Ringworm is a common fungal infection that is not caused by a worm, despite its name. Tinea is the fungus that causes it, and it is incredibly contagious. Ringworm can affect everyone, although some people are more vulnerable than others, such as those with weakened immune systems and small infants. Ringworm can spread if not treated, causing irritation and pain to the skin. Bacteria can enter blisters and cracks on the skin. Antibiotics may be required if this occurs.
Before researchers established anti fungal medications, people utilized ringworm cure at home for many years. The majority of evidence in favor of these therapies is based on anecdotal evidence. There is no scientific evidence to back up their use over over-the-counter anti fungal. This post will guide you through how to get rid of ringworm and provide you with some actual natural ringworm cure at home.
What are Ring worms and their Type?
Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. The phrase “ringworm” is inaccurate because a fungus, not a worm, causes the infection. The illness causes a disease that looks like a worm in the shape of a ring, hence the name. Tinea corporis is frequently referred to as ringworm (body ringworm). It can, however, be used to suggest tinea infections elsewhere, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin).
Humans and animals are both vulnerable to ringworm infestation. At first, the infection appears as red patches on the affected areas of the skin, then spreads to other parts of the body. The scalp, foot, nails, crotch, beard, and other places may be affected.
- Athlete’s foot: Also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that creates a rash between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Your skin may become scaly and cracked, and blisters may form. Your feet can badly odor at times.
- Tinea cruris: Often known as jock itch, is a rash that appears in the groin, upper thighs, or rectum. Blisters occur in some people.
- Tinea capitis: (scalp ringworm) Affects youngsters more than adults. It develops bald areas on the scalp that are scaly, red, and irritating. If the bald areas are not treated, they can become permanent.
Symptoms and Signs of Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that forms red, ring-shaped spots on the skin. According to Dr., the red splotches usually have a raised or scaly wavy border. The rash is frequently itchy, but it isn’t always. And itchy red spots are a regular occurrence. Because the virus spreads by skin-to-skin contact, it is most common among children (who are notorious for their lack of self-control) and athletes who engage in close connections, such as wrestlers. It can, however, affect people of all ages. It can also appear on any part of the body. The scalp is a common location in children. Tinea can, however, infect the feet (causing athlete’s foot) or the groin (hello, jock itch) so we got Home remedies for Ringworm.
Causes of Ringworm
Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton are three forms of fungi that can cause ringworm. These fungi can likely survive in the soil for a long time as spores. Ringworm can be contracted by humans and animals who come into direct contact with this soil. Contact with sick animals or humans can also spread the virus. The disease is generally passed on via the generations of children and through the sharing of fungus-infected items.
A variety of fungi causes ringworm. Doctors call ringworm by a variety of names depending on where it affects the body:
- Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) begins as localized scaling on the scalp and progresses to itchiness and bald spots. It is especially prevalent in children.
- Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) frequently appears as round ring-shaped areas on the skin.
- Ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks is known as jock itch (tinea cruris). Men and adolescent boys are the most affected.
- The common name for ringworm infection of the foot is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). People who go barefoot in public places where the disease might spread, such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools, are usually affected.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
As we prepare to sweat it out this summer, it’s time to stock up on all necessities to avoid sweat-related illnesses. While sweat is a natural and vital phenomenon, it can be pretty irritating, especially when it can cause problems such as ringworms, skin rashes, and itching.
If you have ringworms on your skin, you know how difficult it may be. Of course, prevention is the best method. Some of the strategies to get rid of this skin issue include wearing loose clothing, keeping your skin clean, and staying hydrated. Here are some of the most excellent home remedies for ringworm that you can try at home:
Garlic
Garlic is frequently used to treat bacterial infections. Although there has been no research on the effects of garlic on ringworm, it has been shown to be effective against other fungus such as Candida, Torulopsis, Trichophyton, and Cryptococcus.
To use garlic as a treatment, mix crushed garlic cloves with olive or coconut oil to create a paste. Apply a thin layer of paste and gauze to the affected skin. Leave in place for up to 2 hours before rinsing. Repeat twice a day till the symptoms subside. Rinse the garlic paste immediately if it produces stinging, swelling, or redness, and do not reapply.
Soapy Water
Keep your skin as clean as possible to avoid ringworm from spreading or infecting other parts of your body. Rinse the infection with soap and warm water once or twice a day to achieve this. Fungus grows in humid regions, so make sure the skin is dehydrated.
