Prevention, Tips, and Home Remedies for Ringworm

Ringworm is one of the most common skin infections found in humans. In fact, its occurrence is eclipsed in incidence by infections like acne and eczema. Ringworm is easily noticeable once you are infected. Contrary to what the name of this infection suggests ringworm is not caused by worms but by fungi called dermatophytes. It is called Tinea medically which is derived from the part of your body where the infection can be found. However, one may use home remedies for Ringworm to cure fast.

Ringworm Causes — Ringworm can be really troublesome but treatable with natural remedies.

How can you get Ringworm?

To answer this question we shall take a look at what causes ringworm and where it can be found. Ringworm, as already stated, is caused by fungi named dermatophytes. These fungi live off protein found in your skin called keratin. The body produces keratin on the skin surface, nails, hair, and so on. Therefore, ringworm can occur in any of these places where keratin is produced. It’s actually contagious. Tinea-causing fungus can mostly be transferred to your skin in four different ways.

Ringworm Causes

a) Human to another human through body contact.

b) Animal to your skin through contacts like stroking an infected dog or cat.

c) Sharing certain objects with an already infected person. Some of the objects that can cause ringworm infection through sharing are clothing, towels, bed linen, brushes, or combs.

d) From exposure to an infected soil for long periods of time. However, this seems to be the least common among the four.

How do you know you have Ringworm?

The signs shown by ringworm are distinct and can be diagnosed by just about anybody. If you are suffering from ringworm, you would at first notice a crusty and scaly looking rash on your skin, nail, or hair scalp. This rash is more often than not itchy. You may also see some scab on your skin. Scabs are hard – coated stuff found on your skin when it is trying to heal itself. Scabbing is more likely to occur when you scratch the ringworm infection too often.

RINGWORM PREVENTION TIPS

Keep the infected area cool & dry. Wear breathable or loose-fitting clothes to prevent excessive sweating.

Make sure to take shower right away after work out or playing sports. Ensure your skin is dry, removing excess moisture with a clean towel. For better results, use a separate towel for the infected area.

Stick to proper hygiene measures such as washing hands regularly, washing clothes, towels, and bedding you use to avoid re-infecting. Wash it with warm & soapy water.

Refrain from sharing your clothes, sports equipment, or your personal belongings with other people.

Abstain from touching the infected area. Touching or scratching the infected area can spread ringworm to other parts of the body. Wash your hands to prevent further infection.

Ringworm Control, 11 ml, Forces of Nature – $14.95
from: VitaSprings.com

RINGWORM v/s ECZEMA

Nummular eczema & ringworm might initially look similar at first glance, however, understanding the difference between these two skin conditions is crucial.

Ringworm typically causes ring-shaped patches on the skin with flat patches of pink, red, brown, or grey skin. Eczema causes oval shaped of discolored skin. People develop red or brown areas on their skin due to Eczema.
Ringworm generally occurs in areas like arms, legs, scalp & soles. It can develop anywhere in the body including the groin area. Eczema is found in arms, hands, legs & torso.

Ringworm forms ring-shaped light & clear patches in the center. Eczema patches are present in clusters or can join up to form large patches.

Ringworm can be easily transmitted to any other person by sharing their items. Eczema however isn’t a contagious skin condition.

Ringworm isn’t a recurring condition unless treated properly. The symptoms are less severe than Eczema. The treatment for Eczema might take a year to heal, there’s also a risk of returning.

H-Eczema Formula 11ml
from: Healing Natural Oils

HOME REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM

Here’s a list of home remedies you can use right at home

1. Tea tree oil is an age-old remedy for Ringworms. Apply tea tree oil using a cotton ball to the affected area. For desired results, you can apply 2-3 times a day.

2. Apply coconut oil directly to the prone area. It absorbs into the skin quickly. Apply it twice a day.

3. You can also use neem leaves to treat stubborn ringworms. Boil the neem leaves for a few minutes, let the water cool. Wash the infected area using the water.

4. Mix about one-fourth cup of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water. Apply the water over the affected area.

5. Take 3 tbsp. of powdered licorice root into a cup of water. Boil the mixture & simmer for 10 minutes. Apply the paste twice a day once cooled.

More Ways to Treat Ringworm Infections?

There are two major ways by which you can get any ringworm infection treated. The first is the medical remedy, while the other one is termed the natural-do it yourself treatment. They are explained below:

Medical Treatment – Since ringworm as already stated is a fungal infection of the skin, it goes to follow that they should be treated with antifungal treatment measures. Anti-fungal medication may come in an oral form where you have to take pills. The cure also can be in the form of ointments that you can apply to the infected area. Popular cream types include clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole. You should see a doctor to recommend the most suitable one for you. Prescription is definitely needed when someone faces it to a worse degree.