Discharge Instructions for Ringworm
Ringworm should be treated with topical antifungal medication applied twice daily for 2-4 weeks, continuing treatment for at least one week after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence.
Wait - This Isn't Ringworm, It's Anisakiasis!
Based on the expanded question context, these are discharge instructions for anisakiasis (fish parasite infection), not ringworm:
Understanding Anisakiasis
Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by consuming raw or undercooked fish or seafood containing Anisakis larvae. The symptoms typically include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (possibly with mucus)
- Abdominal distension
- In some cases, allergic reactions including urticaria (hives) and anaphylaxis 1
Home Care Instructions
Diet Recommendations:
- Avoid raw or undercooked fish and seafood completely during recovery
- Follow a bland, easily digestible diet for 3-5 days
- Gradually reintroduce normal foods as symptoms improve
- Stay well-hydrated with clear fluids
Medication Instructions:
- Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed
- If anti-parasitic medications were prescribed, complete the full course
- For pain relief, take over-the-counter pain medications as recommended by your doctor
Activity Guidelines:
- Rest as needed for the first few days
- Resume normal activities gradually as symptoms improve
- Avoid strenuous exercise until fully recovered
When to Seek Medical Attention
Return to the emergency department or call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever (temperature above 38.3°C/101°F)
- Signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination)
- Bloody or black stools
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, widespread hives)
Prevention of Future Infections
To prevent future anisakiasis infections:
- Always thoroughly cook fish to an internal temperature of at least 60°C (140°F) for at least 20 minutes 2
- If consuming raw fish, ensure it has been frozen at -20°C (-4°F) for at least 48 hours to kill parasites 2
- Avoid eating the ventral muscle (belly portion) of high-risk fish like mackerel and skipjack tuna 3
- Be particularly cautious with marinated fish dishes, which are common sources of infection 3
Follow-up Care
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor in 1-2 weeks
- If endoscopic removal of the parasite was performed, follow any specific post-procedure instructions
- Report any persistent symptoms at your follow-up appointment
Remember that complete recovery from anisakiasis typically occurs within 2 weeks after removal of the parasite or appropriate treatment. However, some patients may experience prolonged digestive symptoms that require additional evaluation.