Why is the ringworm persistent?
Aug 09, 2013
My housemaid has had ringworm for almost a year. I have taken her to several doctors, but the skin disease has persisted. I ensure that she bathes twice every day and changes clothes, but this has not helped.
Dear Doctor,
My housemaid has had ringworm for almost a year. I have taken her to several doctors, but the skin disease has persisted. I ensure that she bathes twice every day and changes clothes, but this has not helped.
Is there a possibility that the skin condition cannot be cured among certain people?
Worried Mum
Dear worried Mum,
Ringworm can be cured, but it depends on the skin type. It can be superficial; appearing on the skin or deep inside the tissues. If the infection is deep inside and one is applying anti-fungal creams on the skin, one may not heal.
Alternatively, if one is applying the medication only on the patches, chances are that one may miss some areas that are not visible to the eye, so the ringworm keeps multiplying. In addition, anti-fungal treatment is subject to interruption if taken with other drugs or chemical substances.
For effective results, ringworm should be treated with both oral and topical (skin application) drugs.