You find that you have itchy spots of red on your skin. You might have discovered that you have a case of ringworm. It sounds like a terrible thing, but if you realize that with a small handful of over the counter medication you can lick this infection, you can rest easier.

Fungus is the known cause of this skin condition, and it feeds on all the skin and hair cells that have died, and this feeding is the itching sensation that drives you crazy. The infection is ringed, resembling a worm, hence its name. This itchiness can lead to a sore rash. Ringworm can be discovered anywhere on your body, from the groin and major body parts up to the face and the scalp.

No one is safe from this highly contagious fungal infection. The infection can be spread through direct contact with another infected person, and even pets. Direct skin contact isn't the only way to spread ringworm. Sharing items like hairbrushes, towels, clothes and any other things of a personal nature can spread it to others.

As stated, there are medications that can take care of ringworm. In all but the most extreme cases, seeing a doctor is unnecessary, because over the counter medicines are readily available. All of these are considered safe to use, and effective, and can be used either topically around the infection itself, or by oral consumption.

The first effective over the counter medication to consider is Ketoconaole, which is both a cream and a shampoo to take care of the ringworm that has infected the scalp area, causing itching and flaking. The cream is designed to decrease the growth of the infection-causing fungus, and is used once a day for anywhere from two to six weeks. The shampoo is also used in the controlling of dandruff.

Next comes Miconazole, which is an antifungal cream that not only takes care of the growing of the fungus, but also acts as an antibacterial agent. There are not a lot of side effects when using it. The commercial brand, Micatin, is used on jock itch and athlete's feet, to provide relief from burning and discomfort, scaling and itching.

Mycelex gives a great cure that is very effective and can be found at a low price. The main active ingredient in Mycelex, butoconazole nitrate, goes after the fungus itself.

Readily available Selsun Blue shampoo is used on the scalp to treat the itching and flaking of the skin as an over the counter dandruff medication. It uses aloe and other types of moisturizers, and is great for those with sensitive skin. Sufferers can also use Selsun Blue directly on the skin to help in the treatment of ringworm.

Lotrimin is a common antifungal treatment for use against ringworm. You can get Lotrimin at most supermarkets and drug stores.

Antifungal medicines can be taken and used at home. Treatments usually last around two weeks at a minimum, but are typically as long as a month. It is important to remember that when you start a treatment for ringworm, that you finish it, even after the ringworm appears to be gone. You want to do this so your ringworm infection doesn't return.

It is reassuring to know that if you see an infection that turns out to be ringworm that there are easily accessible and affordable over the counter treatments available for you. It is important to remember that all of the over the counter medications described here are to be used early on in the infection. You don't want to use these medications on sever ringworm cases. In the same thought, you don't want to use these on children, but in both occurences, severity and children, a doctor should be consulted.

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