For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What is the best treatment?

Understanding the Context

Is this condition temporary or chronic? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth.

Key Insights

The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). Alternatives might be used if griseofulvin isn't working or your child is allergic to it. These include terbinafine and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura). Your child might need to take one of these medications for six weeks or ... Contrary to its moniker, ringworm is actually a fungal infection that can affect the nails, skin and hair of dogs and other animals.

Final Thoughts

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, dermatophytosis (or ... Learn to recognize common skin conditions in dogs, including allergies, ringworm, mange, yeast overgrowth, and alopecia. Buffalo News: THE FUNGUS AMONG US RINGWORM, WHICH CAN STRIKE HUMANS, UP SHARPLY IN PETS It might be time to give your furry family friends some serious skin scrutiny before wrapping them in a holiday hug. Area veterinarians are seeing a dramatic rise in ringworm cases, a skin disease ... THE FUNGUS AMONG US RINGWORM, WHICH CAN STRIKE HUMANS, UP SHARPLY IN PETS Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks.