Ringworm - if you aren't familiar with the ailment, it sounds like a medieval torture tactic. Unfortunately, it's not something left behind in the dark ages; ringworm is an age-old fungal infection that plagues humans and animals alike. This pesky little condition is highly contagious and can spread quickly from one area of the body to another or from person to person. Don't worry though because hydrocortisone cream may just end up being your superhero in this fight against ringworm!
What exactly is ringworm?
Let us take a closer look at what we are dealing with here before we go any further. Contrary to its name, it has nothing to do with actual worms crawling around beneath your skin – thank goodness for that! It's actually caused by fungi known as tinea corporis that thrive on keratin found on our skin and nails.
Pro tip: Do not try googling “ringworm pictures” unless you want nightmares for days.
Symptoms of Ringworm
So how can you tell if you’ve been infected? Symptoms vary depending on which part of the body has been affected but often include: - Red circular rash with slightly raised edges (weird huh?) - Scaly or flaky patches within the circle (yep rashes get friendlier than Minecraft Zombies pretty quick)
If all this sounds straight out of The Walking Dead then don’t worry! There’s no need to start stocking up on canned goods as long as you deal swiftly (more about that later).
How does Hydrocortisone Cream work in treating Ringworm?
Hydrocortisone cream - many of us have heard about it some time back but maybe always wondered when we'll ever need it other than for mosquito bites, right? Well now definitely isn't a bad time to learn more about it as hydrocortisone cream works wonders in treating fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch.
But what exactly is hydrocortisone cream? Hydrocortisone cream is a type of corticosteroid commonly found over-the-counter at most pharmacies. It relieves itching by reducing inflammation in the affected area hence reducing redness, swelling and flakiness which accompanies an irritable rash.
When applied to an infected area (after washing and drying gently), Hydrocortisone combats inflammation caused by tinea corporis fungi. By doing this, it stops its continuous spread on your skin allowing you great relief from symptoms almost immediately.
How long does Hydrocortisone Cream take to cure Ringworm?
This tiny tube full of promises has no exact timeframe when it comes down to how fast it takes effect; generally speaking though, the majority of people start feeling immediate alleviation from their symptoms within one or two applications if used as directed.
The length of treatment depends largely on how far along the infection has progressed before successful detection - using longer for prolonged periods beyond recommendation may cause possible side effects so please speak with a doctor should you feel inclined to do so.
What else can I do besides using Hydrocortisone Cream?
While Ringworm isn't anything new, treatment options have changed form since medieval times. Here are some great ongoing practices that will help you combat this pesky fungus:
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Keeping damp areas dry: This includes everything from wet towels to sweaty gym clothes laying around in your room (straight into the wash they go!)
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Avoid sharing personal items with someone who might be also suffering such as hats/acne products/towels etc (ewww gross!! Cut them loose...)
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Regular handwashing reduces risk of infection especially after close contact with pets. (because a healthy pet is a happy master)
With this information, you’ve got everything you need to battle ringworm should it come knocking at your door.
Don’t just stand there and let the itching drive you nuts! Make sure Hydrocortisone Cream is added to your trustworthy sidekick (and thank us later!).