Can i cover ringworm with a bandage

Your doctor might also recommend a topical antifungal cream or lotion. Follow their directions for application. Griseofulvin is the most commonly prescribed ringworm medication. You can take it along with high-fat foods, such as ice cream, to increase absorption and effectiveness. Use an antifungal shampoo for up to 8 weeks.

If your ringworm is anywhere near your hair line, your doctor will likely suggest an anti-fungal shampoo. Any over-the-counter shampoo with selenium sulfide will work. Twice a week apply the shampoo when showering. Keep it on your scalp for 10 minutes after lathering and then rinse. Seek additional treatment if you develop swelling around the ringworm. A tender, lumpy bump called a kerion can be a sign that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the ringworm fungus.

Kerions often develop on the scalp, including the edges of your face. Talk with your doctor about treating a kerion with oral steroids in order to minimize hair loss. If this is the case, you will not be able to apply makeup or other cosmetic products to the area until it is fully healed.

It may be embarrassing, but using an anti-fungal cream and letting the affected skin breathe uncovered is going to be the fastest way to heal! Covering the ringworm with a bandage or makeup may seem like a logical choice, but that can lock in moisture and slow down the healing process. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Taking daily showers and drying yourself thoroughly afterwards can help to reduce your chances of spreading or contracting ringworm once again. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Washing your hands with warm water and soap on a regular basis is actually a great way to prevent the spread of ringworm. Never share personal items, such as brushes, as this can be a common way of spreading ringworm infections from person to person.

Related wikiHows How to. How to. How to Recognize and Treat Carbuncles at Home. More References 3. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 5. Updated: September 16, Categories: Skin Conditions. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

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By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Follow Us. The edges of the area are red, raised or scaly. After the ring has formed, the skin inside the rash may look pink or almost normal.

The rash usually appears in only a few places on the skin but it may occur anywhere on the body and may itch. Ringworm rarely causes serious problems. Ringworm is contagious. It can spread to humans from puppies, kittens and pet rodents. It can also spread from people to people when someone touches the rash or handles something that has touched it. A few scales from the infected area may be scraped and sent to the lab for more testing. A single patch of ringworm can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.

The cream will usually contain miconazole, ketoconazole or clotrimazole. The fungus grows well on warm, dark, moist areas of the body. To prevent ringworm from spreading to others:. Skip to Content. Urgent Care. In This Section. After the area is clean, apply a thin layer of the medication up to twice daily. Continue applying for two weeks or longer. These medications include Sporanox, Lamisil and Diflucan.

Do not take any of these drugs if you are on medications for acid reflux or blood clotting. Although ringworm is difficult to prevent, you can reduce your chances of future infection, according to the Mayo Clinic 1.

Avoid wearing heavy clothes for long periods of time, as it can create moist conditions for ringworm to live. Also, stay away from animals that have patches of hair missing, which could be ringworm. Nicki Howell started her professional writing career in , specializing in areas such as health, fitness and personal finance.

She has been published at health care websites, such as HealthTree, and is a ghostwriter for a variety of small health care organizations. Monitor the health of your community here. More Articles. Mayo Clinic: Ringworm Medline Plus: Ringworm The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Diseases and Injuries. Should You Bandage Ringworm? Written by Nicki Howell. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Basingstoke UK : Palgrave Macmillan; Emerging fungal infections among children: A review on its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prevention. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Tinea Corporis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Tinea faciei starting at day two of life.