Getting rid of ringworm is not always easy. The ringworm is a type of fungal infection. It infects the superficial layers of the skin. It usually targets animals with thick hair, such as dogs and cats, as well as humans.
The ringworm is actually a fungal infection that lives in the skin. For a long time, people believed that a ring-shaped worm caused it; however, it was found that the agent causing the skin infection is the fungi. These skin fungi live on keratin, the part of the upper layer of dead cells. For this reason, the infection never enters very deeply into the skin.
The fungus known as Tinea causes ringworms. Ringworm can show different characteristics and infects various locations depending on the specific type of fungus called Tinea involved. Among these, there are:
- Tinea capitis – Responsible for localized scalp infection;
- Tinea cruris – Causes the onset of ringworm in the inguinal area;
- Tinea pedis – This fungus is considered to be the origin of the “athlete’s foot”;
- Tinea barbae – As the name suggests it tends to proliferate on the skin hidden under the beard;
- Tinea corporis – Usually infects the remaining surface of the human body
Despite being very contagious and annoying, ringworm is not a serious disease and can be treated with natural therapies. Some natural remedies even manage to block the development of the fungus.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that manifests itself with small circular rashes. Ringworm can affect different areas of the body and is highly contagious, although not a serious disease.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this disease and best cure for ringworm on skin.
Best cure for ringworm on skin
Ringworm symptoms
The symptoms of this disease can be seen in its visual manifestation. It appears to be a simple pimple at first; then the pathology spreads out and turns into a larger circular and red area. This happens mostly in the head region, since it has the highest concentration of keratin. However, the face, trunk, hands and feet as well as the groin and nails are also at risk.
- The symptoms of ringworm usually appear within 4 – 10 days of contracting the fungus.
- The main symptom is a circular rash, with slightly thickened edges.
- The biggest problem is the itchiness. Sometimes, it becomes so intense that it drives the sufferer to scratch so much and that will spread the fungus
There is that intense itch that ultimately results in skin redness… Scratching tends to worsen the situation and put other areas of the body at risk. The fungus could migrate by transferring the infection to the nearby skin. If the ringworm first appears in the scalp or the beard area, other possible target zones may possibly be where the hair tends to thin out.
The “rings” can spread to other parts of the body or merge with one another. In the most serious cases, ringworms may be filled with blisters and have the appearance of piles.
It can be transferred to your skin by touching the skin of a person or an affected animal (dogs, cats, horses and rabbits are as much of a target as humans). Children are more vulnerable to this infection than adults are. Furthermore, there are risk factors that increase the possibility of developing ringworm, such as:
- Excessive sweating
- Living in hot or humid areas
- Wearing tight clothes
- Practicing sports that involve physical contact
- Exchanging of clothes or towels
- Having a weak immune system
The best way to prevent ringworm is to avoid physical contact with those affected, as well as not sharing linens or clothing.
It is still important to consult with your doctor, who can make the appropriate diagnosis if you think that you may be infected. It also helps to keep in mind that there is also the option of using natural cures to solve the problem. If it is an animal, it will be essential to visit the vet.
Natural remedies for ringworm – How to treat ringworm at home
How to treat ringworm at home? You can cure ringworm infection with some natural antifungals. The use of essential oil is highly recommended. Essential oil is rich in antiseptic and antifungal properties. It can be applied with a swab after diluting a few drops in a bit of warm water. It is also useful in the treatment of candida and mycosis of the nails.
Some popular remedies to fight ringworm are as followed:
1. Garlic
It contains antifungal properties; garlic can be of great help in the treatment of ringworm. It may ‘burn’ a little during the first few applications. The patient must continue with the treatment until he/she sees positive results.
For this, you will need a clove of garlic.
Preparation
- Peel the clove of garlic and chop it.
- Apply it on the lesion and cover it with gauze.
- Leave it to work overnight and rinse off in the morning.
- Repeat the treatment for at least a week (or until ringworm disappears).
A clove of garlic can be just as useful thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. You can also rub a little garlic on the treated area and leave it for about half an hour to give it time to work its magic and get all the benefits. In order to cure ringworm, natural antifungals can also be used in addition to garlic, namely tea tree oil and yogurt.
2. Essential oils
Some essential oils have very strong antifungal properties as in the case of lavender. You can apply this several times a day. This will help prevent the development of the fungus.
For this, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of essential oil
Preparation
- Prepare a mix of water with the chosen essential oil (lavender or melaleuca).
- Apply the liquid on the ringworm and cover with gauze.
- Leave it to work for a few hours before removing the gauze.
- Repeat three times a day, for a full month.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Vinegar has many therapeutic properties, especially antibiotics and antifungal. Direct application on the lesion can cause some burning, that is why it is better to use cold vinegar.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (10 ml)
Preparation
- Moisten the gauze or a piece of cotton cloth with the apple cider vinegar.
- Apply it on the ringworm.
- Let it dry.
- Repeat the application 3 – 5 times a day.
