How To Get Rid of Ringworm? 25 Effective Home Remedies To Look Into

May 28, 2018

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Are you encountering situations where your skin is breaking out and forming dark red patches with blisters in the form of a ring? Does it itch and hurt when you scratch it vigourously? If the symptoms are aligning with the prior two symptoms, it is most likely that you are suffering from a ringworm infection. Ever heard the term? Unlike the name of this fungal infestation, ringworm are not caused by any kind of worms. They are primarily fungal infections which lead to scaling of skin or lesion due to blisters.

Ringworm is a contagious but easily treatable disease. For people who are unaware, the associated medical term for ringworm is “Tinea”. Depending on the site of contraction, the types of ringworm vary. In this article, we have tried to amalgamate and provide with a comprehensive explanation to most of the common questions that people ponder about ringworm treatment.

What is Ringworm In Humans?

Ringworm, scientifically known as tinea corporis, is a common fungal infection that is primarily caused by the microscopic organisms, dermatophytes, which are found in heaped proportions on the outer dead layer of the skin. Many often tend to confuse the name thinking the causative agent is a worm which is definitely not the case. The ringworm is caused by fungus infestation but the ringworm itself is not a fungus. The diagnosis of ringworm can be done by one’s self if the symptoms of the rash coincides with the common signs and symptoms of the ringworm.

Although age doesn’t play a much significant role in the occurrence of ringworm in a human, it has been seen that children are more exposed to the possibility of contraction of this infection. The ringworm rash treatment isn’t much of a hassle and can even be cured with some natural home remedies.

What Does A Ringworm Look Like?

Irrespective of historic popular beliefs that ringworm is actually caused by worms, modern day medicine clears the air with the factual evidence that it is in fact just caused by fungus and not anything else. That being said, the appearance of a ringworm somewhats backs up the name that it has gotten.

When it comes to how a ringworm looks like, it primarily does like a round red spot surrounded by scaled and rough skin and blisters in the form of a ring. This outer border that resembles the shape of a ring is the “active” part of the infection which later spreads and effects that surrounding areas, if left untreated.

Some of the primary checklists when it comes to diagnosing a ringworm include:

Dark red spot on the skin
Scaling of the skin around the affected area
Blister formation and possible lesion of cells
Formation of a ring like an outer border around the dark red spot
Crusting and raised area
Uncontrollable itching

Check Out These Effective Remedies For Getting Rid Of Ringworm.

How to Get Rid and Prevent the Development of Ringworm?

The diagnosis of ringworm followed by the ringworm treatment is not a very prolonged process. There are a number of ways that one can adopt to get rid of these scratchy mess. But, the question comes down to one. Are you looking for natural remedies for ringworm? Or, Are you seeking the direct help of a medical professional to get rid of it for good? Whatever the answer is, a cure for ringworm can be done in a number of ways, some of which will be mentioned in the later part of the article.

Without getting into a lot of details about the possible ringworm treatment, here are the three primary categories that help make the concept of treatment and prevention of ringworm a bit easier to understand.

1. Tropical Treatment:

This stream of treatment primarily includes the application of anti-fungal creams or ointments which helps cure the signs and symptoms in under two weeks itself.

2. Systematic Treatment:

This stream of treatment includes the consumption of oral tablets or IV treatment for worse situations at hand. There are often times when the rate of spreading of the ringworm enhances to such a degree that it becomes a lot harder for the localised application of ointment to work its effects into the skin. This is where the systematic ringworm treatment comes into play.

3. Home Remedies:

Many suffering patients are often wary of application or consumption of ointments and medicines. This is the section of quick cure for ringworm that includes the effective treatment of ringworm with some of the natural ingredients lying around your house.

Healing of a ringworm is sometimes worse than the actual infection. When the infection withers down and the possible approach of treatment works on the skin, the area around the infected area starts drying out. This causes an unbearable amount of itching which often times is a lot to withstand. People suffering from similar situations have claimed that they end up scratching the area so badly that the wound often times bleeds out and becomes a complete mess, not to mention, a lot painful as well.

