I have a place on the outside of my ankle that looks like ringworm, but it does not itch or burn. I can’t see it when I look down and only knew it was there when I caught a glimpse of it in the mirror…several years ago. Like they say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” I had a ringworm elsewhere about 30 years ago and the doctor told me to use Tinactin, which I did and it cleared up in a couple of weeks; so I bought some over-the-counter stuff specifically for ringworm and used it for several weeks but it did not change it at all.
I noticed it 3-4 years ago and no telling how long it was there before. Is there anything else that looks like ringworm but isn’t? I googled it and am very confident it is not eczema.
I agree that something that doesn’t clear up after using over the counter medicine should be seen by a dermatologist. He/she will know what to do for that.
And for years there was only one dermatologist in my town, and for personal reasons I would never go to him. I do think there is now another one here, though. I wish I had thought to ask my regular doctor last time I was there.
My DS had a stubborn patch of ringworm. Our doctor advised him to use Nizoral shampoo (which is anti-fungal) as a body wash on the affected area, followed by an OTC antifungal cream several times a day. The combination of the two different antifungal medications cleared him up in a couple of weeks.
I am a fan of using vinegar for everything related to skin ph balancing… the Livestrong website recommends it for ringworm , for what it’s worth. I think ringworm spreads. The fact that you have had it for so long without spreading makes me wonder if it is ringworm. Go see a doctor!
Skin cancer can resemble ringworm. If the anti fungal you tried didn’t work you might try another, but if you don’t see any improvement definitely go to your regular doctor or a dermatologist