Ever heard of athlete’s foot or jock itch? They are examples of ringworm infection, which lead to red, itchy and round patches on the skin.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is an infection of the skin which is not only unsightly; it causes great discomfort in groin area, inner thighs, scalp and buttocks. It is an infection which can affect the skin, nails, beard, even scalp, if unnoticed. Naturally, it hampers daily activity and can be an embarrassing situation, if not addressed on time. Let us check out what causes the fungal infection ringworm in the first place.
Let me tell you an amazing fact.
Did you know, ringworm infection has nothing to do with a “worm” or parasite, it is a “fungal” infection.
Yes, you read that right.
Ringworm Causes
The official medical name of ringworm is Tinea. Ringworm is not a life-threatening condition, and can be easily treated with OTC medications. But it is a contagious disease, and can turn out to be pretty serious, when it affects the scalp. Ringworm infection starts with red patches on the skin and then spreads to other body parts.
Let’s learn about the causes of ringworm.
1. Infected pets
Ringworm spreads through contact with infected animals (dogs or cats) or humans. This means anyone can contract ringworm – children or adults who play with infected pets.
2. Infected humans
Ringworm passes from person to person when the contact happens via infected skin or when you share infected articles such as combs, brushes, handkerchiefs, towels, etc. The chances of getting ringworm are also there in pool surfaces. When you come in contact with affected/infected individuals, the risk factor of your getting infected with ringworm increases.
Is ringworm single or are there many types of it? Hmm…it’s important to get into the skin of the matter, considering the affected part is “skin”. Come, let us read further.
Types of Ringworms. Where do you get them?
It is not one, but many of them. I mean the ringworms. Here are the types of ringworms which make our life miserable.
Tinea capitis (Scalp): This type starts with small lumps on the head, forming circular pattern which keep growing bigger in size.
Tinea manus (Hand): This type of ringworm affects the palms, and also the spaces between the fingers.
Tinea pedis (Feet): May cause scaling in the spaces between the toes, and thickening and scaling on the heels and soles as well.
Tinea unguium (Nail): Makes the fingernails and toenails to become thick, and yellow.
Tinea cruris (Groin): Also known as jock itch, it causes an itchy, reddish and painful rash in the groin area.
Tinea corporis (Body): This is a common type of ringworm which leads to flat, round and scaly spots on the skin.
Tinea faciei (Face): Affects the face by causing red, scaly patches on the skin.
- When you develop a ring-like rash (either red or silvery in colour) on your skin. This is when the skin will look red and irritated on the ring, but it is healthy inside
- When you get scaly, inflamed and itchy skin
- In severe cases, the rings actually grow in size and multiply
- The rings end up feeling raised on the skin while the skin underneath continues to feel itchy. So the more you itch, the more you feel helpless.
- Blisters and sores full of pus form around the rings
The ringworm spreads outward as it grows and progresses. It starts from one patch which keeps growing. In the extreme case, it makes your skin feel raised and blistered.
Over to the various DIY remedies which will help you knock out ringworm.
source: redheadranting.com
How To Get Rid Of RingWorm
In addition to allopathic solutions, there are always home remedies, which can save us from the ringworm infection. So here are a couple of home remedies which when practiced will give you great relief if not cure.
1. Coconut Oil
The humble coconut oil contains lauric acid which is loaded with antiviral and anti-fungal properties that help kill dissolve the fatty outer membranes of the microbes thus killing them, in turn curing the ringworm infection.
What you need
- Unrefined coconut oil
How to do
- Apply liberally the unrefined coconut oil on the ringworm
- Massage gently for 5 mins
- Do this 4 times a daily for a week or till the ringworm disappear.
TIP
- Massage coconut oil on the infected areas and leave overnight. Over a period It will make the area smooth and remove infection build-up and residue.
2. Turmeric
Also known as “haldi”, the spice has strong antibiotic properties and helping you say goodbye to bacterial and fungal infections.
What you need
- Turmeric powder/root/oil
- Cotton
How to do
- Make a fine paste of turmeric and water
- Apply the paste on the infected area
- Let it stay for 15-20 mins
- Wash off with warm water and a mild soap
- Do this thrice a day for most effective results
3. Honey
Honey comes with antibacterial and antifungal properties which speed up healing.
What you need
- Raw honey
How to do
- Firstly, clean the affected area
- Apply a thick layer of honey on the ringworm patch on the skin.
- Give at least 1 hour for the skin to absorb the honey.
- Repeat this till the skin infection gets cleared up.
source: healthiswealthofheart.com
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4. Salt and Vinegar
While salt works as a brilliant astringent, Vinegar being acidic in nature makes it impossible for the fungi to thrive in such acidic conditions.
What you need
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Water
How to do
- First of all, make a thick paste out of vinegar and salt.
- Apply it on the ringworm patch and leave it for 5 minutes.
- Repeat thrice a day
People who have adopted this technique to fight ringworm are of the belief that it takes 7 days only for the infection to vanish.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV helps in treating ringworm infection thanks to its natural antifungal properties.
