Ringworm can affect any part of the skin in the body from the scalp to the feet. It is a contagious skin infection which results in red, scaly and itchy round patches on the skin. Ringworm infections look ugly and cause a lot of discomfort.
The condition caused by ringworm infection is called as dermatophytosis, which means that the skin fungi that causes the infection can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on the top of the skin. Good news is that it cannot penetrate deeper into the skin and it does not survive on mucus membrane such as in the mouth or vagina.
Ringworm is stubborn and contagious infection. It is very hard to get rid of it from certain areas such as scalp, fingernails and toenails. On the other parts of the body home remedies for ringworm generally work well.
Causes and Symptoms of Ringworm
Different kinds of ringworm affect different parts of the body. Tinea cruris infects the groin area. The ringworm that infect the feet are called "Tinea Pedis". On the scalp it is called "Tinea Capitis". Hands is "Tinea Manus". On the nail it is called "Tinea Unguium". On the face it is "Tinea faciei and the rest of the body it is called "Tinea corporis".
{Loadposition midad}The symptoms appear after 4-10 days of infection. The center of the affected area becomes clear causing a ring which is red, scaly, bumpy and itchy.
Ringworms Natural Remedies
As ringworm is a fungus infection, it can spread to the entire body as it is a contagious condition. Therefore, its proper treatment becomes a necessity to avoid complications. Most ringworm infections can be treated with home remedies but some of the severe ones can take longer and may require doctors intervention.
1. Garlic Extract for Ringworm
Garlic is the most potent remedy to get rid of ringworm. Garlic which contains a compound called allicin is antifungal and antibacterial.
- crush two garlic cloves to make a thick paste
- apply a thick layer on the ringworm and dress it up with surgical bandage and leave it until the next application
- do it 2-3 times a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Most mild ringworm infection can be treated with apple cider vinegar. Since it is acidic in nature it may sting and give skin irritation to some people. Try it on a healthy skin patch to test whether your skin can handle it. If your skin is too sensitive then dilute apple cider vinegar in water and apply.
- clean the affected area with water
- dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dab it on the ringworm infection.
- leave it there fore 30 minutes before washing the area
- do it 3-4 times a day.
3. Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm
tea tree oil with its antifungal and antiseptic property is a good remedy for ringworm and other skin diseases.
- soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply it on the ringworm infection
- leave it there until the next application
- do it 2-3 times a day
4. Mustard Seeds and Turmeric for Ringworms
A paste of mustard seeds and turmeric will achieve two objectives together. Mustard seeds give itch relief and turmeric with its antibiotic and antifungal- and antiseptic capabilities treats ringworm infections.
- soak a tablespoon of mustard seeds in water overnight
- remove the mustard seeds from water and grind them to make a thick paste
- add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the mustard seed paste
- apply it on ringworm infections and keep it there for 30-45 minutes
- do it 2-3 times daily
Be aware that turmeric will leave permanent yellow color on clothes, so apply with care.
5. Olive Leaf
Olive leaves are anti-fungal and possess antioxidant capabilities. Olive leaves contain higher amounts of oleuropein, a polyphenol with unique health-improving attributes. You can consume Olive leaves 2-3 times a day to get the best results.
- consume 3-4 green fresh olive leaves by chewing them after cleaning and washing them.
- prepare tea from olive leaves and drink it 3 times a day
- grind olive leaves to make a thick paste and apply it on the ringworm
Any skin condition becomes more difficult to deal with if you have diabetes. Your doctor is then the best help to guide you. Home Remedies will still work but they should be done under doctors supervision.
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