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What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm, also referred to as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection caused by a fungus called as Tinea. It takes the form of a ring and spreads in the outward direction. This type of fungal infection is extremely contagious and spread even without any physical contact. In this condition, a red circular patch is formed on the skin or nails. This patch is covered in scales as well. There are ample of ointments available in the market for the treatment of ringworm. Some of these ointments are loaded with chemicals and might cause allergic reactions if used without a doctor's consultation. On the other hand, we have some amazing home remedies that can effectively remedy this condition without showing any side effects.
What Are The Different Types Of Ringworm?
Ringworms are classified into 8 categories depending upon the area they affect. Let’s study about these 8 subcategories in detail.
1. Tinea Corporis
This specific category of ringworm is found in various regions of our body like arms, legs and torso.
2. Tinea Pedis
This type of ringworm conditions is usually observed in between the toes. It is also referred to as athlete’s foot.
3. Tinea Cruris
The ringworm infection observed in the groin area, i.e., the inner thighs, upper thighs and the buttocks. It is often referred to as the jock itch.
4. Tinea Capitis
The ringworm infection that takes place over the scalp is known as the Tinea Capitis.
Also Read : Ringworm of The Scalp (Tinea Capitis) - Causes, Symptoms And Remedies
5. Tinea Mannum
This type of ringworm infection takes place in the hands and the palms.
6. Tinea Barbae
The kind of ringworm infection that is observed in the beard and moustache is known as the Tinea Barbae.
7. Tinea Unguium
This type of ringworm infection is observed in the toenails and the fingernails.
8. Tinea Faciei
This is typically located on the face.
What Are Its Causes?
Ringworm infection is caused by a parasitic fungus named Trichophyton. It grows when it comes with the keratin. Keratin provides the fungus with a suitable environment to grow and spread. This fungus produces spores, which sometimes work as a carrier for the fungus. The infection is highly contagious and can spread through human-to-human, object-to-human, animal-to-human, etc. If your pet cat or dog has this infection, you too are most likely to get it. So these were the ringworm causes. Now, let us know about the risk factors involved with the infection.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Some of the common factors that promote the chances of you getting the infection are:- Contact or proximity of a person or animal having the infection.
- Heat triggers the infection, therefore, if you live in a warm climate your chances of catching the infection are higher.
- Sharing of clothes, towel, bed with a person who has this infection.
- You are more susceptible to the infection if you have a weak immune system.
- Skin contact with the person having the infection.
- Tight clothes might also trigger the infection.
The Trichophyton thrives in a moist environment. Thus, the places where they are more likely to be found are shower stalls, pool areas, etc.
Signs And Symptoms Of Ringworm Infection
I have enlisted 12 ringworm symptoms and signs of the ringworm infection. If you observe any of these symptoms you must immediately consult a doctor.- A red and scaly ring-like structure appears on your body.
- Red patches that cause itchiness.
- Development of blisters around the patches.
- Infection in scalp cause bald patches.
- Nails become thick and discoloured and often crack.
- Bumpy patches.
- Large and round patches.
- Patches that red or brown at the centre.
- Patches that are dry and scaly around the edges.
- Itchiness in and around the infected area.
- Rashes that cause the skin to crack and peel.
- The infected area often pains and becomes extra sensitive.
How To Get Rid Of Ringworm Naturally?
This article enlists some of the natural ringworm cures to treat the condition of ringworm infection. These remedies are incredibly simple and wisely handpicked. Above all, these ringworm home remedies are science-backed. These remedies will answer the question, how to get rid of ringworm.
1. Garlic
Garlic has been found to be effective at treating the ringworm infection. Let’s see how.
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
Method
The method is simple, all you have to do is crush the cloves of garlic and apply them over the affected area. Let the garlic stay on for 10 minutes and then wash it off.
Benefits
Garlic is known to be antifungal. Thus, it adequately combats this rash.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method once a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
2. Bleach
Let’s see how we can treat the ringworm infection by using bleach.
Ingredients
- 1 part of bleach
- 1 part of the water
- Earbuds
Method
- Mix the bleach and water to prepare a waste.
- Dip the earbuds in the mixture and apply it to the affected area only.
- Let it dry and rinse it off after some time.
Benefits
Bleach possesses antimicrobial qualities which is why it is able to kill the fungus causing the ringworm infection thereby, curing the infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method once a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a very beneficial substance and is known to cure a lot of skin conditions ringworm is one of them.
Ingredients
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton balls
Method
- Dip the cotton balls in the tea tree oil.
- Dab the affected area with the cotton.
Benefits
Tea tree oil possesses amazing medicinal qualities that help in combatting this stubborn rash with effectiveness.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method 2 to 3 times a day.
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4. Oregano Oil
Let’s see how oregano oil helps with the condition of ringworm infection.
Ingredients
- Oregano Oil
Method
All you have to do is directly apply the oil to the affected area.
Benefits
This is a fungal infection and oregano oil is antifungal. Therefore, it is an effective treatment for ringworm infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat ringworm infection.
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cotton balls
Method
- Pour out some apple cider vinegar in a bowl and soak the cotton ball in it.
- Squeeze the cotton ball to get rid of excess apple cider vinegar.
- Place the cotton ball over the affected area for 15 minutes.
Benefits
Apple cider vinegar is antifungal thus it cures this fungal infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method a few times a day for a week.
6. Colloidal Silver
If you are unaware of colloidal silver, then colloidal silver is the tiny particles of silver suspended in a liquid. Let’s see, how to cure ringworm fast using colloidal silver.
Ingredients
- Colloidal silver
Method
Spray the colloidal silver over the affected area.