One of the common question that a number of people often ask is how does the ringworm look like when it heals? And, to answer them, the area around the infection starts scaling and becomes a lot drier and rough, almost to the point of formation of white patches. The intensity of the redness around the area dies down as well which is the primary sign of healing of the ringworm.

Home Remedies For Ringworm

The list of home remedies for the treatment of ringworm is something that one can readily consider if they aren’t looking for some conventional mode of treatment. These home remedies work wonders for the ringworm treatment and is often a lot more beneficial than the intake of medicines or ointments which leave behind a possibility of a side-effect.

Some of the most effective natural home remedies for ringworm treatment include:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile natural ingredient which has a number of benefits, weight loss, and treatment of cold and cough being the primary ones. What many people often fail to know is the fact that Apple Cider Vinegar has a very pronounced effect on the ringworm rash treatment. Let us delve into what to do and what to expect.

Process You Need To Follow

1. Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in undiluted apple cider vinegar

1. Apply it around and on the ringworm

Repeat this process thrice a day till the symptoms disappear

How Does It Help?

Apple Cider Vinegar is known for possessing a good bunch of anti-fungal properties which is exactly what plays out its card. The application of ACV on the infected area helps in the destruction of the fungus which restricts the further growth and spread of it to the adjoining areas affecting them further. The only note of precaution is to ensure that the process of religiously followed at least thrice a day for effective results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its role in the treatment of various anti-bacterial and anti-fungal infestations and it is known for its effective remedies in the providing with a cure for ringworm as well. It doesn’t just eradicate the signs and symptoms but helps soothe them at the same time.

Process you Need to Follow

1. Apply the aloe vera ointments or aloe vera gel on the infected area

Repeat this process thrice a day till the symptoms go away

How Does It Help?

It is the anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that helps with the natural treatment of ringworm with aloe vera. It helps in providing a very soothing and cooling effect around the infected area of the ringworm. Aloe vera also combats the symptoms of itchiness, redness, and lack of moisturisation around the area.

3. Garlic and Activated Charcoal Treatment

Activated Charcoal has an impactful presence in a majority of home remedies for the treatment of a number of health issues and the same is a lot beneficial for the treatment of ringworm as well. Activated charcoal along with garlic and burdock root ensures promising results when it comes to complete ringworm infection treatment.

Process You Need to Follow

1. Cut the garlic into small pieces and make a smooth paste

1. Apply the paste on the infected area of the ringworm and leave it on for 10 minutes

1. Clean the area with a cotton pad after 10 minutes

1. Make a juice of the burdock root and mix it with a teaspoon of activated charcoal and make a smooth paste

1. Apply the paste on the area and leave it on for 20 minutes

Clean with a cotton pad and repeat the process thrice a day

How Does It Help?

The application of garlic in the first step helps with the anti-fungal action that it has. Following that, the application of the activated charcoal paste helps in drawing out any remnants of the infection and fungus from the area and prohibiting the further spreading of the ringworm.

4. Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking Soda and hydrogen peroxide are known for its anti-microbial properties and yes, you guessed it right, it has an impactful effect on the treatment of ringworm as well. When baking soda is paired with hydrogen peroxide, it provides with instantaneous results for the cure of ringworm and the signs and symptoms that accompanies it.

Process You Need to Follow

1. Add four tablespoons of baking soda to a mixing bowl

1. Add two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to it

1. Mix the ingredients properly and apply the paste over the affected area

Repeat this process twice or thrice a day

How Does It Help?

The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture helps in killing the fungal infestations in the area and gets rid of the possibility of further spreading of the ringworm. The baking soda treatment can also be done on its own by sprinkling some of the powder directly onto the area and leaving it be for 10-20 minutes and cleaning it off with some cotton pads.