What you need
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Cotton ball
How to do
- Apply undiluted apple vinegar on the patchy area using a cotton ball
- Keep doing this till the skin patches go away, preferably 3-5 times for three days without a break for best results.
6. Neem
This is a long trusted anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent which has excellent healing properties. Neem can be found in various forms– from neem leaves to neem leaf extract to neem oil.
What you need
- Neem powder
- Warm water
How to do
- Now apply it on the skin patch affected by ringworm.
- Make it into a paste, not liquid form.
- Mix 1/2 tsp neem leaf powder with warm water in a bowl.
- Alternatively, you can apply neem oil 2-3 times a day to eliminate the ringworm infection.
source: healthyliving.com
7. Papaya
Green or raw papaya helps in faster healing of ringworm. That is because the enzymes in the papaya break down old skin layers which further inhibit ringworm growth. The two main enzymes found in papaya are papain and chymopapain. The enzymes destroy the fungus by affecting their defense shields.
What you need
- Raw Papaya
- How to do
- Grind the papaya into a thick paste
Apply it on the affected ringworm - Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes
- Repeat it for 2-3 times a day.
- Do not stop this treatment suddenly, until the time you see effective results.
8. Ginger
Since ginger has anti-fungal components, it is a good way to treat ringworm infection.
What you need
- Ginger
- Cotton
- Warm water
How to do
- Boil ginger in water
- Dab it on the skin using a cotton swab.
- As an option, you can also sip ginger tea thrice a day.
9. Chamomile
Because of its pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties, chamomile plant is in great demand. The antibacterial and fungicidal properties of chamomile oil fight infection.
What you need
- Chamomile oil
- Cotton
How to do
- Apply chamomile oil or its tea version on the affected areas with a cotton swab for the infection to go away.
10. Tea Tree Oil
A wonderful anti-septic, anti-fungal, and a powerful germicide is Tea Tree oil…
What you need
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton ball
- Warm water
How to do
- Take 1.5 tsp of 100% pure tea tree oil extract
- Using a cotton ball, apply drops of tea tree oil to the ringworm affected patch on the skin.
- Do it 3-4 times a day.
- You can also add the same amount of tea tree oil to the cup containing warm water.
Whichever method you use, follow it for a minimum period of 3-4 weeks for results to show up.
11. Lemongrass Tea
A natural anti-bacterial and anti-septic herb, lemongrass can be applied topically or consumed internally in the form of tea.
What you need
- Lemongrass tea bags
How to do
- Drink lemongrass tea thrice a day
- Alternately, you can apply used tea bags of lemongrass to the affected areas on your skin, to eliminate ringworm.
12. Lavender Oil
This is the safest remedy to treat ringworms and comes handy while treating infection in babies. The antidepressant, anti-fungal and relaxing properties of lavender oil not only stops the ringworm fungi from developing further, it also kills the fungi completely beside soothing the nerves.
What you need
- Lavender oil
- Jojoba oil
- Cotton
How to do
- Just mix a drop of lavender oil in 1 tsp jojoba oil.
- With the help of a cotton ball apply this treated solution to the affected area
- Leave it on the ringworm.
13. Goldenseal herb
Let us welcome this ancient remedy to combat infection from inflammation, fungi, and microbes. Goldenseal herb can bring you relief from the itching symptoms and speed up relief.
What you need
- Goldenseal herb
- Water
How to do
- To a pot, add goldenseal herb and water.
- Simmer it for 15 minutes.
- Then take off the pot from the stove and let it cool.
- Now apply the solution to the ringworm on your skin using a cotton ball.
- You can also alternatively, add 4-5 drops of the mixture to your fruit juice and sip it thrice a day.
source: alvita.com
14. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plant helps you get rid of skin infections. It is loaded with anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, thus bringing quick healing while providing relief at the same time.
What you need
- Fresh Aloe Vera gel
How to do
- Remove the gel from aloe vera
- Apply it on the affected skin.
- Let it stay overnight.
- The next morning, wash it off.
- Keep applying this home remedy, until the time you get results.
15. Vegetable Juice
You need to drink spinach juice in addition to carrot juice to heal the ringworm infection from within.
16. Grapefruit Seed Extract
The extract of grapefruit seed tackles a battery of health issues. This makes it render anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antioxidant abilities in the best possible way.
What you need
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Cotton ball
How to do
- Take 4-5 drops of grapefruit seed extract in 3 tbsp of warm water.
- Apply this solution on the ringworm using a cotton ball.
- Do it 2 to 3 times a day for one or two weeks till the ringworm subsides.
When you apply the grapefruit seed extract topically, it soothes the affected areas and slows down and reduces the growth and spread of ringworm.
17. Camphor
Camphor is widely used in Chinese medicine and is equally good in treating ringworm infection as it is loaded with anti-fungal properties. You can either use camphor alone or team it up with sesame oil to heal ringworm faster.
What you need
- Camphor powder
- Sesame oil (optional)
How to do
- Take a pinch of camphor powder and apply it to the ringworm patch on the skin.
