Tinea, or ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin. Tinea can affect any part of the skin, including the scalp, the face, the groin area or the feet, according to Ilkka Kunnamo and Finska läkaresällskapet, authors of "Evidence-Based Medicine Guidelines." As of 2011, there is no scientific evidence that oral calcium supplements or eating foods that contain calcium can prevent or cure tinea. However, some topical creams for tinea contain calcium salts as an active ingredient.
Tinea
Tinea is spread by touching the skin or unwashed clothing of an infected person, by using the same shower or pool or by using a comb or brush from an infected person, according to the online Medical Encyclopedia of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The symptoms of tinea include red, scaly, blistered or itchy skin or raised patches with clearly-defined red edges. Your physician may identify the tinea by examining the infected skin, or by using a Wood's lamp, or special blue light. Skin infected with tinea will glow blue under this light.
Tinea and Calcium Salts
Your physician will prescribe a topical ointment for your tinea. Many of these ointments contain calcium undecylenate, or calcium salt. The calcium salts in the ointment are isolated from fatty acids derived from castor bean oil, according to a monograph that appeared in "Alternative Medicine Review." While the fatty acids themselves are fungicides, they aren't useful for medications because they can irritate the mucous membranes of some people and they have a foul odor. Isolating the calcium salts and using those in the ointment is as effective as the fatty acids.
Using Ointments with Calcium Salts
An ointment containing calcium undecylenate is appropriate for children 2 or older, according to W. Stephen Pray, author of "Nonprescription Product Therapeutics." Younger children may accidentally ingest the cream or put the affected area of skin in their mouth, which can be hazardous. This ointment does not generally produce side effects, although it may have slightly unpleasant odor. If you are treating an infant, your pediatrician can recommend or prescribe an alternative ointment or an oral medication.
When to Consult a Physician
Consult a physician if you develop any of the symptoms of tinea, particularly if you have come into contact with an infected person or if you visit a gym regularly. Tinea is highly infectious. Over-the-counter remedies are sometimes ineffective for scalp tinea or severe cases of tinea. In addition, you may need antibiotics for secondary infections such as staph or strep that can develop when you scratch the infected skin.
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