5. Iodine

Iodine tincture is one of the most popular home remedies for the cure of any form of anti-microbial issues (R). It helps in sterilising the affected area and curing the signs and symptoms that come alongside the problem of ringworm.

Process You Need To Follow

1. Use a mild cleanser to clean the area in and around the ringworm infection

1. Dab a cotton ball with 7 percent iodine tincture and apply the same onto the infected area

1. Cover the saturated cotton ball with the iodine tincture with a gauge to keep it clean

Repeat this process thrice a day

How Does It Help?

One important factor to keep in mind is to ensure that the iodine is applied in sufficient and permissible dosage on the infected area of the ringworm. The applied iodine seeps into the skin and helps kill the fungal infestation which, in turn, helps in completely curing the ringworm.

6. Bleach

Don’t get deflected with the sub-heading because application of bleach in permissible and correct concentration can help with the treatment of ringworm. All you need to do is be cautious during the steps and follow the steps blindly for effective results.

Process You Need to Follow

1. Take a glass container and pour equal amounts of bleach and water

1. Dilute the solution for safety measure

1. Take a Q-tip or cotton swab and dip it into the solution till its saturated

1. Apply the same on the ringworm and let it seep into the skin

Don’t apply it on any of the unaffected areas

How Does It Help?

With the kind of acidic properties that the bleach showcases, it helps in killing any kind of residual fungus in the area of the ringworm which could have further promoted the spreading of the ringworm to the adjoining area of the affected area on the skin. That being said, it is necessary to ensure that the dilution process of the bleach is done carefully and the proportions are not deflected than what is mentioned.

7. Nail Polish

Considering nail polish for the treatment of ringworm may seem like a bit of a crazy thought but people who have actually tried this have claimed that the method actually works. The nail polish often times actually contribute to curing the ringworm by killing the fungus in the area. The only point of concern is to ensure that the applied nail polish is good quality and it is best to stick to the transparent ones rather than the one with pigments or artificial colours.

Process You Need To Follow

1. Use a flashlight to identify the infected area

1. Apply the clear polish over the area and let it dry

1. Remove the applied polish after 8-10 hours and clean the area with absolute alcohol

Reapply the polish again after 20 minutes and repeat the process every day till the ringworm heals

How Does It Help?

The nail polish is believed to seal the pores around the infected area of the ringworm which restricts the passage of oxygen in and out. This process gradually kills the active fungus which then heals the ringworm completely. The continued application helps in effectively healing the infection right from the root with a quick cure for ringworm.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric has held its throne as one of the best natural remedies for the treatment of a number of health issues and it equally contributes to the treatment of ringworm as well. It is the anti-septic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which altogether come together to heal the signs and symptoms that come along with ringworm.

Process you need to follow

1. Take two tablespoons of ground turmeric

1. Add a tablespoon of water and make a thick paste

1. Apply the paste all over the affected area of the ringworm

Repeat the process twice a day

How Does It Help?

Turmeric has been popularly hyped for its anti-septic properties which is exactly what plays out in this regard as well. Several studies and researches have clarified for a fact that the constituents of turmeric has fungicidal properties which has effectively killed over 20 strains of the causative agent of ringworm, the dermatophytes.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a number of healing properties of its own which extends to the cure of ringworm as well. For people who are unaware, the primary issue with ringworm, except for the rapid spreading, is the itching and irritation it brings about because of the dried skin in the area. Coconut oil helps combat that situation.

Process You Need To Follow

1. Directly add a generous amount of coconut oil in the area of the ringworm

1. Massage it into the skin

Repeat the process whenever the skin starts feeling dry

How Does It Help?

Coconut oil is rich in nutrients and helps in the restoration of the moisture and lost hydration from the area of the skin that’s infected. It helps smoothen the skin and fights with the itchiness and irritation that one feels due to the ringworm.

10. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is rich in anti-fungal and hygroscopic properties which promotes the healing process of ringworm in humans. A soothing and calming bath with Epsom bath salts or even a number of other home remedial approaches can help get rid of the nasty issue of ringworm that often leaves us embarrassed and stressed at times.

Process you need to follow

1. Add about half a cup of Epsom salt into a tub of water

1. You can either soak your entire body and take a bath or soak the affected area of the ringworm for 20 minutes

Rinse the area under running water following that

How Does It Help?

It is primarily the pronounced effects of the anti-fungal property of Epsom salt that helps in the treatment of ringworm at a faster pace. Epsom salt also has hygroscopic properties which help extract the excess moisture and nutrients out from the infected area. This leaves with little to nothing for the fungus to fend on which, in turn, results in perishing of the fungus.

11. Ginger

Ginger has multiple anti-inflammatory properties which helps in the treatment of ringworm. Consumption or application of ginger on the affected part of the ringworm can help show drastic results, and that too, in the best way possible.

Process You Need To Follow

1. Steep few pieces of ginger in a cup of lukewarm water and let it steep for 5 minutes and then drink the water

1. Drink Ginger infused tea twice or thrice a day

Direct application of ginger by soaking a cotton ball in ginger tea helps a lot as well

How Does It Help?

Ginger’s rich anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving the bumps and swelling that occurs due to ringworm. It also soothes the itching and irritation that accompanies this skin disease.

[Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger]

12. Garlic Extract

Garlic is filled with important antifungal compounds. Due to this it also is one of the amazing home remedies for ringworms. Garlic is also helpful in eliminating the fungus immediately after its application.

1. Crush some garlic cloves.

1. Add a tablespoon of honey and olive oil in the crushed garlic.

1. Apply this paste on the affected area.

1. Wash the area with the help of warm water after leaving the paste for an hour.

Repeat the process at least 4 times every day.

13. Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass is helpful in reducing the microbial growth in the skin as it contains antibacterial, antifungal as well as antiseptic properties.

1. Drink the lemongrass tea around three times a day for better benefits.

1. Also, apply lemongrass tea bags on the affected area to provide soothing to ringworm.

Lemongrass is also astringent in nature and helps in minimizing the pores and dries out the blistered ringworms on the infected skin.

14. Tea Tree oil

Along with treating acne, pimples as well as various cuts and burns, tea tree oil is also helpful in treating ringworms due to its antiseptic as well as antifungal properties which reduces fungus boost the formation of ringworms.

1. Dilute some tea tree oil with water or lavender oil to get more benefits.

1. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and let it soak in it.

1. Squeeze to remove excess solution.

1. Apply the cotton ball on the affected area.

Repeat the method to get rid of ringworms.

15. Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a very common home remedy for ringworm. The astringent and cooling property is very effective in providing a soothing feeling from the itching and roughness of the affected area. It also prohibits the growth of the fungal infection by perishing the persistent microbial action in the affected area of the ringworm.

Process You Need to Follow:

Soak a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol and dab it over the ringworm till the area is completely soaked. Leave it like that and keep the area open.
Many even prefer using sanitiser because of the fact that it has similar kind of properties like that of rubbing alcohol and inflicts similar kind of results on the cure for ringworm.

How Does It Help?

Rubbing alcohol is loaded with astringent, anti-septic and anti-microbial properties which helps in not just providing with a cooling effect on the area of the ringworm but also kills the microbial infestation in the area, thereby preventing the further spreading of the disease.

16.Grapefruit seed extract

We all like to munch on the citrusy and tangy taste of grapefruit but what if I said that the seed that you spit out is actually a quick cure for ringworm? And not just quick but effective too. It has anti-fungal properties which is very beneficial in treating the symptoms of ringworm and that too with actual results.

Process you need to follow:

Mix one to two drops of grapefruit seed extract to one tablespoon of water
Apply this over the affected area of the ringworm and leave it on
Repeat this process two to three times a day

How does it help?