Always clean the skin in this technique before applying any of the other home remedies on how to treat ringworm at home listed below. Before applying any of the following substances to the ringworm patches, a person should test a small amount on a healthy skin region to check that they are not allergic or sensitive to the treatment.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a commonly used anti-inflammatory spice. Turmeric’s health advantages are assumed to be due to curcumin, a component of the herb. Various studies have shown that it has strong antibacterial properties. Turmeric can be consumed as tea or added to your meals to enjoy its advantages. For topical use, combine it with a tiny amount of water or coconut oil to make a paste, then apply to the skin. Allow it to dry completely before wiping it away. Turmeric may leave a yellow stain on lighter skin, although this will vanish after a few days.
Tea Tree Oil
Native Australians have used tea tree oil for more than a century to treat various bacterial and fungal skin diseases. Tea tree oil is currently widely used for the treatment of ringworm and has proven to be effective. Mix 12 drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 ounce of cold-pressed carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to get a 2% dilution. Apply this home remedy three times a day on the skin. Those with less sensitive skin may be able to use tea tree oil directly to the affected area without diluting it first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural home remedies for ringworm and other skin-related issues. Candida, another fungal illness, has been shown to be resistant to apple cider vinegar. Soak a cotton wool pad in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected region to treat ringworm. This natural remedy should be used at least three times per day.
Medications
Based on the intensity of your ringworm infection, your doctor may prescribe a variety of treatments. Topical treatments, such as anti fungal creams, ointments, gels, or sprays, can be used to treat jock itch, athlete’s foot, and body ringworm. Oral medicines such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine may be required for scalp ringworm or nails. Anti fungal skin lotions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may also be advised. Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and other comparable chemicals may be present in these products.
Powdered Licorice
Licorice has antibacterial characteristics, and studies have indicated that licorice extracts can be utilized to treat fungal infections in a different way. Bring a cup of water to a boil with eight teaspoons of powdered licorice. After boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Stir until it forms a paste. When the paste is cold enough to handle, apply it and keep it on for 10 minutes. Use it twice a day.
Wash with Soap and Water
Clean the affected area twice a day with good soap and water before using any home remedies for ringworm or other drugs. This will prevent infection from spreading. While soap and water may not remove a fungal infection altogether, they can assist in reducing the spread and intensity of the condition.
Eat Yogurt and Probiotics
Beneficial bacteria are common in yogurt and other probiotics, which can help prevent a variety of fungal infections. These are used to combat the bacteria that cause illnesses. Fermented nutrition is also a good source of probiotics. If these don’t work, try taking probiotic supplements with higher concentrations of healthy bacteria.
Oil of Oregano
The anti fungal thymol and carvacrol are found in oregano oil, which is made from wild oregano (Origanum vulgare). According to certain studies, oregano oil can inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans fungus. Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil before using it. Apply the oil three times a day to the afflicted region. It’s worth mentioning that most oregano oils on the market are made from common oregano (Origanum marjoram) rather than wild oregano.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used as a natural cure for bacterial and fungal illnesses, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera can help relieve irritation, inflammation, and discomfort caused by ringworm. And We know that their are many Benefits of Aloevera and it is also available as creams , or aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the affected area. Do this three times per day.
Also Read: 15 Skin Care Home Remedies That Actually Work
Prevention for Ringworm
It is easier to prevent ringworm than it is to treat an existing infection. However, because ringworm is very contagious (other individuals or contaminated objects can spread it), it is critical to use prophylactic measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you:
- Maintaining a clean and dry skin
- In communal showers or changing spaces, never walk barefoot, and wear open-toed or loose shoes whenever possible to enable air to pass all around your feet. Change socks and undergarments daily, and keep fingernails and toenails cut and clean.
- Sharing clothing, towels, or bed linen with someone who has ringworm is not a good idea.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water on a frequent basis, especially following contact with animals that can carry ringworm.
- Bringing afflicted pets to a veterinarian for treatment right away
- Showering as soon as possible following a game or practice session
- Washing sports equipment regularly
Also Read: Home Remedies For Chiggers
Final Words
So, this information will assist you in how to treat ringworm at home with ease. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care facility if home treatments don’t work or you want a professional to confirm you have ringworm. Depending on the area of the illness, your doctor may prescribe anti fungal OTC drugs or specific soaps, lotions, or shampoos. Antibiotics are ineffective against ringworm because a fungus rather than germs cause it. To completely clear the illness, you may need to take the prescription for several weeks. Your doctor may prescribe if the situation is serious.
