10 Simple Ways to Treat Ringworm at Home

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that occurs in the outer layers of the skin, scalp or nails. Contrary to popular belief, ringworm has nothing to do with worms at all! It is called ringworm because it manifests as a red ring on the skin. The medical term for ringworm is Dermatophytosis.

The ringworm fungi thrive mainly on the outer layer of the skin. It rarely invades deeper into the body. Ringworms can occur at any age, but is most common in childhood. It can affect palms, soles, nails, trunk, beard and scalp. It is a highly contagious fungal infection and can spread easily from person to person.

Common Causes of Ringworm:

Pets like cats and dogs are one of the main sources of the transmission of this disease to human. Other causes include:

• Scratches or cuts on the skin.
• Excessive sweating, especially in toes and underarms
• Wearing dirty and unwashed clothes

Tips to Cure Ringworm at Home:

1. Mustard Seeds:

Mustard seeds have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties that can help you fight fungal infections like ringworm. The seeds are rich in selenium, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps to reduce the rashes caused by ringworm. Soak some mustard seeds in water and leave it overnight. Ground the seeds to make a fine paste and apply it on the affected area every day until it disappears. You can also apply mustard oil to the patch.

2. Garlic:

Garlic is an antifungal food that has been used from centuries to treat several ailments, including ringworms. Mash a few cloves of garlic and apply it generously to the affected areas. Use it daily to see the ringworm disappear. Alternatively, consume 6 teaspoons of garlic extracts daily to cure all kinds of infections in the body.

3. Turmeric:

Turmeric is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic agent. It is often used as a disinfectant to treat fungal infection like ringworm and athlete’s foot. Extract the juice from raw turmeric and apply it on the affected areas. The juice will not just treat the ringworm, but will also prevent the infection from spreading.

4. Vinegar and Salt:

The alkaline properties of vinegar make it a very effective tool for treating fungal infections. Make a paste using vinegar and salt and apply it on the patch. Leave it for 5 minutes and then wash it off. Use the paste several times a day to treat the ringworms. You will notice marked improvement within 7 days.

5. Tea Tree:

The antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it very beneficial for treating skin infections, burns, minor cuts and several other skin conditions. Tea tree oil is very effective for treating ringworm too. Pour a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply it on the affected area. Repeat this process 4 times a day until the ringworm disappears.

6. Ointments:

In most of the cases, ringworm can be treated with antifungal ointments. They are easily available with a prescription. Wash the area with soap and water and leave it to dry. You can use boric powder for large, blistered sores. Apply the cream beyond the border of the rashes. You need to continue using the cream for at least 2 weeks. If the ringworm does not improve and returns frequently, then you may need to visit the doctor.

7. Colloidal Silver Gel:

Colloidal silver is an extremely effective antibiotic to heal infections of all sorts. Colloidal silver can be applied topically to eliminate the ringworm. Rub the gel on the fungal infections twice a day to notice positive results.

8. Papaya:

Papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that easily kills the ringworm causing fungi. Rub ripe papaya on the infected areas for a few minutes and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and pat dry. It works better than most other over the counter medicines. Papaya will break down the dead skin cells, improving the overall quality of the skin.

9. Myrrh:

Myrrh is useful for treating several skin conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm and Candidiasis. Make a paste, using equal quantities of myrrh and Goldenseal mixed with water. Use this paste 3 times a week to treat the ringworm quickly.

10. Licorice:

Licorice is believed to contain at least 25 fungicidal compounds. Add 6 teaspoon of licorice root powder to boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the infusion and apply it on the ringworm three times a day.

Remember, home remedies do not completely cure ringworm. It is important to take the necessary anti-fungal medications along with these home remedies to effectively treat the infection.

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