Q&A for How to Identify and Treat Ringworm

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Question

How is ringworm spread?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Ringworm is spread by contact, either with humans, animals, or the environment.

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Question

What if I have a rash doesn't itch and it looks like ring worm, but it's just there?

Shari Forschen, NP, MA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Shari has worked in healthcare since 1996 and her expertise lies in acute care bedside nursing on a medical oncology floor. She received her degree from Medcenter one College of Nursing in 2003 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters from the University of North Dakota in 2014. Shari is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

If this skin condition you have has been there for long time, would recommend to be evaluated by physician or dermatologist to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for it.

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Question

Should I put the anti-fungal cream, then put a bandaid on, or just let it air out?

Shari Forschen, NP, MA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Shari has worked in healthcare since 1996 and her expertise lies in acute care bedside nursing on a medical oncology floor. She received her degree from Medcenter one College of Nursing in 2003 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters from the University of North Dakota in 2014. Shari is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

If it is in an area that others can touch, then covering it with bandaid is good tactic to prevent spreading it to other people. If it is covered by clothing, than no bandaid is necessary.

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Question

Can Whitfield's ointment be used in the treatment of ringworm in children?

Shari Forschen, NP, MA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Shari has worked in healthcare since 1996 and her expertise lies in acute care bedside nursing on a medical oncology floor. She received her degree from Medcenter one College of Nursing in 2003 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters from the University of North Dakota in 2014. Shari is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

The American Academy of Family Physicians (2016) recommend Whitfield's ointment be used on children no younger than 12 years of age.

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Question

Is it ok to wrap my leg with plastic after applying the cream?

Shari Forschen, NP, MA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Shari has worked in healthcare since 1996 and her expertise lies in acute care bedside nursing on a medical oncology floor. She received her degree from Medcenter one College of Nursing in 2003 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters from the University of North Dakota in 2014. Shari is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Generally, applying cream to skin and allowing it soak in is all that is necessary. No plastic is necessary.

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Question

I have eczema and ringworm — might they be connected?

Shari Forschen, NP, MA
Family Nurse Practitioner
Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Shari has worked in healthcare since 1996 and her expertise lies in acute care bedside nursing on a medical oncology floor. She received her degree from Medcenter one College of Nursing in 2003 and her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters from the University of North Dakota in 2014. Shari is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Shari Forschen, NP, MA

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Both are different entities. Eczema can stem from different entities and ringworm is fungal. They are treated separately and differently and so no, they are not related, rather just coincidental.

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