Benefits
What makes the colloidal silver an amazing remedy for the ringworm infection is its amazing penetrating power. It is able to go deep into the infection and destroy the fungus causing the infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method twice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
7. Coconut Oil
We are aware of the numerous health benefits, the coconut oil offers. It also offers amazing medicinal benefits that can combat infection like ringworm.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin coconut oil
Method
- Apply the coconut oil directly to the infected area and massage it with your fingertips, gently.
Benefits
Coconut oil possesses amazing antimicrobial properties which make it an amazing remedy for the treatment of the ringworm infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
This remedy involves the use of lavender oil as the primary ingredient along with a carrier oil i.e., olive oil.
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 drops of lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon of Olive oil
Method
- Infuse the lavender oil in the olive oil.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area and let it stay.
Benefits
Lavender oil immediately inhibits the growth of the fungus thereby treating the infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
9. Castor Oil
Castor oil too is one of the many effective remedies of ringworm infection.
Ingredients
- Castor Oil
Method
All you have to do is directly apply a few drops of the oil to the affected area and massage for a few minutes.
Benefits
This remedy is particularly helpful in treating the scalp ringworm infection. It starts remedying the infection as soon as it is applied.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
Also Read : Tips to Use Castor Oil for Scalp Problems
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is known to possess amazing antiseptic as well as antimicrobial qualities.
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
- Water
Method
- Prepare a thick paste of the turmeric and water.
- Apply the paste to the infected area.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Benefits
As mentioned earlier turmeric is known to possess antiseptic qualities which is why it makes an amazing candidate to remedy the infection.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method twice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has gained popularity in recent years because it offers amazing medicinal and beauty benefits. The list of the benefits of aloe vera also includes the treatment for ringworm infection.
Ingredients
- Aloe vera leaf or the normally marketed aloe vera gel
Method
- If you are using an aloe vera leaf, then take the leaf and cut off the side of it and peel it off. Get rid of the yellow substance if any, and scoop out the gel. It is recommended that you use the freshly extracted gel as it is 10 times more beneficial than the marketed once.
- Apply the gel directly to the affected area.
Benefits
Aloe vera is an amazing antifungal substance that helps relieve the rash with effectiveness.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method twice or thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
12. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil too is an amazing remedy for the ringworm infection.
Ingredients
- Eucalyptus oil
- Water
- Gauze pads
Method
- Mix eucalyptus oil and water in equal proportion.
- Soak the Gauze pads in the mixture and place them over the infected area.
- Leave the pads on overnight.
Benefits
Eucalyptus oil is antimicrobial and therefore it treats the fungal infection with effectiveness.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method for a few nights until the infection starts to fade away.
13. Neem Oil
Neem oil is known for its medicinal benefits.
Ingredients
- Neem Oil
Method
All you have to do is directly apply a few drops of the oil to the affected area.
Benefits
Neem fungal is full of antifungal agents that help with the condition of ringworm.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method thrice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
14. Fingernail Polish
Try this remedy for treating ringworm infection in your nails.
Ingredients
- Transparent Fingernail Polish
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton pads
Method
- Clean your nails properly before practising this remedy.
- Apply the nail polish to your nails making sure that the affected area is covered too.
- Leave the nail polish on for up to 8 hours.
- Now, remove the nail polish with the help of cotton pads and the nail polish remover.
- Apply again after 20 minutes.
Benefits
Nail polish is an amazing candidate for the treatment for ringworm infection because of the presence of antifungal agents.
How Often To Do?
Repeat until the infection is gone.
15. Epsom Salt
The last remedy our list includes is the Epsom salt.
Ingredients
- One-fourth cup of Epsom salt
- A tub of warm water
Method
- Add the Epsom salt in the tub of water.
- Place the affected area in the tub for about half an hour.
- After this duration wash off the area properly.
Benefits
Epsom salt is antifungal and hence helps with the condition.
How Often To Do?
Practice this method twice a day until the ringworm is completely gone.
Also Read : 20 Wonderful Benefits of Epsom Salt for Skin, Hair and Health
Tips To Prevent Ringworm
Here are some ringworm prevention tips to prevent the infection.- Don’t be barefoot in communal showers and changing areas.
- Try to wear open toes slippers and shoes as much as possible.
- This one is non-negotiable. You must change your socks and underwear daily.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Try to keep your toenails and fingernails as clean as possible.
- Never share your towels and clothes with a person having the infection.
- Wash your hands with soap and water at regular intervals.
- If your pet is infected, take it to a veterinarian.
- Take a shower after a heavy workout and even after sports practice sessions.
- Wash your sports gear regularly.
Foods To Eat And Avoid While Suffering From Ringworm
1. Foods To Eat
- Eat foods rich in vitamin A.
- Eat foods enriched with vitamin E.
- Make sure to add garlic and ginger to your diet if you are not allergic.
2. Foods That Should Be Avoided
- High sugar must be avoided.
- Avoid fried food.
- Try to consume less of fermented foods like cheese and vinegar.
- Avoid yeast containing foods.
When To Call A Doctor?
If you tried the home remedy and the symptoms still persist after two weeks and you observe no change. You must immediately visit a doctor.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions.
1. Can Iodine Be Used To Treat Ringworm?
The answer to this question is yes, Iodine can be used to treat ringworm infection. Use 7% tincture of iodine is an effective remedy for the rash. Apply it to the affected area with the help of cotton, three times a day.
2. Does Ringworm Affect An Unborn Baby During Pregnancy?
No, ringworm infection does not affect your baby in any way. It only affects the top layer of the skin, which can be healed with the aforementioned remedies.
Disclaimer: All the content on www.anveya.com/blogs/top-tips is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
