Ringworm, which is scientifically called Dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection that affects different parts and areas of your body, like the nails, scalp, and skin. Ringworm is a very common communicable infection that is triggered by a fungus named Trichophyton Rubrum. Although anyone can get this disease, children tend to be the most affected as they are usually in closer contact with each other. Among pets, dogs and cats are common carriers of this infection. This fungus thrives in moist and warm areas. The disease ‘athlete’s foot’ is one where ringworm affects the feet and the ‘jock itch’ is when this fungus affects the groin area.
What causes ringworm?
Here is a list of reasons why you are likely to get affected by this fungal infection:
Ringworm is caused by a specific type of fungi called dermatophytes.
You can get affected by Ringworm by being in direct contact with an affected person.
Sharing contaminated clothes and personal care items is also one of the causes of being infected by this fungus.
Contaminated locker room or pool surfaces
Lengthy exposure to infected soil, though it is less common.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms for Ringworm vary depending on area that is infected.
The common symptoms are:
Red patches which are itchy, raised, and scaly
Ring-like silvery or red patch on the skin
Inflamed skin
Patches that develop blisters and are puss-filled
You might notice patches of hair from your beard coming out
If the scalp is affected, then parts of it might feel tender and painful
Small patches on the scalp which might feel sore
Brittle hair and hair fall
For hand ringworm, you might see thicker skin on the palm and in between fingers
If you have Athlete’s foot, then you might see swelled and cracked skin on the affected area
A list of useful home remedies for getting rid of ringworm
Ringworm infections need to be treated and taken care of otherwise they cause some serious complications. Following are a list of beneficial home remedies and directions on how to treat ringworms:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used to get rid of ringworms affecting the feet, which is commonly called Athlete’s foot. Different types of skin diseases can be remedied by tea tree oil as they contain antiseptic and anti-fungal agents.
Direction of use: Take a cotton ball and soak it in tea tree oil. Remove the excess oil and apply it on the affected area. Repeat this at least three times a day for better and faster results. Try using oil of the same temperature as your body. To do that, boil the oil to bring it to your body temperature and use it for a better outcome.
2. Olive leaf
Olive leaf has great health benefits. Practically every section of the olive plant is advantageous for your health. Olive leaf acts as a natural anti-fungal, because of which it is very effective in killing the fungus that causes ringworms. The extract of the leaf has supplementary health benefits. It helps boost your immunity system which will further aid in your speedy healing.
Directions of use: Infuse 250 gram of olive leaves for 3 times a day for the cure to work. Continue to consume the concoction for a week after the ringworms are cured so they don’t recur.
3. Garlic Extract
Garlic is a wonder food. It has tons of health benefits. Garlic is seasoned with ajoene which has pure anti-fungal properties. It is used to cure various fungal infections, including ringworms. According to studies, it is suggested that ajoene is a great ingredient which helps in healing ringworms quickly.
Directions of use: Peel off garlic clove and slice it into pieces. Place these thin slices onto the affected area and secure them by wrapping a bandage over them. You can also make a garlic paste and apply it onto the infected part.
4. Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass has heaps of anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. This helps in preventing microbial growth on the skin and in turn, helps in preventing the infection from spreading and healing it over time. Lemongrass also works as an astringent. It helps to dry out blistered ringworms by minimizing the pores on the infected area of the skin.
Directions of use: Drink lemongrass tea at least three times a day for making the most of its curative effects. In addition to that, applying lemongrass tea bags on the affected part will help you get relief from the itchiness.
5. Raw Papaya
The enzymes found in raw or green papaya can help in destroying old cell from the outer layer without harming the young skin cells. These enzymes damage the defence shields of various kinds of fungus, yeasts, and viruses. The presence of enzymes like chymopapain and papain, also helps in curing heal burns and inflammation, which makes it a soothing cure for ringworms.
Directions of use: Slice a raw papaya into pieces and rub it on the affected are. You can also make a paste from these slices and apply it over the patches.