Contrary to its name, a worm is not responsible for the fungus that settles and multiplies on the skin and causes an infection to develop. Ringworm can affect a range of body parts – from the face to the feet. This common condition strikes both adults and the young with fungus that lurks in many different areas. To fight symptoms, you may want to get familiar with ringworm home remedies.
ring worm home remedies 21 Ringworm Home Remedies
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, which can affect different parts of the body. In medical circles, the term ‘tinea’ is used to refer to ringworm – followed by a further explanation of the infection. For example, tinea capitis means that you have ringworm of the scalp.
Other forms of ringworm include:
- Tinea Barbae – beard
- Tinea Corporis – body
- Tinea Pedis – feet, better known as athlete’s foot
- Tinea Cruris – groin area, also referred to as jock itch
Causes and Symptoms
Direct skin-to-skin contact transfers the infection from one person to another. The fungus is also passed along from objects, such as coming in contact with infected barber clippers, combs, shower stalls, floors, and even hair from infected people. The ringworm fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. You can also catch ringworm from your pets if they are carrying the fungus, with cats being common carriers.
Ringworm causes a scaly, crusted rash with patches that may itch, blister and ooze. Usually, the patches possess sharply-defined edges. The red patches are easy to identify because they are often redder around the outside with a normal skin tone at the center. This is what gives the rash the appearance of a ‘ring.’ When ringworm affects your hair, it is not uncommon to suffer bald patches.
Jock itch can affect the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks with redness, itching, and burning sensations. Sometimes, the skin will flake, peel or crack in the groin region. The anus may also itch in some cases.
Ringworm of the feet can cause itching, stinging and burning between the toes and/or soles of the feet. Itchy blisters may form. The skin can crack and peel. The bottoms or sides of the feet may experience excessive dryness. Ringworm that strikes the toenails can cause discoloration, increased thickness, and crumbling.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
Ignoring ringworm doesn’t make the fungus go away. When the infection is left untreated, you may face complications. For example, hair loss can take place when the rash expands across the scalp. Deformities can affect your nails and nail bed if the infection reaches deeper levels. Bacterial infections can develop when skin becomes damaged. To avoid any unnecessary consequences, consider some of the following ringworm home remedies:
a) Garlic:
To treat scalp and skin ringworm, consider the antifungal properties of garlic. Place raw garlic in a blender and create a paste that can address ringworm-affected skin. Use a clean cotton ball to apply the remedy three times a day. To treat a case of foot ringworm, place a couple of slices of fresh garlic into your shoes, and wear on a daily basis. You can also give your immune system a boost by adding garlic to your meals.
b) Garlic and Olive Oil:
A garlic compress can help treat jock itch by providing antifungal properties that helps ease itchy skin and discomfort. You can make your own compress by mixing two cloves of garlic with one cup of olive oil. Saturate three to four paper towels in the remedy, and then directly apply to affected skin.
c) Loose-Fitting Clothing:
When fighting ringworm symptoms, don’t wear clothing that will rub against and irritate affected skin.
d) Lime:
Treat infected skin with a cut lime where the inside part has been dipped in salt. Rub ringworm patches with the lime – it will tingle. Rinse with water after applying the treatment. This remedy will have a drying effect on the rash.
e) Turmeric:
Add enough warm water to a small amount of turmeric to make a paste that topically treats infected skin. Use gauze to cover the skin for at least 20 minutes, and then repeat several times a day.
f) Vitamin E Oil:
Apply vitamin E oil directly to skin affected by ringworm to aid in the healing process.
g) Ginger Tea:
To create both an external and internal treatment for ringworm, start by simmering 2 ounces of fresh ginger root in a pot filled with 8 ounces of water for 20 minutes. Filled with anti-fungal compounds, drink the ginger tea three times a day. You can also soak cotton in the tea to make a compress that treats affected skin. Apply the remedy for five minutes for three times a day.
h) Time to Do Laundry:
Every day while you are infected with ringworm, it is highly recommended to wash your sheets and pajamas.
i) Papaya:
The enzymes and other components in raw papaya can be used to treat ringworm. Rub slices of the fruit over ringworm patches on the skin.
j) Chamomile Tea:
Drinking chamomile tea three times a day can help clear up a ringworm rash. Some people will also directly apply the tea to affected skin with a cotton ball three times a day.
k) Apple Cider Vinegar:
To treat the symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, rinse your feet in a basin filled with undiluted apple cider vinegar. This remedy can help calm down unbearable itching. Repeat the rinse three to four times per day for a couple of days. When washing socks, kill the infection by soaking in 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water for 30 minutes before placing in the laundry.
l) Lemon Juice:
If you suffer cracked feet associated with athlete’s foot, try rubbing lemon juice on affected skin two times per day. Repeat this process for 10 days.
m) Antiperspirant:
Keeping your feet dry is one of the first steps to preventing the athlete’s foot fungus from spreading, and may also kill the infection. Spray underarm antiperspirant on your feet. To treat jock itch with an antiperspirant, apply the product to the insides of your thighs to eliminate the moist environment that the ringworm fungus thrives in.
n) Aspirin and Rubbing Alcohol:
Dissolve six aspirin in ½ cup of rubbing alcohol, and then shake the mixture well. Apply the remedy to dry, clean feet as a way to disinfect and dry the skin. Repeat the process three times per day for three days or until your athlete’s foot symptoms disappear.
o) Cold Compress:
Dry up ringworm blisters on your feet by applying a cold compress to affected skin for 15 to 20 minutes. This remedy will also help to treat inflammation and reduce itching.
p) Saltwater:
Add two teaspoons of salt per every pint of warm water to create a saline solution that can help repel athlete’s foot fungus, as well as cut down on the amount of foot perspiration. Add the solution to a basin and soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes.
q) Castor Oil:
To treat ringworm of the scalp, try rubbing affected areas with castor oil.
r) Baby Powder:
Baby powder has a drying effect on athlete’s foot fungus. Air-dry your feet for 5 to 10 minutes after taking a shower, and then dust your feet (and in-between the toes) before putting on socks and shoes. This will help absorb any leftover moisture. To treat jock itch with baby powder, shake over the groin region to prevent a buildup of moisture. It is suggested that every time you change your underwear, you should apply a light dusting of powder.
s) Powder:
The zinc oxide found in Gold Bond brand of powder is known to effectively absorb moisture in the groin region.
t) Coconut Oil:
Applying coconut oil to skin affected with ringworm can help prevent itching.
u) Mouthwash:
The antiseptic properties of mouthwash (must be sugarfree) can treat a mild case of athlete’s foot. Soak a cotton ball in the mouthwash, and then apply to affected skin. Don’t be alarmed if you feel a stinging sensation – this is a normal response. Results usually emerge within a few days.
v) Baking Soda:
To dry out an athlete’s foot infection, try dusting your feet with baking soda. You can also use this remedy on your socks and footwear. Another baking soda remedy for ringworm is to make a paste out of one teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of water. Rub the mixture between your toes, and allow it to dry. Follow up by washing off the remedy after 15 minutes has passed. Before slipping into socks or shoes, make sure your feet are completely dry.
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