Fungal skin infections (ringworm)

What it is

Ringworm (tinea) is a common fungal infection of the skin, not a worm. It causes itchy, scaly patches, often with a raised edge and clearer centre, on the body, groin, feet or scalp.

How it works

Dermatophyte fungi feed on keratin in the outer skin layer. They spread outwards in a ring, which is why the edge looks active and the centre clears. Warmth and moisture help them grow.

Why it matters on darker skin

Fungi thrive in heat, humidity and sweat, so infections are very common in Nigeria. On darker skin the patches may look grey, brown or darker than the surrounding skin rather than red.

Causes and triggers

Hot humid weather, sweating, tight clothes, sharing towels, contact sports, pets and other infected people. Using steroid creams on the rash lets the fungus spread and changes how it looks (tinea incognito).

What helps — and why it works

Keep skin clean and dry, especially in folds. Pharmacy antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or terbinafine work for most body infections; continue for the full time on the pack, usually 1 to 2 weeks after the rash clears. Wash towels and clothes and do not share them. Antifungal cream such as clotrimazole or terbinafine: kills the fungus. Expected timeline: itch improves in days; continue 1–2 weeks after it clears. Keep skin dry, change clothes after sweating: removes the conditions fungi need. Expected timeline: ongoing. See a doctor for scalp, nail or widespread infection: these need tablets.

What to avoid and why

Avoid mixed creams containing steroids (often sold as "all-in-one" creams). They can make fungal infections spread and change appearance (tinea incognito), and cause stretch marks.

Common mistakes

• Using mixed steroid–antifungal–antibiotic creams for weeks.
• Stopping treatment as soon as itch goes.
• Ignoring family members or pets who may be infected.

Building a routine that lasts

Most skin problems improve with a short routine used every day rather than many products used occasionally. A practical base is a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning, with one targeted treatment at night. Introduce one new product at a time and give it two weeks before adding another, so that if your skin reacts you know the cause. Patch-test on the inner arm or behind the ear for a few days first. Skin renews itself roughly every four to six weeks, so most treatments need two to three cycles — eight to twelve weeks — before you can judge them fairly. Photographs taken in the same light every four weeks are more reliable than memory. In the Nigerian climate, heat, humidity and harmattan all change what your skin needs: lighter gels in the humid season and richer creams in dry months are both reasonable. If a product stings for more than a few minutes, causes swelling, or leaves new dark patches, stop it. Buy from registered pharmacies or official stockists, and use the Authenticity Check if you are unsure whether a product is genuine.

Reading labels and choosing products

On the label, look first for the active ingredient and whether the product is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Ingredients are listed in order of amount, so an active at the end of a long list may be present only in a small quantity. Be wary of products that promise results in days, that list no ingredients, or whose label is a sticker or handwritten. Words such as 'natural', 'herbal', 'organic' and 'dermatologist-inspired' are marketing terms, not safety standards. Hydroquinone, mercury compounds (sometimes listed as calomel or mercurous chloride) and strong steroids such as clobetasol do not belong in an over-the-counter cosmetic. A real NAFDAC registration number should be printed on the pack and should match the product on the official Greenbook register. Price is not proof: counterfeiters copy expensive brands. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist, keep your receipt, and use Melanin & Me's Authenticity Check and barcode scanner as a first screen.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Useful questions include: What do you think is causing this? Is it likely to come back, and how can I prevent it? Which products should I stop? How long before I should expect improvement, and when should I come back if it isn't better? Are there side effects to watch for? Is this treatment safe if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or for my child? Writing your questions down, bringing your products (or photos of their labels) and taking dated photos of the problem make an appointment much more useful.