):431-7. Pityriasis Rosea: A Comprehensive Classification Francesco Drago, Giulia Ciccarese, Alfredo Rebora, Francesco Broccolo, Aurora Parodi PMID: 27096928. DOI: 10.1159/000445375
7. Book. Herpes Zoster Pragya A. Nair, Bhupendra C. Patel In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Nov 2. PMID: 28722854. Bookshelf ID: NBK441824
8. Journal List Viruses. Feb 2022; 14(2): 192. Herpes zoster: A Review of Clinical Manifestations and Management Anant Patil, Mohamad Goldust, Uwe Wollina. doi: 10.3390/v14020192 PMCID: PMC8876683 PMID: 35215786
9. Book. Lichen Planus David L. Arnold, Karthik Krishnamurthy In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2022 May 1. PMID: 30252382. Bookshelf ID: NBK526126
10. Review J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Oct;33(10):1847-1862. Lichen planus: a comprehensive evidence-based analysis of medical treatment Husein-ElAhmed, U Gieler, M Steinhoff. PMID: 31265737. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15771
11. Review Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022 Jan;23(1):13-24. New Topical Therapies for Psoriasis Ana Maria Lé, Tiago Torres. PMID: 34705167. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-021-00649-w
12. Guttate Psoriasis. Dahlia Saleh, Laura S. Tanner In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 29494104. Bookshelf ID: NBK482498
13. J Clin Med. March 2022; 11(6): 1506. Adherence and Persistence to Biological Drugs for Psoriasis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Eugenia Piragine, Davide Petri, Alma Martelli, Agata Janowska, Valentina Dini, Marco Romanelli, Vincenzo Calderone, Ersilia Lucenteforte3. doi: 10.3390/jcm11061506. PMCID: PMC8953825. PMID: 35329831
14. Book. Lichen Sclerosus Amal Chamli, Asmahane Souissi In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 30855834. Bookshelf ID: NBK538246
15. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2020 Jan-Jun; 41(1): 1–9. Anogenital lichen sclerosus Manjyot Manish Gautam, Vasundhara Singh, Nitin J. Nadkarni, and Sharmila P. Patil PMCID: PMC7529185. PMID: 33062974. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_49_17
16. Skin and venereal diseases: textbook / ed. O. Yu. Olisova. – M.: Practical medicine, 2017. – 288 p.: ill.
17. Review J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jan;34 Suppl 1:13-21. Hand eczema: treatment P Elsner, T Agner. PMID: 31860736. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16062
18. Kuban Scientific Medical Bulletin Vol. 28, No. 2 (2021)
19. Lichen planus. Modern methods of therapy: a systematic review M. M. Tlish, P. S. Osmolovskaya https://doi.org/10.25207/1608-6228-2021-28-2-104-119 use of the drug Zalain cream reg. No.: P N015678
20. Randomized Controlled Trial, Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Dec;34(8): e837-9. Sertaconazole 2% cream vs. miconazole 2% cream for cutaneous mycoses: a double-blind clinical trial H Ghaninejad, K Gholami, P Hashemi, M Hajibabai, Z Rahbar, M S Farivar, F Mastani, A Rashidi PMID: 19793095. DOI: Comparative Study. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1996 Apr;37(4):815-9. In-vitro antifungal activity of sertaconazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole against yeasts of the Candida genus A J Carrilo-Muñoz, C Tur, J TorresPMID: 8722548. DOI: 10.1093/jac/37.4.815
21. Comparative Study. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1996 Apr;37(4):815-9. In-vitro antifungal activity of sertaconazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole against yeasts of the Candida genus A J Carrilo-Muñoz, C Tur, J TorresPMID: 8722548. DOI: 10.1093/jac/37.4.815
22. Review. cutis. 2008 Jun;81(6 Suppl):4-18; quiz 19-20. Comprehensive management of patients with superficial fungal infections: the role of sertaconazole nitrate James Q Del Rosso. PMID: 18693645
23. Carrillo-Muñoz AJ, Tur-Tur C, Giusiano G, Marcos-Arias C, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, Quindós G. Sertaconazole: an antifungal agent for the topical treatment of superficial candidiasis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013 Apr;11(4):347-58. doi: 10. 1586/eri.13.17. PMID: 23566144.
24. Sur R., Babad J.M., Garay M., Liebel F.T., Southall M.D. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sertaconazole Nitrate Is Mediated via Activation of a p38-COX-2-PGE2 Pathway. J Invest Dermatol. 2008;128(2):336-344. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700972.
25. Kaur S., Sur R., Liebel F.T., Southall M.D. Induction of Prostaglandin D2 through the p38 MAPK Pathway Is Responsible for the Antipruritic Activity of Sertaconazole Nitrate. J Invest Dermatol. 2010;130(10):2448-2456. doi: 10.1038/jid.2010.152.

