WHAT IT IS:

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch…these are names for a skin infection caused by a fungus. The medical name for these infections is “tinea”.

The classic presentation for ringworm (or tinea) is a ring-shaped, red, itchy rash that can appear anywhere on your skin, including your scalp. Not all tinea infections have a ring-shaped rash. For instance, people with athlete’s foot might instead have moist, raw skin between their toes, or flaking skin on the bottoms of their feet. People with jock itch often just have a red rash in the groin area.

Classic presentation:

Ringworm on the face and athletes’s foot:

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Usual treatment for ringworm is using an anti-fungal cream, gel, lotion, or powder. This has to be applied twice daily, for two to four weeks. Severe cases may need to be treated with oral medications that are taken for one to three months.

At Aria Aesthetics and Wellness, we offer laser treatments that help treat this fungus. We use the LightPod Neo® laser from Aerolase® to induce photothermolysis (short heat impulses) that kills the fungus. Your safety is our primary concern and you can have confidence knowing that all laser treatments are performed by a certified nurse practitioner.We also offer education on how to prevent re-occurrence after treatment.

For the typical (mild) case of ringworm, only one laser treatment is needed to kill the fungus. The skin itself will take about 7 to 10 days before it returns to normal, even thought the fungus is gone. This is part of the normal healing process. You can return to sports activity after the treatment, as the area treated is no longer contagious. We can provide you with a treatment certificate if needed for you to return to a sports activity, for example jiu-jitsu. Make sure you follow the post care treatment recommendations to prevent re-occurrence of ringworm (see below).

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Your skin will be cleaned with a gentle cleanser. You will be provided eye protection to wear during the procedure. A small hand piece or “wand” is placed against your skin and the laser is activated. The hand piece is re-positioned and the laser is activated again. The size or the area treated will determine the number of laser activations, or “pulses,” required. There is minimal pain associated with the procedure and at most will feel similar to a rubber band snapping lightly against your skin.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT:

We recommend you wash all things that came in contact with your ringworm: sock, shoes, towels, sports clothing, bedding, etc. You must treat all areas that have ringworm at the same time, or you will likely spread it again.

TIPS:

  • Do not share unwashed clothes, sports gear, or towels with other people
  • Always wear slippers or sandals when at the gym, pool, public showers, or other public areas
  • Wash with soap and shampoo after sports or exercise
  • Change your socks and underwear at least once a day
  • Keep your skin clean and dry

FORMS:

Follow this link to view the pre and post treatment information and to review the consent form. FORMS

Please email us at info@arianc.com with any questions you have.