Also called ringworm, dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection that affects the face, body, nails, or scalp. The fungus causes the appearance of raised circular skin rashes which are not only unsightly but also painful. It is preferable to leave them uncovered to promote healing, but there are also methods to hide them in case of need. Applying a soft-hold patch to the affected area is one of the first solutions to consider. You can also make up your infected skin with extreme care. Either way, be sure to partner with a dermatologist to treat the ringworm and get rid of the infection as soon as possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hide the Patches
Step 1. Wrap a scarf around the top of the scalp
If ringworm affects the upper face, forehead, or hairline, you can try hiding it with a scarf or headband. Experiment in front of the mirror to practice positioning the accessory of your choice. Once you have placed it in a satisfactory way, secure it with a few bobby pins to prevent it from moving.
- Remember, however, that covering the patches with fabric can sometimes cause itching.
- You will also need to wash your scarf or headband regularly, otherwise you risk spreading the infection to other areas.
Step 2. Apply a soft seal patch to the infected area
If you have a patch on your face and need to cover it, get a patch of a suitable size to hide it. Then, place it carefully on your face. Replace it as often as possible to prevent an overly humid microenvironment from forming.
- Wash your hands both before putting on the patch and after to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body.
- Make sure the gauze on the patch completely covers the raised skin, otherwise you risk irritating the infected area.
Step 3. Leave the skin uncovered as often as possible
In fact, this is the absolute best way to allow the skin to heal. If you cover the patch with patches or cosmetics, you run the risk of suffocating the skin and causing the infection to spread. Moisture trapped on the epidermis can also slow down the healing process.
For example, if the patch is on the lower part of the body, wear soft-fitting clothing to promote air circulation
Method 2 of 3: Cover the Patches with Makeup
Step 1. Talk to your dermatologist before applying cosmetics to the patch
Most dermatologists advise against applying products to the skin in the course of infection. However, if you really need to cover the area, a doctor can tell you how to do it safely. It is especially important to always wash your hands with warm soapy water after touching the affected area.
Also, if you don't take precautions, all the tools you use for makeup, like brushes, and the cosmetics themselves can continue the ringworm propagation process
Step 2. Apply a moisturizing primer or cream
Choose an oil-free product, pour a few drops on your fingertips and massage it on the non-infected areas. Massage it until it is completely absorbed and the skin feels hydrated. Finally, repeat the same procedure with the area affected by the ringworm, trying not to touch other parts of the face.
Do not touch the bottle of the product during application on the infected area. Instead, squeeze a small amount onto a handkerchief and dip your fingers into it. Then, throw away the handkerchief. Use this method for the other steps as well
Step 3. Apply the concealer with the help of your fingertips
Pour a few drops of concealer on a handkerchief. Then, dip your fingertips in it and tap it on your face. Massage it until it blends well. Finally, pat it on the infected areas. Blend it until it is completely absorbed and obtain a homogeneous result.
- It is best to choose a concealer, foundation and powder that are the same color as your complexion. If you are concerned that you will not be able to hide the redness, you can get a concealer with a green undertone.
- Applying the concealer with your fingertips is effective in making the finish more homogeneous, as the heat of the skin tends to thin the cosmetics.
- It may be necessary to apply more than one concealer layer depending on the desired coverage.
Step 4. Apply foundation with a brush
Pour a few drops of foundation onto a clean handkerchief. Dip the brush into it and tap it on your skin. Proceed with the application until you get a homogeneous coverage. Apply foundation to the infected area at the end of the procedure and then immediately disinfect the brush.
The brush can be disinfected in a bleach and hot water bath. Read the directions on the brush's packaging to make sure this type of scrubbing won't damage it
Step 5. Carefully remove make-up using a wipe
If your skin can tolerate it, use a cleansing wipe at the end of the day. Use a separate one for each area affected by this ailment and discard it immediately. If you wash your face with a sponge, you need to use a separate one for all infected areas.
- Used sponges should be disinfected after each use by washing them with hot water, otherwise you risk infecting the skin again.
- Do not rub your face when you remove your make-up, so as not to further irritate the skin and cause a secondary infection.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Ringworm
Step 1. Take a prescription antifungal medicine for up to eight weeks
If you are concerned that you have contracted dermatophytosis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This disorder can spread from the face to other areas. You will be prescribed an oral antifungal medication that will gradually clear the infection and reduce the chances of it spreading.
- Make sure you complete the entire course of treatment. If you stop taking the medicine prematurely, the infection can come back.
- Your doctor may also recommend an antifungal cream or lotion. Follow its instructions to apply it correctly.
- Griseofulvin is the most prescribed drug to treat ringworm. It can be taken with high-fat foods, such as ice cream, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.
Step 2. Use antifungal shampoo for up to eight weeks
If dermatophytosis affects an area near the hairline, your doctor is likely to recommend an antifungal shampoo. Any over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium disulfide will do. Apply it in the shower twice a week. Leave it on your scalp for 10 minutes after massaging and lathering it, then rinse it off.
Some doctors recommend using antifungal shampoo to prevent ringworm from spreading to the hair, even if it only affects the face
Step 3. See a doctor again if inflammation develops around the area affected by the ringworm
The lumpy, painful bumps, called "cherion" in medical jargon, are symptomatic of an allergic reaction to the ringworm fungus. These lesions can often occur on the scalp and the edges of the face. Ask your doctor if it is possible to treat them with oral steroids to minimize hair loss.
Depending on the size of the cherion, doctors may make the decision to incise the area to let the pus out. In this case, you will not be able to apply make-up or other cosmetics to the affected area until complete healing
Advice
- Showering every day and drying yourself well after washing helps reduce the chances of spreading ringworm or contracting it again.
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water is a great way to prevent ringworm from spreading.
