Ring Worm


What do you need to know about ringworm???

If you have ringworm, you might think you have worms in your body or a disease caused by worms. But the fact is Ringworm is a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of your skin. The disease gets its name from its ring-shaped appearance and a raised, scaly border that snakes its way around the edge like a worm. No real worm is engaged with the illness. Usually, itching is an associated symptom.

Facts to be known about ringworm
  • Ringworm is nothing to do with worms.
  • Ringworm is brought about by a fungus that eats keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
  • Children under 15 are more prone to this disease.
  • The disease is contagious.
Some types of ringworm infection include 

                          

                       Tinea capitis                                                   Tinea corporis                                                   Tinea cruris                                                                    Tinea pedis

What Causes of Ringworm Infection

Human to human: Most of the time Ringworm spreads by direct contact with an infected person.

Animal to a human: Ringworm also spreads due to direct touch from an animal to humans. This can happen while petting or grooming them. It's more likely to see in crows. 

Object to a human: Spreading can occur from contact with objects or surfaces that an infected individual or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.

Soil to humans: In rare cases, ringworm spreads from soil to humans through direct touch with infected soil. Infection would occur only from prolonged contact with the affected soil.

Risk factors
The high-risk category includes,
  • People who live in a warm climate
  • Those who keep close contact with the infected individuals
  • Sharing personal belongings with someone who has been infected
  • Wear tight or restrictive clothing
  • Weak immune system

Symptoms of Ringworm

  • A flat scaly area on the skin, which may be red and itchy. 
  • Irregular ring
  • In a few cases, several rings develop at the same time and may overlap.

When to consult Doctor???

See the doctor if you have a rash on your skin that doesn't exhibit any change even after two weeks. 

Home Remedies for Ringworm

1. CINNAMON


Apply Cinnamon powder mixed with honey in the affected area. This cures ringworm as well as the other skin infections. 

2.  TEA TREE OIL


Dilute the tea tree oil and apply directly to the affected area twice a day for 4 weeks

Tea tree oil is well known for its anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. This is a very effective home remedy for fungal infections.

3.  GARLIC


Apply a thin layer of garlic paste over the infected area and leave it for an hour or two. For the best results apply this paste two to three times a day for two weeks.

The proven antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic make it an ideal topical treatment for skin infections such as ringworm.

4.  ALOE VERA


Apply the aloe vera pulp directly to the affected area and keep it for 30mins. Repeat the same twice a day until the infection clears up.

Aloe vera is a soothing remedy not only for the skin, but it also effectively clears up infections as well. Loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties, the herb helps to fasten the healing of the infections. 

5.  TURMERIC


Use freshly prepared turmeric paste and apply over the site of infection. Keep it until the paste dries and then wash with warm water. This is to be followed twice a day. 

Turmeric being a natural antibiotic possess antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-microbial properties.