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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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