The anti-fungal property of the grapefruit seed extract helps in killing the microbial action that is primarily responsible for the spreading of the ringworm to the other parts of the body.

17.Basil Leaves

Yet another effective natural treatment for ringworm is the application of basil leaves, especially holy basil leaves. Much like the prior two, even basil is loaded with natural anti-fungal properties which are amazing for the treatment of ringworm and the symptoms that come along with it.

Process you need to follow:

Tear few holy basil leaves and completely crush them in the mortar and pestle
Make a smooth paste and apply it over the affected area of the ringworm
Leave it on for 20 minutes or so and wipe it off with a clean cotton pad

How does it help?

Basil leaves are loaded with anti-fungal properties which are one of the primary reasons how it helps cure the problems attached with ringworm. The anti-microbial property helps restrict the further spreading of the ringworm to the adjoining parts of the body.

18.Aluminum Salt

Aluminum Salts like Aluminum Sulphate and Aluminum Chloride are a great remedy for ringworm because of its anti-microbial and healing properties. They are loaded with amazing properties that help keep the ringworm from spreading and making the situation worse than it already is.

Process you need to follow:

Get Aluminum Chloride 10% solution and mix one parts of it to 20 parts water. This will dilute it and prevent from any kind of abrasive effects on the skin.
Apply this on the affected area of the ringworm and leave it on for 6-8 hours. It is always best to apply this during the night when the sweat production is the least.
Wash it off with clean water in the morning and repeat this process once a day till the redness and the other symptoms of the ringworm fizzles down.

How does it help?

The aluminum salts are not just anti-fungal; they are anti-perspirant as well which makes it ideal for the treatment of ringworms. It helps clear out the fungal infestation and also block the sweat production in the area that could actually be beneficial in the treatment of ringworm.

19.Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is rich in not just anti-microbial properties but also rich in Vitamin E which is an important constituent when it comes to the healing process of ringworm. It is also very highly moisturizing which adds to the list of the benefits that jojoba oil has for the over the counter treatment for ringworm.

Process you need to follow:

Soak a cotton pad with jojoba oil
Dab the soaked cotton pad over the area of the ringworm and leave it on
Repeat this process twice or thrice a day

How does it help?

The rich concentration of Vitamin E in the Jojoba Oil is fantastic for the ringworm treatment. The vitamin nourishes the affected area and moisturizes it at the same time, thereby ensuring to prevent the rapid scaling of the skin around the ringworm.

20.Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil is not just best known around for its beautiful aroma but also for the amazing benefits that it has on the health and skin. It is one of the most popular choices for healing cracked skin and even other skin diseases like ringworm, eczema etc.

Process you need to follow:

If you are not that fond of lavender oil, mix a few drops of lavender oil with any base oil like coconut oil and apply it over the affected part of the ringworm.
Leave it on and let it seep into the skin
Repeat this process twice or thrice daily till the symptoms go away

How does it help?

Lavender oil bestows upon its healing properties which is exactly what makes it one of the most opted for essential oils for the treatment of ringworm. It also helps moisturize the affected area, increasing the pace of the healing process. It also provides with a soothing effect, not just physically but mentally as well which is definitely an added bonus.

21.Licorice Root

Licorice root is rich in anti-fungal properties which makes it ideal for the treatment of any kind of skin related diseases. It is widely used for the amazing healing properties that it has, primarily in curing the symptoms of ringworm and that too in a record time.

Process you need to follow:

Boil a few pieces of licorice root in water
Let the liquid cool completely and then store it in a spraying bottle
Spray the liquid over the area of the ringworm and let it be.
Repeat this process twice or thrice a day daily till the healing process starts

How does it help?

It is the anti-microbial agents present in the licorice root that helps heal the signs and symptoms attached with ringworm and that too without imposing any kind of side effects on the body. It also kills the fungal interaction around the area of the ringworm which prohibits it from spreading to the adjoining areas.

