Assistance Needed for a 13-Year-Old with Ringworm
Hello, I'm a 13-year-old girl and I've been struggling with ringworm for six weeks now. I visited a physician who prescribed a cream called Ketoconazole 2%. While it has reduced the appearance of the rings, it's not completely effective. The rings are somewhat characterized by lighter patches resembling my skin tone, with some lacking this feature entirely. Currently, the cream has only managed to lessen the marks a bit. My mother mistakenly thought my condition was due to allergies and got me some medication for that, but it hasn't made a difference. The rashes are quite itchy and are situated under my armpit, around my neck, and on my upper back. Notably, the patches on my collarbone refuse to fade or reduce in redness regardless of how much cream I apply. The ones on my back and armpit have lightened slightly, although the armpit area shows minimal improvement. Unfortunately, it seems I keep getting new patches that do not clear up; instead, they stack upon each other, which is very frustrating. My mother hasn’t taken me back for a follow-up appointment, as she typically does not like to visit the doctor more than once for the same issue. Initially, I had the ringworm for over two weeks before receiving treatment. At one point, they even tried applying lemon juice, which was painful and ineffective until I accompanied my sick sister for her appointment (they figured I was tough enough to handle it). Any recommendations or insights would be truly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 12:21:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging case of ringworm, and I'm glad you reached out for assistance. Ringworm can be persistent and frustrating, especially when treatment doesn’t seem to lead to complete healing. Let's go through some important points and actionable steps that may help.
Main Points
- Ongoing Symptoms: The ringworm is not fully clearing up, and you're experiencing itchiness and new patches.
- Current Treatment: You're using a cream (Ketoconazole 2%) that has shown some improvement but isn't completely effective.
- Need for Further Action: Given the persistence of the infection and the fact that new patches are appearing, additional steps are needed.
Explanation
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can sometimes be stubborn, particularly if it doesn’t respond well to initial treatments. The fact that you have new patches developing suggests that the infection might not be completely cleared from your skin or that there may be a spreading issue. The areas of your skin tone might suggest the healing process, while the remaining redness indicates irritation.
Recommended Next Steps
-
Continue Using the Cream: Apply the Ketoconazole cream exactly as prescribed, ensuring you cover the affected areas fully. Remember to wash your hands after applying the cream to avoid spreading the fungus to other areas of your body.
-
Improve Hygiene Practices:
- Keep the Area Dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so ensure the affected areas are kept dry. Use breathable clothing and avoid tight garments that may trap moisture.
- Regularly Wash Clothes and Bed Linens: Use hot water and a regular detergent to help eliminate any fungal spores.
-
Track Your Symptoms: Document any changes in your skin, including new patches or reaction to the medication. This information can be important if you need further medical advice.
-
Consider Alternative Treatments:
- Over-the-Counter Options: If you don’t see improvement in another week or two, consider discussing with a trusted adult about trying an over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment, such as clotrimazole or terbinafine.
-
Follow Up with a Doctor: Since the treatment so far has not yielded full results, it would be beneficial to see a healthcare provider again. Especially if you're getting new patches, they may want to consider a more potent oral antifungal medication, which can be more effective for stubborn infections.
-
Discuss with Your Mother: It's important to communicate your concerns to your mom. Let her know how much this is bothering you and that getting a follow-up could help in resolving this issue faster and preventing new patches.
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel frustrated with your current situation, but taking these steps can lead you closer to healing. You are not alone in this, and ringworm is a common issue that can be treated effectively with the right approach. Don't hesitate to seek additional help when needed. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your skin again.
Related Questions
A Concerning Health Situation
I am currently faced with a series of troubling symptoms that I believe are interconnected. Here's a summary of the manifestations I've been experiencing, listed in the order they appeared: - Overactive bladder functionality - Muscle twitches and spasms - Hand tremors - Uncontrollable movements in my face, arms, and hands - Increased sensitivity to warmth - Recurring abdominal discomfort - Constant fatigue - Trouble sleeping and difficulties with waking up - Vocal outbursts, primarily sudden shouts - A recurring facial rash that lasts between 3 to 7 days - Rashes or hives affecting my eyes and neck that persist for 2 to 4 days - Episodes of mental disorganization or brain fog - Regular bloating - Challenges with spontaneous speech - Poor memory recall - Persistent fatigue - Headaches - Intermittent muscle weakness or stiffness - Pain in the bones - Occasional confusion - A significant drop in coordination, resulting in poor balance and collisions with objects - Gastrointestinal disturbances like IBS, alternating between constipation and diarrhea - Deteriorating vision - Continued episodes of brain fog - Struggles with reading and writing - Increased hair loss - Discomfort in my back, neck, and joints - Muscle rigidity and uncomfortable tension - Sudden, intense feelings of anger or distress that seem without reason - Difficulties seeing in moderately lit environments, especially without additional lighting or direct sunlight - Two episodes resembling seizures - Challenges in comprehending spoken language - Stuttering and lapses in memory, including forgetting words and their meanings - Sensations akin to pins and needles in the back of my head - Difficulty processing large amounts of written information and counting. At present, I am awaiting results from blood tests, an EEG, and a follow-up MRI. Unfortunately, I have had to cease my work responsibilities, and my specialist appointments occur at infrequent intervals. It is essential for me to come prepared with suggestions for my next visit, as my doctor does not seem to be actively seeking a diagnosis for these troubling issues.
