Ringworm (Daad) Treatment in Kolkata: Why It Comes Back

In Kolkata's heat and humidity, an itchy, red, ring-shaped rash is one of the most common skin problems people live with. Many people call it daad. Doctors call it tinea or ringworm, although no worm is involved: it is a fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin. It can be treated, but in recent years it has become harder to clear for many people in India, often because of the wrong creams.

What ringworm looks like

• a round or oval patch with a raised red or dark edge that slowly spreads outwards, often with clearer skin in the centre

• itching that gets worse with sweat and heat

• common places: the groin and inner thighs, the waist and belt line, under the breasts, the buttocks, the feet (between the toes) and, in children, the scalp

Other conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and some allergic rashes, can look similar. That is one reason a rash that is not settling should be seen by a dermatologist.

Why it spreads so easily in Kolkata

The fungi that cause ringworm grow well on warm, moist skin. Long humid months, sweat trapped under tight or synthetic clothes, and damp clothes worn again all help it spread. It also passes between people in the same home through shared towels, bedding, combs and clothes, and sometimes from pets.

The steroid-cream trap

Many creams sold over the counter in India mix an antifungal with a strong steroid, and sometimes an antibiotic as well. The steroid reduces redness and itching within days, so the rash seems to get better. But the steroid also weakens the skin's local defence, so the fungus keeps growing underneath. When the cream is stopped, the rash returns, often larger, and long use can thin the skin and leave marks. Indian dermatologists have described this pattern as a major reason why ringworm has become so widespread and stubborn in the country.

Do not use steroid or combination creams on a rash unless a doctor has prescribed them for you. If you have already used one, tell your dermatologist, and bring the tube or its name.

Everyday steps that help

• Keep skin folds dry. Dry the groin, feet and the skin under the breasts well after bathing.

• Wear loose cotton clothes and cotton underwear, and change them after sweating.

• Wash clothes, towels and bed sheets well and dry them fully, in the sun if possible.

• Do not share towels, clothes, combs or footwear.

• If others at home are itching, they should be checked too. Treating one person while others still have the infection lets it come back.

• Finish the full course of treatment your doctor gives you, even after the itching stops. Stopping early is a common reason for relapse.

When to see a dermatologist

• the rash is spreading, or new patches keep appearing

• it has not improved after two weeks of treatment, or it came back after treatment

• it is on the scalp, face or nails

• you have diabetes or a weak immune system, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• the diagnosis is not clear, or several family members are affected

A dermatologist will examine the skin and may do a simple skin-scraping test to confirm a fungal infection. Treatment usually uses antifungal creams and, where needed, antifungal tablets. Tablets are prescription medicines: the doctor chooses the medicine, dose and duration, and may ask for blood tests during a longer course.

Skin care at Cara, MCR Polyclinic in Behala

Cara is the skin and hair division of MCR Super Speciality Polyclinic & Pathology, near Behala Tram Depot. Dermatologists who consult here include Dr. Kaushiki Hajra, Dr. Sushil Kumar Singh, Dr. Somshukla Ray, Dr. Priyankar Misra, Dr. Sonal Jain, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Sushant Shashikant Patil and Dr. Sohini Roy. See the Cara skin and hair page for their days and timings. If the doctor advises blood tests, samples can be given at our pathology lab.

Related reading: how to choose a dermatologist in Kolkata and acne (pimples): causes, myths and treatment.

Questions people ask

Is ringworm contagious?

Yes. It spreads through skin contact and shared towels, clothes and bedding, so family members often need to be checked at the same time.

Can I stop the cream once the itching stops?

No. The fungus can remain in the skin after the itching settles. Use the treatment for as long as your doctor advises.

Why does my ringworm keep coming back?

Common reasons are steroid creams, stopping treatment too early, damp clothes, and untreated infection in other people at home. A dermatologist can find the reason and plan treatment to match.

Sources

NHS (Ringworm); American Academy of Dermatology (Ringworm: overview); Verma S, Madhu R. The great Indian epidemic of superficial dermatophytosis: an appraisal. Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(3):227-236.

How to book

For a skin consultation, book a clinic appointment or call/WhatsApp +91 9830525004.

MCR Super Speciality Polyclinic & Pathology, 11A, Sourin Roy Road, near Behala Tram Depot, beside Ellora Cinema Hall, Behala, Kolkata 700034. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM (Sunday closed).

General information: This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.