It is a contagious disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain distance from the affected person and keep this infection under control.
Causes And Symptoms Of Ringworm
Ringworm is highly contagious and is caused by the overgrowth of fungus that naturally occurs on the skin. Environmental factors like hot and humid weather may cause fungal overgrowth. Here are ways people may contract this infection (1), (2):
Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or infected pets, like cats and dogs. Coming into contact with surfaces that have fungal spores may also spread the infection. Sharing personal items like towels, combs, or sports equipment with an infected individual. Lack of personal hygiene may cause fungal overgrowth as fungi thrive in moist, warm areas.
Also, people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing this infection. A red, itchy rash that resembles a ring and may have a raised, red border and a scaly or dry center is one of the common signs of ringworm. The rash can arise anywhere on the body, including the scalp, feet, or crotch, and the affected area may also be slightly swollen and uncomfortable. While it’s important to consult a doctor and use anti-fungal medicines to get rid of ringworm, several home remedies may also help manage the infection. Scroll down and take a look.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Ringworms
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties (3). These may help in combating the infection-causing fungus and aid recovery from the infection.
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar Sterile cotton ball
Do this about 3-4 times a day for a week.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains bioactive compoundsi Components acquired by the human body through animal or plant food sources which impact body activity and promote good health. that possess antifungal properties . It was found to be effective in treating tine pedisi Fungal infection characterized by itchy and scaly rashes between the toes. Also known as Athlete’s Foot. (4). Hence, it may also help in treating the symptoms of ringworm.
A few drops of tea tree oil Sterile cotton pad
Repeat this a few times during the day for 7-10 days.
3. Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil for ringworm may be an effective treatment, as it has antifungal properties and can help in treating fungal infections like Candida (5). Its emollient properties may also soothe the irritation and itching that often accompanies ringworm (6). Virgin coconut oil Take some coconut oil on your fingertips and massage it gently over the affected area and leave it on. Apply this oil 3-4 times a day until it heals. Studies show that more than 1.5 million people die each year from fungal infections worldwide. A total of 666 235 fungal infections were identified in the 35.5 million inpatient visits recorded in the US in 2018, with a corresponding cost estimated to be $6.7 billion. 76.3% of identified fungal infections were caused by Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Candida infections. Yaneece Cynthia Droz, a YouTuber, shared her experience with ringworm, and her journey from discovering the issue to finding a solution. Although she outlined a range of possible remedies, she only had coconut oil on hand. She recalls, “…I moved on to coconut oil because the coconut oil is supposed to be a fungus fighter and do all those things…. Coconut oil was my only option (i).”
4. Garlic
Garlic is rich in bioactive compounds like allicin and can be used for treating ringworm. The compounds exhibit antifungal properties that can help soothe the infection and heal it (7). 3-4 cloves of garlic Do this daily until the skin rash disappears.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil exhibits antifungal activity (7). Hence, it can help in getting rid of the infection-causing fungi and treat the symptoms.
2-3 drops of oregano oil Carrier oil
You must do this at least once a day until it is healed.
6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil exhibits fungistatic effects (8). Its topical application may help treat the infection and soothe the affected area.
2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil Water
Repeat it every night until the affected area is healed.
7. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has antifungal properties (9). Hence, it can prove to be an effective option to treat ringworm and stop it from spreading.
3-4 drops of lavender essential oil Carrier oil
You must do this at least twice daily until it is healed.
8. Neem Oil
The topical application of neem oil can help treat ringworm. Neem oil is enriched with phytochemicals that exhibit fungicidal properties (10). A few drops of neem oil Dab a few drops of neem oil on a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area. You must apply this oil twice a day for about 7-10 days or till it heals.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric exhibits antifungal activity against different strains of dermatophytesi A broad term for a group of fungi that causes infections in the skin, nails and hair. Examples include athlete’s foot and scalp ringworm. (11). This can help alleviate the symptoms of ringworm infection and also prevent further infection.
½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder A few drops of water
Apply turmeric paste twice a day until the rashes disappear.
10. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is well known for its wound-healing and antifungal properties (12). This makes it the perfect natural remedy to eliminate ringworm infection and speed up recovery. Aloe leaf extract You can do this 2-3 times a day till it heals. You can also try using other essential oils like lemongrass oil and calendula oil to treat ringworms as they have potent antifungal properties (13) (14). Using boric acid and hydrogen peroxide for ringworms may be similarly beneficial, as per anecdotal evidence. Although home remedies for ringworm can be successful, it is important to follow good preventative measures to stay clear of infections in the first place and maintain long-term skin health. Scroll down to know more.
Prevention Tips
Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of ringworm. Here are some simple tips you can follow:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after handling possibly contaminated objects or coming into contact with someone who has ringworm. Towels, clothes, and combs are some personal objects that need not be shared since they can host the fungus and contribute to its spread. Additionally, since dampness can encourage the growth of fungi, keep your skin and towels clean and dry. Make sure everything in your home is dry and clean and pay quick attention to any places where moisture accumulates, including your damp bathroom or sweaty exercise clothes.
When should I seek medical attention for ringworm? You should consult a doctor for ringworm If over-the-counter medications do not relieve your infection or it spreads quickly or covers a wide area. If you have extreme itching or discomfort or a compromised immune system or other underlying medical disorders, it is best to check in with a medical professional. In addition, you need to consult a doctor if ringworm affects your nails or scalp, or if you experience any symptoms of a secondary bacterial infection, such as increased pus, swelling, or redness. How long does it take to get rid of ringworm? It usually takes about 2-4 weeks to treat a ringworm infection completely. How can you stop ringworm from spreading? You can stop the infection from spreading by applying an antifungal ointment or using any of the natural remedies listed above. Is ringworm always itchy? Ringworm can have a red and crusted appearance. An itchy sensation can accompany this scaly rash. Is ringworm contagious by touch? Ringworm is quite contagious and can spread very easily by touch. It can also spread to resources shared by people like towels, locker rooms, accessories, etc. How fast does ringworm spread? Ringworm usually takes one to two weeks to incubate in humans. How do you shower with ringworm? Wash the affected areas with soap and lukewarm water while showering, then pat them dry with a fresh towel. Use a new towel for other parts of your body. Can ringworm live on clothes? Ringworm transmits through contact with infected skin and fungal spores. Hence, the spores can live on various items, including clothes. As a result, it is critical to disinfect anything that has come into contact with an infected human or animal. Is sun exposure good for ringworm? Yes, UV light which is amply present in natural sunlight is highly effective for ringworm. However, more research is needed to back up this claim. Does alcohol kill ringworm? Alcohol can only eradicate it on the surface of the skin but does not stop the infection underneath. However, it effectively cleans the surface to prevent it from spreading further.
Illustration: Best Natural Home Remedies For Ringworm Treatment
Watch this video for tips to prevent and treat ringworm rash. Get the best advice to maintain your hygiene and keep your skin healthy and free from infection. i. I got ringworm! | Treatment & experiencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CqNu01NL50