4. Salt and vinegar
Beware! This treatment can cause some discomfort of the skin. However, it is very effective.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of salt (10 g)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar (10 ml)
Preparation
- In a small bowl, dissolve the salt in the vinegar.
- Make a paste that you will apply directly on the fungal lesion.
- Leave the paste on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, and then dry gently.
- Repeat this treatment twice a day for at least a week.
5. Aluminum salts
Aluminum salt has an anti-perspiring effect. It blocks the production of sweat and slows down the growth of the fungus.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of aluminum salts (10 g)
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
Preparation
- Put the salt in a container; pour the water in gradually while stirring.
- Once a paste is obtained, apply it on the affected area; leave it for 6 hours (better if you can leave it for the whole night).
- Then rinse with warm water and dry without rubbing.
- Repeat the treatment every day for a week.
6. Aloe Vera
This plant has an excellent anti-inflammatory and soothing power therefore can be used to soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it can be used as a natural antibiotic that acts directly on the infection giving an immediate feeling of relief.
7. Cranberry
The fermented cranberry juice may significantly weaken the fungus. It is possible to eliminate it in a short time just by using the cranberry juice. As a treatment, it is essential to take one handful of cranberries, crush them then soak them in cotton wool.
- Apply it to the ringworm plaque for 2 hours.
- Repeat the procedure 3 times during the day.
- Carry on with the treatment for 2 weeks.
When using cranberries in combination with the ointment treatment, it is possible to speed the recovery time by up to 3 weeks.
8. Pumpkin Compress
Yet another effective remedy for ringworm. As a therapy, it is necessary to take the pulp of a ripe pumpkin and rub it on a medium grater in order to squeeze the juice. Spread a goodly amount on gauze then apply on the affected area of the body. Cover the pumpkin compress with a bandage or adhesive plaster. Leave it for 12 hours and replaced with a new one as needed. Repeat the treatment until complete recovery.
- Beet Ointment
To make the oinment, you need to take a medium beet, boil it until ready, then peel and grate it. Add some honey to the resulting mass. Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After the 24-hour period, mix the ointment well and apply to the affected area, and leave it for 1 hour. Then wash off with warm water. Apply the beet ointment three times a day for a week.
Ringworm Infection on Dogs: prevention and natural remedies
How to treat ringworm in dogs? First, we must strengthen its immune system with high quality food and a good multivitamin. Supplements containing bio spirulina or kelp algae are an excellent choice. Try to mix them with the dog food in order to make it more appealing.
Spirulina is a unicellular blue alga that owes its name to its characteristic spiral shape. It is particularly rich in proteins, lipids and vitamins. In addition to being an excellent nutritional supplement, it is also a highly digestible food, thanks to its non-cellulosic mucus cell wall protein.
The main components are proteins (consisting of all the essential amino acids), lipids, vitamins, mineral salts (excluding iodine) and carbohydrates. The daily dosage is 25 mg per 10 kg.
If the ringworm is identified in its early stages, natural topical products can be used for the treatment. For example, specific dog shampoos are to be used on a regular basis. You can buy a good anti-fungal shampoo in the pharmacy or at the local department stores. The anti-fungal shampoo can also help the pet (in this case, dog) to stop the spread of fungi spores.
Do and don’t when dealing with ringworm
According to doctors, there are some basic rules that need to be followed in order to be successful with the treatment:
- Do not use alcohol, sulfur-based ointments, and
salicylic acid to treat ringworm plaques. The same applies to iodine that can dry
the skin. An ointment with a moisturizing effect is recommended.
- Consider not to bathe to often if you have ringworm. Take a bath only with warm water if you can. Doctors generally advise against getting the plaques wet. It is best to use wet warm wipes so that the fungi do not spread throughout the body.
- Ringworm spots should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays or sunlight in general.
- Clothing that is of fabrics from natural origin is preferred.
- It is necessary to avoid intense physical activity.
- Use of alcohol is strictly prohibited. A vegetable diet with cereals and fish should be considered
- Do not to visit cosmetology rooms, baths, or massages parlour until the disease is cured.
- The use of cosmetics on the body is prohibited. Same goes for perfumes.
- It is prohibited to use sulfuric-based ointment as a treatment.
- It is well known that ringworm can be transmitted through clothing. Therefore, you need to wash your clothe separately and not share clothing with anyone.
How to Prevent Ringworm
In addition to using one of these natural remedies to treat ringworm, follow the additional advice below:
1. Good hygiene habits to follow
To help prevent and treat the infection, wash your hands as soon as you get home, before eating or after going to the bathroom. Washing every day especially after doing sports or if it is very hot with a mild soap is an effective way to treat and prevent ringworm.
2. Dry yourself well after showering and before getting dressed
Dry your feet after showering. After taking a shower, it is important to dry carefully. Remember that damp environments are a favorite place for ringworms.
Areas where folds are present such as feet and armpits need to stay dry. Apply some salicylic talcum powder to keep the skin dry.
Did you find other home remedies or DIY methods to deal with ringworm? If yes, let us know in the comment below!