Ringworm is an infection which is caused by a fungus. As you would think by its name; it is not caused by any worm, it’s a fungal infection. It is medically known as tinea or a dermatophyte infection. Ringworm is a contagious infection, which means it spreads from person to person or even pets to humans; and might affect the skin, nails or even hair. The typical appearance of ringworm is red spots or patches which form a ring like structure of skin which might shift to from one place to other neighbouring places. Also it is observed that ringworm infections tend to grow fast in moist and conditions such as sweating arm-pits. In order to confirm that these patches are due to ringworm and not any other reason, few tests are conducted. These include a skin culture test, physical examination and in some cases a scrapped piece of skin is taken and examined under the microscope (skin biopsy test). The typical signs and symptoms of ring worm are redness of skin, itching, appearance of scales and patches on the affected area, formation of blisters which might ooze out fluid. Also it is noticed that these infected patches of skin have properly defined outlines which are dark in colour as compared to its inner portion. For treatment an anti-fungal medicines can be prescribed in form of creams, lotion, dry powder etc.
We Will Now Discuss The Natural Ways Of Treating Ringworm:
Garlic
Garlic is a wonderful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Even by simply consuming it with food, does it improve immunity and keeps you resistant against infections. If you consider specifically for ringworm, garlic cloves can be simply placed on the affected region and keep it place using a bandage. Alternatively you can make a paste by crushing garlic and apply this paste on the ringworm infection for best results. If you have applied the paste at night before sleeping, wash and clean it in the morning before re-applying.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has multiple benefits one of which is its anti-fungal and anti-infective nature. It is advised that you should warm the coconut oil a bit before applying on the skin. Coconut oil is beneficial in curing various other skin infections also.
Paste Of Lemon-grass
Lemon grass is usually put in tea and gives it a great flavour. It has anti fungal properties and therefore for ringworm a dry paste of lemongrass is made by crushing it. This paste must be applied on the infected areas regularly and covered with a cloth.
Vinegar
Vinegar and apple cider vinegar; both can be used for reducing ringworm infection. These agents very effectively reduce ringworm and best of results are attained with 5-6 days. You can simply use a cotton ball dipped in either of the two and apply it over the infected surface for about 1-3 times every day. Alternatively vinegar can be mixed with salt to form a paste and then applied. Salt and vinegar is a combo treatment as both of them act against ringworm.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one kind of agent which can be blindly used for any kind of infection, pus or wounds. Along with being a great antibiotic in nature, turmeric can also improve the healing process as it extracts fluid from the infected part making it dry and easy to heal. You can make a smooth paste of turmeric with few drops of coconut oil and apply it on the ringworm daily for best results.
Camphor
Camphor is widely used in traditional medicine for killing bacteria, fungus, repelling off insects etc. With respect to ringworm camphor is one of the best natural remedies which are in practice. For its application you can either use camphor powder for applying or form a paste of camphor powder with oil (olive oil or sesame oil).
Aloe-vera, Neem And Tulsi
These three wonder herbs which are excellent anti-infective, anti0biotic agents form a wonder medicine for ringworm. Make a paste using aloe vera gel, tulsi (basil) leaves and neem leaves and apply it on the ringworm.
Salt Paste
Salt can either be used with vinegar as we saw earlier; or it can be applied as a thick paste with water.
In addition to the mentioned natural treatments, it is important that you keep your skin free of microbes and maintain clean environment for your skin by washing and cleaning it regularly to prevent development of ringworm. Also you must wear loose cotton clothes and prevent any friction to the infected part. It is also advisable to use dry dusting powders to keep the skin dry and free of moisture.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.