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How can I be sure that my ringworm is gone? Tinea Manuum

Posted , 2 users are following.

shawnp720
shawnp720

I've been suffering from ringworm on my left index finger for a little over a month now and have been taking Terbinafine pills ever since July 5th. I went to the doctor again on August 2nd, who then did a KOH test and said he did not find any fungus under the microscope. I asked if I could still take the Terbinafine pills for 2 more weeks to heal up, because the skin around the finger still looks "flakey". He said that it's residual scaling and it should heal up by itself in two weeks, but that taking the pills should be okay. How can I tell if this is actually gone? I know I should trust my dermatologist, but I have never had an experience so debilitating like ringworm on the finger. I haven't typed using my left index finger, I've been avoiding touching/playing with my cats for the past 5 weeks, I can't play guitar, piano, or video games, and I can't lift weights. Most of this is me being scared of getting reinfected or infecting others. Please help.

I've attached a picture of my finger from 2 days ago, with "flakes" visible. If it doesn't work, here is a link http://imgur.com/E3zCRqG

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest shawnp720

    Posted

    Hi shawnp720, Terbinafine has a half-life of 200-400 hours in skin in adipose tissue. That means even after stopping the medication Terbinafine is still present in the skin and is very slowly cleared thus continuing to have antifungal properties. 

    On a side note: Would it not be possible to apply Terbinafine cream to the finger until the skin has completely healed? It might also help moisturise the skin a little bit and reduce the flaking. 

    • shawnp720
      shawnp720 Guest

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply, danR! I've just been so paranoid but hearing that the medication will still continue to have antifungal properties is nice to hear. 

      My dermatologist said not to use (or that I really don't need to) use anymore cream to my finger. I have already used Tinactin cream for the full 4 weeks alongside the pills, so he was saying I did what I needed to do and it just needs to be healed. I just hope that this is over soon. I'm too scared to touch my hair or face if I have a tiny strand of hair or an itch. 

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