Ringworm on scalp/back of neck, nape area?

[Cressyy]

Hello, I'm a 16 y/o girl with a super embarrassing problem. I've contracted ringworm on the back of my neck. It's bumpy, very red and swollen, and sometimes it just causes skin on my scalp to flake off like dandruff. Sometimes small little bumps (like pimples) will just appear around the area and they really hurt.

I've been to the doctor twice now. The first time, the doctor prescribed something that alleviated the itch and redness a little bit, I think it was ketoconazole or something like that, but I ran out and it returned full force. The second time, he prescribed fluocinonide, and it really worked! It stopped the inflammation and the itching and it returned completely to normal for some time, but then I ran out and it came right back.

Should I go back to the doctor and try again? Are there other alternatives I can do to get rid of it, something over the counter?

For now I am rubbing aquaphor on it, to try to calm it down because it's uncomfortable to just look upwards. It's been going on for two years. I assumed it would just go away after a while, and I was too embarrassed to get it looked at by a doctor until recently.

[Cressyy]

Thank you so much for all your help! I will try these remedies right away! (:

[Caryopteris]

One more thing I like (can you tell I have psoriasis?) for psoriasis is Psoriaflora cream.  Try it on your neck expecially, and ears if they are affected.  

[Caryopteris]

I mention psoriasis because the nape and scalp are very common areas for this condition.

Be sure you are getting some sunshine - 30 minutes a day or so without sunscreen, although you don't want to get burned.  The reason for sun exposure is this is the best way to get the vitamin D you need, which treats psoriasis.  

[Caryopteris]

If you ask me, fluocinonide is a waste of time.  It temporarily gives you relief of inflammation (although it doesn't even do THAT for me, but it thins skin which causes its own problems, so you can onlyuse if for short term.  What they prescribe it for are always chronic conditons, so how stupid is that?  

On top of that, if there is any fungal problem, it encourages fungus.  Doh!  

Ring worm is a fungus, and to cure it of the scalp, you need oral form of antifungal, which is Diflucan.  

If you go through a course of that and it doesn't go away, then what you may have is psoriasis.  

For psoriasis (or seborrheic dermatitis) you can use Nizoral (ketaconazole) shampoo.  The OTC form is very nice.  Others prefer the stronger Rx form.  

Also for psoriasis you can try Dr. Bronner's baby mild soap, followed by apple cider vinegar and then a final rinse.  There is a Youtube by a girl who has had great success with this.