Worms don't cause ringworm. Rather, this
superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, is caused by fungi
called dermatophytes. Fungi are microscopic organisms that can live off the
dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails, much like a mushroom can grow
on the bark of a tree.
Ringworm is characterized by a red ring
of small blisters or a red ring of scaly skin that grows outward as the
infection spreads. Though children are especially susceptible to catching ringworm,
it can affect adults as well.
Ringworm is caused by a fungus that grows on
the skin. Once the fungus is established, it spreads out in rings. The center
of the ring may clear up, while a new ring of infection develops at the edge of
the old ring.
Children are most likely to get ringworm.
Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats,
combs, or brushes. Ringworm of the body can be spread on towels, clothing, or
sports equipment. Personal hygiene is important in preventing the spread of
ringworm. Dogs and cats can be infected with ringworm, too, and they can pass
it to people through direct contact.
Symptoms
and Signs
The signs of ringworm look like its name. It
forms a red, elevated, rapidly growing, ringlike sore on the skin. The center
of the ring may be clear. The sore itself may contain scales, crust, or
fluid-filled areas. Itching and pain may accompany the sore (doctors
call them lesions). Each lesion is less than 5 cm across (about 2 inches) and
occurs alone or in groups of three or four.
- Lesions commonly are found on the trunk, legs, arms, neck, and face
(referred to as tinea faciei).
- This type of ringworm does not involve the bearded area, scalp,
groin (jock itch), hands, or feet (athlete's foot).
Remedies
for Ringworm
How to get
rid of ringworm fast at home? Well, you can heal the problem with the
ingredients, available in your kitchen. Some of the home remedies to cure
ringworm are:
1. Tea
Tree Oil
This is one
of the best herbal remedies for ringworm. Dilute tree tea oil by adding an
equal amount of water to it. Apply this solution two times in a day. The
ringworm will completely subside in a few weeks. Tea tree oil is an excellent
anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and largely used to treat minor cuts and
bruises, infections and burns.
2. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Soak a
cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and gently pat it on the ringworm. Repeat
this for 3-5 times every day for at least three days.
3. Garlic
Garlic is
one of the best ringworm treatments. Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and
place it on the affected area, covering it with a bandage. Keep it for one
whole night or one full day. Its antiseptic properties will kill the ringworms.
4. Salt
and Vinegar
Mix some
salt in vinegar and apply this mixture on the ringworm. Leave it for 5 minutes
and then, wash it. It will take at least a week to remove the ringworm from the
skin with this remedy.
5. Raw
Papaya
Raw papaya
is a good ringworm treatment for humans. Cut a slice of raw papaya and
rub it on the ringworm. This is one of the best ringworm cures as papaya contains
enzymes that quickly heal the infection.
6.
Turmeric
Apply fresh
turmeric juice on the ringworm affected area. You can also make a paste by
mixing turmeric and water. Turmeric is a good antibiotic and is a good home
remedy for ringworm in children.
7. Aloe
Vera
Aloe vera is
an effective remedy to treat various skin problems, and similarly, it helps in
healing ringworm too. Just apply fresh aloe vera gel on the area,
affected with ringworm. Regular use will naturally remove the ringworm in a few
days.
8.
Lemongrass Tea
Drink
lemongrass tea at least thrice a day. It greatly helps to heal the ringworm.
You can also apply the used teabags on the area, affected with ringworm.
9.
Lavender Oil
Apply
lavender oil on the infected area. It has antifungal properties that quickly
heal the ringworm. It is a good home remedy for ringworm on body.
10.
Mustard Seeds
Grind some
mustard seeds and mix it in a little water to make a paste. Now, apply it
regularly on the ringworm, until it heals completely.
11.
Colloidal Silver
It is a good
antibiotic and gives quick relief from ringworm infection. Apply topically
either a gel or spray of colloidal silver on the ringworm at least 2 times a
day, until it completely vanishes.
12.
Goldenseal
Prepare tea
of goldenseal herb and apply it on the affected area, using a cotton ball. You
can also pour 4-5 drops of tincture in your juice, and sip it thrice a day.
Goldenseal has anti-fungal properties and gives relief from the problem of the
ringworms.
13. Myrrh
Make a paste
by mixing equal amounts of myrrh and goldenseal powder in some water, and apply
it on the ringworm. Myrrh is a good anti-fungal agent.
14. Holy
Basil Leaves
Crush some
holy basil leaves and apply its juice on the affected skin at least
2-3 times per day, till the ringworm is totally healed.
15. Olive
Leaf
Olive leaf
extract has good anti-fungal properties and helps in boosting up the immune
system. Take 250 mg of olive leaf extract at least thrice a day.
16.
Licorice
Boil 6
teaspoons of licorice root powder in a cup of water for about 20 minutes.
Strain it and let it cool for some time. Apply the solution to the area,
affected with ringworm, at least thrice in a day. Licorice has around 25
fungicidal substances and effectively removes the ringworm.
17.
Ginger Tea
Boil 2
ounces of fresh ginger root in 8 ounces of water and apply the tea using
cotton, at least 3 times a day. You can also drink it thrice a day. Ginger
contains about 20 anti-fungal compounds, and therefore, kills ringworm
infections.
18.
Calendula
Apply
calendula cream on the ringworm. Repeat this at least 2-3 times a day in order
to get permanent relief.
19.
Vegetable Juice
Combine 300
ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice. Drink it daily. It
will help in healing the infection from within.
20.
Chamomile Tea
Apply
chamomile tea on the ringworm infected area. This helps to remove the infection
in a few days.
21. Honey
Mix honey with
beeswax and olive oil. This mixture is the best cure for ringworm on the body.
REMEMBER
Generally,
ringworm infections are not emergencies. But if you develop fever,
increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness, which could suggest a bacterial
secondary infection of the ringworm lesion, go to a hospital's emergency
department.