HAS CONTRAINDICATIONS.
YOU NEED TO CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

Your browser is outdated, we recommend updating it to the latest version
or using another more modern one.

How to diagnose ringworm – advice from a dermatologist

How to diagnose ringworm – advice from a dermatologist

Recording 24/7

Find the center and
write down for diagnostics

+7(812)209-29-49

org/BreadcrumbList”>
• home
• Ringworm

How to diagnose ringworm: Ringworm is a common fungal infection. The initial diagnosis of ringworm will require a consultation with a dermatologist.

Quick navigation

Symptoms of ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. It may appear red, silver, or darker than the surrounding skin. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen, or itchy. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (athlete’s itch). The rash is usually ring-shaped, but it may look different on the face, neck, or scalp. Sometimes the rash grows or more than one fungal lesion appears. Ringworm on the face or scalp can also cause patchy hair loss.

Causes

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. It can be transmitted through close contact with:

• an infected person or animal
• an infected object such as sheets, combs or towels.
• with infected soil – although this is less common.

Diagnosis of ringworm

The patient should consult a dermatologist if he observes in himself:

• Ringworm did not improve after using the antifungal medication recommended by the pharmacist
• has ringworm on the scalp – usually the patient will need prescription antifungal tablets and shampoo
• a weakened immune system – for example, due to chemotherapy, steroids or diabetes.

Treatment

Treatment of ringworm will require the use of antifungal drugs. To stop the spread of lichen you should:

• start treatment as soon as possible
• wash towels and sheets regularly
• keep skin clean
• wash hands after touching animals
• Check your skin regularly if you have been in contact with an infected person or animal
• contact your veterinarian if your pet may have ringworm
• do not share towels, combs, or linens with people who have ringworm
• do not scratch ringworm rash – it can spread to other parts of the body.

Author: Makarova Ksenia Nikolaevna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Where does the appointment: Mirramed Aesthetic Medicine Center

Share: 9 0003

The best specialists in St. Petersburg with a rating of 4.5+

Bortuleva Victoria Valerievna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2006

Where does the appointment: ID-Clinic, Infectious Diseases Clinic, Center for Medical Mycology. Kashkin

Kozminsky Evgeny Borisovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1997

Where does the appointment: ID-Clinic Infectious Diseases Clinic, City Department of Internal Affairs

Podkovyrkina Alena Anatolyevna

Specialization: Dermatologist, Trichologist

Medical experience: since 2013

Where does the reception: MC Baltmed Ozerki

Volnitsky Ivan Vasilyevich

Specialization: Dermatologist, Trichologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the appointment: MC Baltmed Ozerki, Cosmetology Equigene

Kutkovich Andrey Vladimirovich

Specialization: Oncologist, Dermatologist, Mammologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 2010

Where does the appointment: MC Baltmed Ozerki, CDC 78, Department of Early Diagnosis and Cancer Prevention

Popov Petr Vasilyevich

Specialization: Dermatologist, Trichologist

Medical experience: since 2002

Where does the reception: MC Baltmed Ozerki

Borisov Sergey Vladimirovich

Specialization: Oncologist, Dermatologist, Mammologist, Surgeon

Medical experience: since 1987

Where does the appointment: Baltmed Ozerki clinic, MEDIKA Gzhatskaya clinic, Poema Zdorovya Clinic

Lysova Valentina Yurievna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2015