Request for Translation of Medical Report
I have been experiencing discomfort in my mid-back area and recently underwent an X-ray examination. At 28 years of age and having maintained a regular workout regimen for approximately 6 to 7 years, I noticed the pain developed following a session of machine rows where I intensely stretched my lat muscles. My experience with back pain is limited; it tends to surface only during specific movements. Fortunately, my blood tests, including uric acid levels, have returned normal results. In the digital X-ray of my entire spine (anterior-posterior/lateral views), the following observations were made: - There is a noted straightening of the cervical and lumbar lordotic curvatures. - A mild retrolisthesis has been identified, with the L5 vertebra positioned slightly posterior to the S1 vertebral body. - Small anterior marginal osteophytes can be seen at the C4 to C6 vertebrae. - There are mild degenerative changes observed at the endplates of the C5 and C6 vertebrae. - The intervertebral disc space at L5-S1 appears to be diminished in height. - The remaining vertebrae and intervertebral discs within the visualized areas show normal height. - The pre- and paravertebral soft tissues appear to be in normal condition. - Visualized ribs also present normal findings. - There are mild suspicious sclerotic changes noted in the subarticular regions of both sacroiliac joints; however, the spaces of these joints seem normal otherwise. RECOMMENDATION: Further clinical correlation is advised to interpret these findings.
Assessing My Wound: Am I Healing or Facing an Infection?
Greetings! As someone who tends to worry about health issues, I would greatly appreciate an evaluation of my wound from a medical perspective. To provide some background, I am a 26-year-old woman who sustained a significant puncture from a piece of rusty chicken wire near a drainage area. For the past week, I've been on co-amoxiclav antibiotics, taking two doses daily. Additionally, I've been treating the wound with chlorhexidine spray and applying mupirocin ointment, as well as taking mefenamic acid three times a day. I also received both my tetanus booster and the first dose of immunoglobulin. My main worry is that, despite the wound appearing to close well on the second day, my foot has become quite swollen and inflamed, having undergone significant swelling for the last day. What signs should I look for to determine if my wound is healing properly or if there’s an infection present? Thank you for your assistance!
Dealing with Mouth Sores After Kissing My Partner
I’m a 23-year-old female, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5'7" tall. Since I started dating my boyfriend, I have experienced recurring mouth sores. It seems that each time we meet and kiss, I end up with painful sores shortly afterward. Today was particularly upsetting because, following our kiss, I developed significant discomfort all around my mouth. The sores have been quite severe. Its perplexing because I’ve never had this problem before meeting him. My boyfriend previously mentioned that he battled gingivitis for six months due to alcoholism and neglecting his dental hygiene. In contrast, I consistently maintain my dental health; I attend regular dental cleanings every six months. My dentist has commended me on my tooth care during my last visit, praising my oral hygiene. Conversely, my boyfriend hasn’t had a dental cleaning in about 20 months, and at his most recent appointment, he was informed that his gums were not in good condition. He is only 22, and it’s concerning that he doesn’t prioritize taking care of his teeth. I am beginning to worry that the bacteria in his mouth might be affecting my oral health, and I can’t shake the feeling that there might be underlying issues he hasn’t disclosed. Additionally, I want to mention that the sores have also appeared on my tongue. We do not engage in oral sex—our interactions remain strictly to kissing, and we always use protection during intimate moments.
Dealing with Nocturia: Seeking Solutions
For the last three years, I have been averaging only four to five hours of sleep each night. The primary reason for my restless nights is that I frequently wake up early due to the need to use the restroom and struggle to drift back to sleep. This occurs even when I avoid consuming any fluids for at least three hours prior to going to bed. During a recent consultation, a physician suggested that my bladder tends to empty at inconvenient times and that I might need to "retrain" it to release at more appropriate intervals. However, I'm uncertain about how to actually implement this retraining process. Additionally, we discussed my latest blood test results, which revealed some concerning kidney function indicators. For instance, my Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level was at 25, surpassing the normal upper limit of 20, while my estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) registered at 92—just shy of the acceptable threshold of 90. Despite these findings, my doctor assured me that I am in good health, attributing some of these anomalies to the 12-hour fasting I underwent before the test. However, I feel that my doctor may not fully grasp the significant impact this issue has had on my daily life, and I am anxious to find a resolution. Is it advisable to seek a second opinion from another medical professional? If I do choose to pursue this route, would it be more effective to consult with a urologist directly rather than going through a general practitioner first? Or should I assume that neither specialist can offer a solution beyond what my initial GP has already suggested, leaving me to cope with this ongoing issue?