Wanna cure ringworm at home! By the end of this article, you will be capable of doing that; but first, you need to know much more about ringworm.
There's a great misconception; Despite the name "ringworm", it's not caused by any worm, but it's a fungal infection that causes a lesion that looks like a worm in the shape of a ring. It's a contact disease caused by tenia species and is also called dermatophytosis.
What are the ringworm types
There are many species of tenia that causes ringworm in different regions of the body, the most important of which are:
Tinea corporis
Also known as body tinea, it appears in any region of the body or the face, and the term ringworm is especially associated with it.
Tinea pedis
Also known as (athlete's foot), it's one of the most common and persistent fungal infections in adults which occurs between the toes of the feet.
Tinea capitis
It infects the scalp and is very contagious, especially among children.
Tinea cruris
Also known as (jock itch), it infects the groin and genital area, especially in men, it occurs in warm weather.
Ringworm signs & symptoms
- Red and scaly patches on the skin and nails arise on the trunk, arms, and legs.
- It can cause itching and information
- It develops with time to form the ring shape.
- They may be several and distributed.
Best Remedies to cure ringworm at home
1- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a proven activity as an antifungal that can be useful to cure ringworm at home.
You can apply it to your skin by soaking a ball of cotton in the undiluted oil and wiping it over the ringworm twice daily.
2- Aloe vera
Definitely, it's a great choice, for its antiseptic, antifungal, healing, and soothing properties as proven by studies, which can help to treat and reduce the symptoms like itching and inflammation.
Apply aloe vera gel directly to ringworm 3-4 times daily or use its ointments.
3- Soap and water
It's important to wash the infected area, and your hands especially after touching ringworm with antiseptic soap and water to prevent the spreading of infection to other regions of the body, as it's a contact disease.
Also, You should do that before applying any other remedies to cure ringworm.
4- Turmeric
In addition to being a famous spice, turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial activity that makes it a useful choice to cure ringworm at home.
Preparation
Add some water or coconut oil to turmeric spice and mix them to form a paste, then apply it to your skin and leave it to dry.
5- Powdered licorice
Licorice is a traditional Chinese herp, which possesses antibacterial and antifungal characteristics that makes it helpful to cure ringworm at home, according to recent research.
Preparation
Make a paste of licorice by mixing 8 teaspoons of the powder with a cup of water, then boil the mixture.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes till it forms a paste. Apply it to the infected area when it's cool enough and leave it for 10 minutes at least. Repeat twice daily.
6- Plant natural oils
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that native Australians have used for centuries. Research proved that it has great antifungal and antibacterial properties which can be useful to cure ringworm at home.
Usage
Dilute tea tree oil with another carrier like coconut oil or water, then with a cotton ball, apply it directly to the infected area 2-3 times daily. You can use it without dilution if your skin isn't sensitive.
- Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which are strong antifungals that can stop the growth and cure ringworm and athlete's foot.
You can buy Oregano oil extract products from the store.
Before usage: it must be diluted first with a carrier oil like coconut oil, then applied to the area of the ringworm 3 times daily.
- Coconut oil
Coconut Oil may be an effective remedy to cure ringworm at home, thanks to certain fatty acids contained in it. It also has a moisturizing effect that makes it an ideal topical remedy to cure mild and moderate infections.
Usage
You should first bring coconut oil to the liquid state either by warming it with your hands or in the microwave, then apply it to your scalp and skin three times daily.
- Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil extract has an antifungal activity that makes it a useful remedy to cure ringworm at home.
Usage
Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to a carrier oil and apply to the infected area twice daily.
How can you prevent ringworm
1- Minimize heat, and moisture and keep your skin dry and clean.
2- Wear shower shoes in public gyms and showers, and don't go barefoot.
3- Your underwear must be loose-fitting and clean.
4- Change your underwear and socks every day.
5- Don't share towels, clothes, combs, and brushes.
6- Keep your hands away from pets if they show ringworm signs also keep your child away from them. Then you must take it to the veterinarian to treat and prevent the infection from spreading.
Be careful when dealing with your pets: wear gloves, isolate them in a special place, and, wash your hands with antimicrobial soap after treating them.
7- Shower immediately after practicing contact sports.
8- Clip your nails short, and keep them clean.
When should you call your health provider
1- If the patches didn't get better after 10 days of your trial cure ringworm at home.
2- If the redness got worse or the infection spread to other sites of the body.
3- If fluids leaks from the lesion
The doctor may prescribe OTC antifungals like clotrimazole and terbinafine ointments to be taken 2 times daily.
Summary
Ringworm is a common infection that could be treated easily if you understood the nature of the disease and its mode of transmission, so you can eliminate its spread and reduce the complications.
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