Where does the reception: MC Baltmed Ozerki

Narchaeva Selbi Agaevna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2001

Where does the reception: MC Baltmed Ozerki, MC Dynasty Lenina

Khostikoeva Kamilla Kazbekovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2018

Where does the reception: MC Baltmed Ozerki

Shtylina Julia Vadimovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter

Starkov Sergey Viktorovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2004

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter

Pivak Anastasia Viktorovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2018

Where does the reception: MC Medicenter

Shvyrev Denis Nikolaevich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: MC Medpomoshch 24 Zanevsky

Maya Semyonova

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2003

Where does the reception: MC Medpomoshch 24 Balkan

Makovey Yana Nikolaevna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2013

Where does the reception: MC Medpomoshch 24 Balkansky, MC REMEDY, MC AsMedia Chernyshevsky

Sokolov Grigory Nikitich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1998

Where does the reception: MC March

Balaban Olga Ivanovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2009

Where does the reception: MC Energo Kyiv

Gordienko Leonid Alekseevich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1988

Where does the reception: MC Energy of Health, City Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 2

Vetlitsky Dmitry Anatolyevich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1989

Where does the reception: MC Longa Vita, ABIA on the Queen

Oleg Kudlak

Specialization: Dermatologist, Surgeon, Proctologist

Medical experience: since 2012

Where does the reception: MC Longa Vita, Medical On Group for Veterans

Yankelevich Elizaveta Ilyinichna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2015

Where does the reception: MC Longa Vita

Litenev Leonid Andreevich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Smirnov Konstantin Valerievich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1999

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya

Pisarenko Natalia Leonidovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1996

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Kolesnikova Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2016

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, MEDSI Clinic St. Petersburg

Protopopov Daniil Olegovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2014

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov, SM-Clinic on Danube

Ibragimov Grigory Yurievich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1989

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Danube, SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya, Desir Clinic on Moskovsky

Barbinov Denis Vyacheslavovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2010

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Galich Margarita Dmitrievna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2006

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Dyshko Larisa Anatolyevna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1999

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

Zinovieva Tatyana Vladimirovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2007

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Kurbanbayeva Gozel Bakhtiyarovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2018

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Marshal Zakharov, SZTSDM on Bogatyrsky, LIK Cosmetology Center (LIK)

Lukyanchuk Maxim Vladimirovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2017

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya, Desir on Kolomyazhsky, Desir Clinic on Moskovsky

Mozgova Olga Viktorovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1981

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Udarnikov

Romanova Alena Olegovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2015

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky, Clinic A-media

Semyachkov Sergey Viktorovich

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2010

Where does the appointment: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky, Podology Center on Petrogradskaya

Utkina Natalya Aleksandrovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2003

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Vyborgsky

Khramovich Anastasia Vladimirovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 2011

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Malaya Balkanskaya

Shurkus Inna Vladimirovna

Specialization: Dermatologist

Medical experience: since 1989

Where does the reception: SM-Clinic on Danube

References:

1. Akimov V. G. Photodermatoses // Skin and venereal diseases: A guide for doctors / Ed. Yu.K. Skripkina. M.: Medicine, 1995. – V.2. -p.341-365.
2. Dubensky V.V., Redko R.V., Garmonov A.A. Skin neoplasms in the practice of a dermatovenereologist / Ed. V.V.Dubensky. Tver: LLC Publishing House “Triada”, 2002. – 148 e .: ill.
3. European guidelines for the treatment of dermatological diseases / Ed. A.D. Katsambasa, T.M. Lotti: Per. from English. M.: MEDpress-inform, 2008. – 736 e.: ill.
4. Playfair D. Visual immunology. M.: Medicine. – 1999. -S. 32-41.
5. Tarshis M.G., Zhukov S.E. Animal diseases dangerous to humans-M.: Kolos, 1997-113 p.
6. Fitzpatrick T., Johnson R., Wulf K. et al. Dermatology: Atlas Handbook / Per. from English. M.: Practice, 1999. – 1088 p.

Latest diagnostic articles

Light rash polymorph

Light rash polymorph is a fairly common skin rash caused by exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light.