Ringworm tests

[Genny78]

I’ve started with a red patch which suddenly appeared in my hair just behind the hairline. So itchy it was painful and kept me awake all night. Since then it’s sore rather than itchy. I thought it might be the start of shingles as it’s been so painful but no blisters have appeared. It’s not wet or oozy just red and a bit shiny but dermol cream has been soothing. So now I suspect fungal and Google tells me I need antifungal tablets and shampoo. I have a doctors appointment on Monday. Is it worth getting cream from the chemist in the meantime? Also can doctors skin scrape to check which type of fungus as I have a fungal nail and I’m worried it might have spread from there via bedding?

The best way to test whether it's ringworm is to use what's called a ' black light' to shine on it. These are lights that use UV rays, and if it's shone on a patch of ringworm,the patch glows. These lights can be bought for a couple of quid or less on Amazon. I've had a patch of ringworm on my left arm on and off for 2 years now. My GP prescribed Canesten antifungal cream to use on it. This works after about a week of applying it twice a day,the patch disappears,stays gone for a couple of months,then comes back again,in exactly the same place! I'm just keep hoping that every time it returns,it will be the last time. Thankfully,it doesn't bother me much,just a bit itchy.

They can do scrapings but generally will diagnose from how it looks/location/associated symptoms.

Also the treatment for ringworm is relatively benign, ketoconazole shampoo, it's available over the counter- if it doesn't improve then might get scrapings to confirm what it is.

You've got to keep treating for at least 2 weeks after it looks completely gone to prevent it coming back.

I’ve had ringworm loads due to growing up in the country. Go to the doctors, get cream, apply cream. This might even be the kind of thing a pharmacist can sort out these days.

I know vets diagnose it with a special UV light. Not sure if doctors have that?
Yuu could try putting daktarin cream on it as that's what you can use for ringworm. Obviously that's not ideal for hair but it will probably help. You can get that from any pharmacy.

Ok. Thank you.

I think it being in the hair makes it more difficult and I’m worried about having a bald patch

Thank you for info.

im worried about spores being around the house and family members catching it. Does washing at 60 c kill it on bedding? Google answers seem to vary. My washing machine has 60 degrees and 90degrees but not sure if you can wash synthetics sheets, towels on 90 degrees. Apart from hoovering the house and wiping surfaces how are you supposed to get rid of it in the house?

Thank you. Do you know how easy it is to spread to other family members? And how would indisinfect a comb?

Yeah, I know what you mean. Maybe ask the pharmacist for anti fungal shampoo? The daktarin or shampoo won't harm you even if it turns out not to be ringworm.

As for spreading it I would keep to your own towel, hairbrush and comb. Perhaps soak the hairbrush and comb in some disinfectant. Towels washed at 60 should be ok.

In the countryside you catch it because a cow or sheep has it and scratched themselves against a gatepost etc. then you come along and climb over the gate rubbing the post with your leg along the way. So wash you hand if you scratch it.

Thank you.

Any idea what sort of disinfectant to use?