Ringworm Home Remedies
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is characterized by a round, raised mark on the skin. Despite many common misconceptions, ringworm is not a parasite, a worm, or anything like that, but simply a type of fungus. It is common in people and in animals, and can usually be cleared up pretty quickly with many ringworm home remedies, though there are prescription and over the counter treatments available as well.
Symptoms in humans of ringworm typically begin with a raised round rash which can begin anywhere on the skin. It is also responsible for jock itch and athlete’s foot. The outer edge of the rash is well defined, and the inner part of it is usually the same as the normal skin tone, which is what gives it the appearance of a ring. The scaly patches can blister and ooze in cases that are left untreated or unnoticed right away.
Diagnosing ringworm can be done at home if one has a black light. A black light is a type of flourescent bulb which makes everything glow. If you have ringworm, when it is exposed underneath the black light it will glow – if it does not glow then you may need to see a physician or a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis on what it is. You should also see a doctor if a baby or child is affected, if it is spreading, or does not go away after a few weeks.
Most ringworm can be treated in about 2-3 weeks by applying antifungal creams, which can be obtained in any pharmacy section of most grocery stores and retail chains. Miconazole and clotrimazole are the two most popular treatments and are usually effective in treating in. However, there are also many other home remedies that can help it clear up just as well. If your ringworm does not clear up, you should definitely see a doctor, as you may have a different condition that would need a completely different type of treatment, such as Pityriasis Rosea, which can actually worsen with some of the treatments listed here. (And it may also glow underneath a black light)
Once you are certain you have ringworm, here are some home remedies for getting rid of ringworm:
Important: Keep the Area Clean and Dry: The cleaner and drier your skin is in the affected areas, the easier it will be to treat and it will respond better to any treatments you choose to use. Be sure that you carefully wash all clothing that comes in contact with it as well. This alone will not get rid of it, but it is a good practice to follow.
Sea Salt and Water: If your skin is very dry, the ringworm cannot survive. One thing to do is to mix sea salt (available in most stores now these days) and water and apply a paste of it directly onto any of the affected areas. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse off and reapply. Doing this for a few days can often clear it up.
Vinegar Penny: This is an old fashioned home remedy. Soak a penny in vinegar (apple cider or even distilled white vinegar is fine) until crystals begin to form and then tape the penny onto the spot that is affected. The chemical reaction of the vinegar and the copper penny kills it.
Selsun Blue Shampoo: Selsun blue shampoo can be antifungal in nature, so it can sometimes work in alleviating ring worm symptoms, but it does not always work in effectively getting rid of it. Lather the shampoo on the spots and leave it to dry there, then rinse off and repeat as necessary.
What ringworm home remedies and natural treatments have you tried?
Share what has worked for you in the comments section below.
Category: Home Remedies
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