- You can also use sesame oil with camphor.
- Dilute 2-3 drops of camphor oil 1-2 tbsp of sesame oil
- Apply to your ringworm 2-3 times a day.
18. Holy Basil Leaves
The herb holy basil is blessed with antifungal properties. It is available in both raw form and leaf extract. But it is the leaves which are more effective in fighting ringworm skin ailment.
What you need
- Basil leaves
- Cotton ball
How to do
- Crush the holy basil leaves with a mortar and pestle till the time you get the juice of it.
- Apply the juice using a cotton ball on the ringworm patch on the skin.
- Do it twice a day for a minimum of 10 days.
source: itslife.in
19. Olive Leaf
The Olive leaf infusion will happily surprise you when you use it to treat ringworm. Since it has antifungal qualities, it won’t let you down, apart from the fact that it is a great booster of the body’s immunity system. It also had anti-viral properties that selectively provides a barrier against a virus-specific system in an infected host.
What you need
- Olive leaf powder
- Olive oil
How to do
- Make a paste using olive leaf powder and olive oil
- Apply the paste to the affected areas
- With the help of a duct tape, hold the paste in place. This is optional
20. Mustard Seeds
Tiny they are, but pretty large in benefits. Mustard seeds have powerful anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties which can eliminate the ringworm fungus quickly and effectively.
What you need
- Mustard seeds
- Water
How to do
- Soak the mustard seeds in water for half an hour.
- Then grind it to make it into a thick paste.
- Now apply this paste on the infected and let it stay for half an hour.
- After 30 mins, wash off with cold water.
- Do this regularly for 15 days for quick relief.
21. Myrrh
The excellent anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, astringent, and many other such medicinal properties of myrrh makes it an effective cure for ringworm and many other infections.
What you need
- Myrrh
- Goldenseal
- Water
- Cotton ball
How to do
- Make a paste by mixing equal quantities of myrrh and goldenseal in a small amount of water.
- With the help of a cotton ball, apply the paste on the infected area
- Do this thrice a day.
- Alternatively, you can mix few drops of myrrh oil with water and apply the same on the rash.
22. Licorice
Licorice powder comes loaded with anti-fungal properties which help get rid of fungus and ringworm.
What you need
- Licorice root powder
- Water
How to do
- Boil 6 tsp of powdered licorice in water
- Apply licorice paste on the affected skin patch.
- Repeat the process thrice a day
23. Nail Polish Remover
Heard of death by asphyxiation or suffocation? It works and is a good technique for ringworm. Nail polish suffocates the ringworm-causing fungi to death. And when that happens, your skin will look as good as new.
What you need
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Paper towel
How to do
- Apply a coat of nail polish on the infected area.
- After 8 hours have passed, remove the nail polish by soaking a paper towel in the nail polish remover and then resting it on the ringworm patch.
- Once the area dries off after 10 minutes, reapply the nail polish to the ringworm area.
- Keep doing this until the time the ringworm disappears.
With so many home remedies in your health arsenal, won’t you want to know the duration period of a ringworm attack?
How long does ringworm last and its stages
Without proper treatment, ring worn infection can last for a couple of months, but in some cases, if left untreated, the infection can get chronic. However, with proper and prolonged treatment, the ringworm infection can get cured within weeks, eliminating the fungus completely.
It is difficult to predict the stages of ringworm because there are many factors involved. The symptoms can be chronic or acute, as one never knows whether you are facing a casual itch or a skin condition.
Here is a rundown on the possible stages when ringworm begins to develop on different parts of the body.
- The first sign is when you get a mild burning sensation on your body along with itching.
- When the itch stays longer, that is when inflammation sets in. As a result of which, the infected part becomes flaky and reddish.
- Slowly and gradually, the inflamed area develops into a circular rash.
- In the case of nail ringworm, there are no circular spots, but the nails tend to become brittle.
- In scalp ringworm, while the red spots may not appear, the scalp gets to be flakey.
- In advanced stages, the infection fully settles in and presents itself through yellow spots on your finger nail or toe nail, a pus-filled lump, blisters on the sides of your foot, and facial hair becoming very inflamed.
Will we have to call a witch or superficial power to get rid of ringworm? A set of precautions and prevention methods will be enough.
Preventions and Precautions
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts you need to follow to avoid or treat ringworm.
Do’s
- Always keep your skin clean and dry.
- After each sports activity, do take a bath.
- Shampoo your hair twice a thrice a week depending on the external environment (dust, pollution levels).
- Wear loose fitting clothes, not tight fitting.
- If your pet gets a ringworm infection, do take him to the vet doctor.
- Wash the hands of your children when they come home after a sports activity.
Dont’s
- Do not share things like towels, brushes, combs, with anyone.
- Avoid walking barefoot around the pool or locker rooms.
- Do not touch itchy or bald spots on pets.
When to consult a Doctor
Call your doctor if you get blister-like itchy, scaly or red patches on your skin, which have not shown any signs of improvement after 2 weeks of treatment with a non-prescription antifungal product, or when you see any signs of bacterial infection.
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