22.Neem Oil

Neem is one plant whose every single part is used and reused for a number of benefits. With that being said, the one derivative of neem that has effectively overshadowed every part ones is the neem oil. It has amazing benefits and healing properties for the skin, especially for the ringworm rash treatment.

Process you need to follow:

Soak a cotton pad with a few drops of neem oil
Dab this soaked pad over the ringworm and leave it on
Repeat this process daily at least twice a day

How does it help?

Neem oil is rich in nutrients and also anti-bacterial properties which help in perishing the existing microbial habitation around the area of the ringworm. This prevents the further spreading of the disease and also heals it from within without any kind of negative side effects on the body.

23.Oregano Oil

The presence of the constituent, Carvacol, in the Oregano Oil, makes it one of the most amazing options for the treatment of ringworm. The topical application of it helps to ensure fast healing of the infection surrounding the ringworm.

Process you need to follow:

Mix one to two drops of oregano oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Apply this over the ringworm and let the oil seep into the skin

Repeat this process daily till the itchiness and infection withers out

How does it help?

Oregano oil, because of the presence of Carvacol, can easily and effectively minimize the effect of the symptoms that accompany ringworm. Application of it helps in healing the infection as well as the itchiness and redness that one faced during times of contracting a ringworm.

24.Colloidal Silver

If you are looking for an effective yet non-messy option for the ringworm infection treatment, the colloidal silver solution is definitely an amazing option. It has very potent anti-fungal properties which works out best for the treatment of the ringworm and the symptoms attached to it.

Process you need to follow:

Clean the area of the ringworm with a fresh cotton pad
Spray the colloidal silver solution and let it dry
Repeat this process twice daily till the symptoms go away

How does it help?

Colloidal silver, as mentioned before, has proven anti-fungal benefits which help in killing the ringworm causing fungal infestation around the area. It also doesn’t have any kind of distinctive odour or colour which adds to the already existing list of benefits.

25.Raw Papaya

Both the flesh as well as the seeds of an unripe papaya helps to cure ringworm fast. The enzymes present in a raw papaya are what acts on the infection as well as the itchiness and redness that accompany the ringworm. The anti-fungal property is what makes it desirable amidst the masses.

Process you need to follow:

Cut a small piece of a raw papaya and score it to extract a bit of the juice
Rub this piece over the ringworm for around 10-15 minutes and let it dry
Repeat this twice or thrice throughout the day

How does it help?

The anti-fungal property of the raw papaya is what helps in curing the ringworm from within without inflicting any kind of negative impact. The enzymes in the raw papaya are extremely active in fighting the fungal infestation at the site of the ringworm.

Ringworm During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very crucial and delicate stage in every women’s life. Contracting something like ringworm during that phase of life might not be deadly but can result in other issues and complications. A pregnant woman needs to have a balanced diet and restricted dosage of medications as per the norms, so, it is always best to consult a doctor before trying out any of the oral remedies rather than the external ones.

The natural remedies of ringworm can be one of the best tried and tested options during such times because most of them rely on external application rather than the oral administration of drugs for a cure. The one precaution that needs to be abided religiously is the fact that one needs to ensure that the treatment is done in the right moment and not left off to fend for itself because that might inflict negative impacts on the pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm Depending On The Type

There are several variants of ringworm depending on their location of infestation. It is best to be aware of all the signs and symptoms that come along with it and the various types of ringworm depending on the location of the body that they affect.

1. Tinea Corporis:

Primarily occurs in the trunk region and the arms. The list of signs and symptoms include red sore like patches on the skin, the formation of bumps around the infected area, development of blisters and scaling of the skin as well.

