Cure Ringworm Fast: 9 Natural Treatments That Work
Home remedies for ringworm are easy, affordable and can be quite effective.
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and it is very common, especially among children.
Ringworm has nothing to do with ‘parasitic worms’ but it can be contracted from household pets such as a cat or dog.
Causes
It is important to know that ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a fungal infection that requires anti-fungal medications.
Ringworm is spread from person to person but thrives in warm, moist environments. Swimming pools and gyms are breeding grounds for this fungus.
Using the towels, clothing or gym equipment of a contaminated person increases the chances that you will contract ringworm.
Close contact with an infected dog or cat can also spread the infection, although this is less likely than human to human transmission.
Ringworm will not go away on its own or improve over time; therefore it is vital to get the proper treatment for ringworm.
Symptoms
Small bumps may follow a circular pattern giving it a “ring” like appearance. Effective treatment begins with prompt ringworm treatment. Waiting until symptoms are severe or the rash has spread means stronger ringworm treatment will need to be prescribed. A small patch of ringworm can usually be treated with an over the counter cream. Treatment for ringworm that covers multiple areas will need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Symptoms of a ringworm infection include a circular, raised area of skin that is itchy. The itching or burning sensation associated with ringworm can be very irritating. It is important not to scratch the itch.
Small bumps may follow a circular pattern giving it a “ring” like appearance. There may or may not be blisters. The edges of the affected skin may be crusty, moist or scaly.
Ringworm can appear on the: face, hands, groin, extremities or trunk of the body. It can also affect the scalp and nails.
Natural Remedies For Ringworm
The appearance of a ringworm skin infection is a circular area that is patchy and scaly.
The area affected by the ringworm will be very itchy. The telltale sign is a white area of skin surrounded by an inflamed red area.
This fungal skin problem can affect the face, body, feet or scalp. When a person develops a ringworm infection in their scalp there will be a loss of hair that can last for weeks (or months) at a time.
Ringworm is not an extremely serious skin condition but it is very problematic because the fungus is contagious and it can be spread all along the body.
Ringworm can also spread from one infected individual to others. Needless to say, all natural remedies for ringworm may not work for each individual.
Sunshine and Fresh Air
To help eradicate the fungus responsible for ringworm infections sunshine and fresh air will be two of your best allies.
Even if you have to cover the affected skin areas with a thin layer of gauze for a short amount of time during treatments it is best to expose the ringworm to as much sunshine and fresh air as possible. Sunshine and fresh air are the enemies of fungal infections.
Using fresh Papaya
A cheap treatment for ringworm can be made from fresh papaya. Peel and slice the fruit.
Rub one or two slices onto the affected area of skin. Wrap with a clean piece of gauze and leave the area undisturbed for 1-2 hours.
Then remove the gauze and rinse the skin with plain soap and water.
Use the papaya treatment 3-4 times a day until the skin is free of any scaling, itching, and inflammation. This is one of the easiest of all natural remedies for ringworm problems.
Some individuals prefer to grind the seeds of the papaya into a thick paste and use this when you want to use one of the most effective ringworm natural remedies.
The ointment can be applied to the fungal infection in the same manner as the fresh fruit slices.
Reach for Mustard Seeds in your Spice Cabinet
Grind a teaspoon of mustard seeds into a thin paste and you will instantly have access to one of the natural remedies for ringworm that is cheap, safe and simple to make.
Prepare the affected skin by rinsing it with warm water. This will open the pores and you can then rub the paste over the ringworm.
Let the paste dry naturally without covering the skin. The mustard seed paste should remain in place for at least an hour before being removed.
Wash with warm water to remove this natural ringworm remedy as needed. Use this home treatment at least 3 times a day for 1-2 weeks, or until the skin is clear.
Treat Ringworm With Iodine
Painting the ringworm fungus with iodine can dry the skin and solve your skin problem in 7-14 days. The iodine can be used in most areas of the body including the scalp.
Do not apply near your eyes or mouth. Allow the iodine to remain on the ringworm between applications. This is one of the top ringworm natural remedies and it should be used at least 2-4 times a day.
Regular application of the iodine will mean that the skin has a brownish/red color during the treatment period. This color will begin to disappear once the use of the iodine is discontinued.
Basil and Cassia Leaves
For a safe, natural ringworm treatment you can try using the extracts of these herbal leaves to cure the skin fungus.
Crushing these leaves will allow the natural extracts to be released and you can then rub the leaves along the affected areas of skin.
Most ringworm natural remedies have to be used several times a day for at least 10-14 days. These leaves should be applied to the affected skin at least every 4-6 hours.
Repeat this schedule for a week and you should notice clearer, smoother skin during this time.
Some ringworm problems may take up to 3 weeks to be completely resolved when using natural remedies as your treatments of choice.
Milk of Magnesia
Some individuals insist that painting the ringworm patches with a light coat of Milk of Magnesia will get rid of the skin condition.
The suggested treatment involves applying a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia to the affected area every 6 hours.
Let the liquid dry for about 1-2 hours and then rinse with warm water to remove it from the skin.
Epsom Salts
If you are searching for one of the trusted ringworm natural remedies reach for a box of Epsom Salts.
Dissolve a ½ cup of Epsom Salts in 1-2 cups of warm water. Bathe the affected skin area with this solution 3-4 times a day.
This is a home remedy for ringworm that has become widely accepted because it is so effective at curing the problem in a short amount of time.
Pair it with the iodine treatment and your ringworm treatment will soon be eliminated naturally.
Crushed Butea Seeds
The Butea plant forms small seeds which can be used as an economical home remedy for ringworm.
Most people recommend using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to crush the seeds and make a paste.
Add a few drops of lemon, lime or grapefruit extract to the Butea seed paste and then apply this home remedy to the area where ringworm has become a problem. Use 2-3 times a day until the ringworm has been eradicated.
Castor Oil
Apply castor oil to any area of skin that is affected by ringworm. The castor oil treatment will need to be applied at least 4-6 times during the day.
This is another of the most common natural remedies for ringworm that many people swear by.
Infection
it is possible you have an infection that will need to be treated by a doctor. It is possible for ringworm to become infected, especially if you have been scratching or picking at it. If you notice: heat, swelling, redness, pus or have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is possible you have an infection that will need to be treated by a doctor. A doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics and recommend the correct ringworm treatment.
The treatment option prescribed will depend on the severity of the rash. It is important that you take the full course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from reoccurring unless you have received other instructions from your doctor.
Ringworm Treatment – The Conclusion
If you notice symptoms of ringworm never hesitate to contact your doctor, especially if you exhibit any signs of an infection.
Treatment for ringworm includes natural remedies and prescription medication.
If you try a home remedy and do not notice an improvement it is important to visit a doctor. Any signs of infection should warrant a prompt evaluation by a doctor to prevent complications.
Getting the proper ringworm treatment is vital to prevent the rash from spreading.
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