Ringworm

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have ringworm on my leg.  I've applied an ointment on it which the pharmacist says should get rid of it but it is still around.  How long does it take for ringworm to go away?

Jessa

Dear Jessa,

Ringworms appear as red, circular patches.  This is caused by a fungus that may be transmitted through direct contact with infected persons or sharing towels and bedding of infected individuals.  Pets can also pass it on to humans. It can be spread through floors of swimming pools or communal showers. 

There are a number of anti-fungal creams in the market.  Applying antifungals for two to four weeks can take care of the problem, healing it within that time.  However, applying 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 ointments that may contain substances like steroid or salicylic acid may aggravate the ringworm and delay healing.  If you have any doubts that it really is a ring worm, just pop by a visit to your PDS derma to confirm the diagnosis. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

I've been having allergicrashes all over my body and my doctor says I am allergic to the antibiotic prescribed for my cough.  I am wondering why I am reacting to the medication only now, after 5 days of intake.  Also, can I eventually develop an immune resistance to this antibiotic?

Lala

Dear Lala,

Cutaneous drug reactions may occur immediately (within 24 hours) or much later.  As a matter of fact, an allergic reaction can occur after years of continuous use of the offending medicine.  The best way to diagnose it is to do a biopsy.  This skin biopsy can be done quickly and painlessly, while showing very minimal marks.

Treatment involves immediately stopping the intake of the suspected medicine. Your doctor may give you some steroids and antihistamines to counter the effect of the allergy.  However, do not count on developing an "immunity" to the suspected antibiotic.  You should actually be wary of the antibiotic and all related medicines all throughout your life.  You are lucky now that it is merely a skin rash that has developed.  The next time you might not be so lucky.  The more serious effects such as difficulty in breathing, seizures and even loss of consciousness can happen the second time you take the same antibiotic.

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Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).  For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.