2. Tinea Capitis:

Primarily occurs in the scalp. This type of ringworm is visible in the small children and it is necessary to administer immediate medication or remedy before the children scratch the area and make it worse. The signs and symptoms include the formation of bald and patches on the infected area. The skin around the infected area of the scalp starts drying which induces scaling of the skin along with itchiness and irritation.

3. Tinea Barbae:

Primarily occurs in and around the facial hair. The primary list of signs and symptoms include gradual swelling, hotness and itching around the area. Many patients have also commented on the loss of facial hair around the infected area as well and the skin around the area starts getting crusty as well.

4. Tinea Cruris:

Primarily occurs in the genital area of an individual and is often termed as “jock itch”. This condition is characterised by dry and brownish patches that spread over the folds of the groin area till the thigh. The excessive condition of moisture tends to worsen the condition at times, leading to blistering and scaling of the skin. It often resembles the symptoms of psoriasis or yeast as well.

5. Tinea Unguium :

Primarily occurs in the foots and nails. It is mostly seen in the athletes which, if not treated, within time can often lead to formation of nail infection. The signs and symptoms include redness and formation of brown or deep red ring like patches with excessive itching and drying of the surrounding skin.

Much like what the symptoms suggest, the side effects of ringworm may be characterized by the following:

- Excessive redness around the affected area

- Blistering

- Patchy and dry skin

- Itchiness

- Flaking

Swelling or formation of bumps

Is Ringworm Contagious?

Ringworm is dangerously contagious and can transfer via several vectors or even from direct skin contact. The vector or the primary reason for the ringworm is what can aid in the spreading of it. If you are not careful enough even with being aware of it, it is necessary to cut the cord and look into the severeness of it.

There are four possibilities of contraction of ringworm:

- From direct contact with the infected person/area

- From petting or grooming of animals

- From being in direct contact with any object of an infected person

From a long period of contact with the infected soil

Diet for Ringworm

It is a commonly described fact in a number of medicinal approaches that fungus or just any kind of microbes feed off sugar or any kind of carbohydrate food products. It is thus best to stay true to a diet plan and abide by it when you are infected with ringworm.

Foods To Avoid

There are a few categories of food that readily aggravates the situation of ringworm and that is saying something. Primarily, there are three categories that most doctors suggest avoiding when it comes to the correct treatment of ringworm. These three include:

1. Sugary Eatables

Microbes, especially the one like fungus, likes to feed off of sugar derived food items or food that is rich in carbohydrates. And we are not just talking about the typical sweets and chocolates. Even the nutritious fruits with high sugar content can be fatal for the infection. It might end up aggravating the situation rather than helping in the treatment for ringworm.

2. Cereals

Yet another big no when it comes to what to avoid for curing ringworm is cereals and grains. The gluten and the sugar content in the cereal tends to make the condition of the infection even worse which is exactly what you need to avoid. Opt for a gluten-free diet till the ringworm infection cures completely and you are all good to gorge down all the cereal in the world.

3. Processed Food

Yet another red alert when it comes to food is the variety of processed food. These variants of processed food is not just high in cornstarch and other sugar derivatives but other unwanted compounds that are fatal for the infection. They do provide with instant energy but they also provide nutrition to the growing number of fungal infestation in the area.

Foods To Eat

Now, that we have discussed about the food that we need to avoid during ringworm, let us focus on the varieties of food that are safe to be consumed.

1. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are rich in anti-oxidants which prove very beneficial for the cure of ringworm. They are rich in vitamins and minerals which help perish the existence of the bad kind of microbes in the body. The ringworm fungus often times induce fatigue in the patient which is heavily counteracted with the consumption of onions and garlic.

2. Nuts

Nuts and seeds of several plants help combat the effects of ringworm caused by the fungal infestation. These are rich in several variants of Omega 3 Fatty acids which help kill the fungus that causes the ringworm. Doctors heavily suggest the intake of a protein-rich diet to help fight the fungal infection that occurs during ringworm.

Different Stages of Ringworm

Understanding the different stages of ringworm based on its location of contraction helps in better healing of the infection. There are primarily three stages involved in the entire process understanding of which will provide with a better insight at the process of ringworm treatment and the course of action involved in it.

#1 Early Stages: this is the stage that depicts the onset of the infection. The symptoms emphasise on the onset of itchiness, development of light red patches which is then followed by inflammation in the affected area. These are somewhat of a generalised view which changes with the variant of ringworm that has infected one’s body.

#2 Advanced Stages: the advanced stages of ringworm include the formation of scabs and blisters in a shape of a ring around the red spot. These often lead to vigorous itching which is followed with the scaling of the skin. The inflammation persists which then becomes a lot more infected if the correct aid is not administered.

#3 Healing Stages: this is the stage that often correlates to the effective cure of the administered remedies. The signs shown in this stage includes drying and falling off of the skin in the infected area. Reduction in the intensity of the redness from the area followed by the disappearance of the inflammation as well.

How Long Does Ringworm Last?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions along with when to seek a doctor’s opinion for ringworm. To answer it all, ringworm tends to last for around 1-2 weeks depending on the administered remedy and their course of action.

Many people often times tend to lose track of the most important aspects when it comes to ringworm treatment. When does one need to see a doctor? Well, definitely not at the last moment, that’s for sure. But, to answer it, it is important to be very cautious about the involved stages of deterioration. If the infection isn’t dying out even with the various natural remedies for ringworm, it is time to seek doctor’s help and opinion.

Ringworm vs Psoriasis vs Eczema

Ringworm is a common fungal infection which is caused in various regions of the body. The main characteristic signs and symptoms include red spots, blisters around the spot, scaling of skin, inflammation, and itchiness.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an auto-immune disease that primarily occurs due to the overproduction of the skin cells. This disease is effectively characterised by the visible patches of while scales all over the infected area. The overaccumulation of these dead white cells develop a silvery layer which later forms a red and inflammed area that itches like anything. This disease is not curable and the patients have to adjust with the same.

Eczema, is a bit different that the above two. It is a long term skin disease that primarily occurs due to any kind of hypersensitive reaction. Some of the primary triggers for eczema include dyes, fabrics, animals etc. The primary symptoms include redness of skin, blister formation, inflammation, scaling of skin and pus-filled in the infected area.

All in all, these three skin disorders are completely different from each other which is why it is necessary to be vigilant if any of these symptoms act up on your skin.

Food For Thought With Some FAQs

1. Can You Die From Ringworm?

A: Patients suffering from ringworm are most likely not going to die but there might be adverse effects if the same is left untreated. As this form of disease includes the infestation of infection, leaving the same untreated often leads to the vigorous spreading of the infection which can have negative effects on a person’s health.

2. What Happens If You Lick Ringworm?

A: Ringworm is a fungal infection which is highly contagious. When you lick your ringworm, you are more likely spreading it to your mouth as well. This can further spread in your mouth because the mouth provides with all the optimum features that helps in the proper growth and nurturing of the fungus.

3. Can Ringworm Cause Hair Loss?

A: The form of ringworm, “Tinea Captitis” results in the formation of patches on the scalp which results in the loss of hair from the area. This is primarily caused by the fungal attack that take place in the area. As the fungus draws in majority of the nutrients from the area, the hair follicles grow weaker and finally die down which results in hair loss.

4. Some other topics related to ringworm

A: Many people often ponder three questions, “Will the ringworm go away on its own?”, “Can ringworm come back?” and last but not the least, “Can ringworm make you sick?”. To answer them one by one, Ringworm can go away on their own if the persisting situation is treated even worse. The infection is already present and ignoring the same can often aggravate the situation further.

For the second, ringworm are fungal infections and can definitely happen more than once in a lifetime. And lastly, the fungus causing the ringworm tends to ingest some of the nutrients in the affected area which results in lack of nutrients for the healthy cells.

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