Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection which affects the skin, nails and scalp. It is a disease that can affect different areas of your body. Tinea is the medical name for ringworm. It isn’t a life-threatening condition like psoriasis. It can also be easily treated with medications sold in pharmacies. This skin condition is particularly common among children. This condition is not that serious, unless it affects the scalp. There are different types of ringworm affecting each body part. However, there are natural ways to treat psoriasis and ringworm. It is a contagious disease and needs to be given utmost care.

What is Ringworm?

There are several different types of ringworm which include infections that affect the skin on your body. It can sometimes affect the scalp. The ringworm that affects the groin area is called “tinea cruris”. The ringworm that affects the feet is called “tinea pedis”. The symptoms vary depending on the type of ringworm; however the common symptoms include itchy, raised, red, scaly patches that may cause blistering and oozing.

Symptoms of Ringworm:

To identify the type of ringworm on your body, it is important to identify the appearance of this skin condition. When it appears on the skin it creates circular, reddish patches with slightly raised borders, as they grow larger. The centers of the affected areas become clear and give them a ring-like appearance.

T inea capitis (scalp) : This type of ringworm begins with small lumps on the head which grow bigger in size and form a circular pattern.

: This type of ringworm begins with small lumps on the head which grow bigger in size and form a circular pattern. T inea manus (Hand) : This ringworm affects the palms and also the spaces between the fingers.

: This ringworm affects the palms and also the spaces between the fingers. T inea pedis (Feet) : This type may cause scaling in the spaces between the toes. It may cause thickening and scaling on the heels and soles aswell.

: This type may cause scaling in the spaces between the toes. It may cause thickening and scaling on the heels and soles aswell. Tinea unguium (Nail) : Tinea Unguium causes the fingernails and toenails to become thick, crumbly and yellow.

: Tinea Unguium causes the fingernails and toenails to become thick, crumbly and yellow. Tinea cruris (Groin) : Tinea Cruris also known as jock itch, causes a itchy, chafed, reddish and sometimes painful rash in the groin area.

: Tinea Cruris also known as jock itch, causes a itchy, chafed, reddish and sometimes painful rash in the groin area. Tinea corporis (Body) : This common type of ringworm produces flat, round and scaly spots on the skin.

: This common type of ringworm produces flat, round and scaly spots on the skin. Tinea faciei (Face): Tinea faciei affects the face by causing red, scaly patches on the skin.

These common symptoms will only appear on your body after 4 to 10 days from initial exposure. The symptoms of scalp ringworm appear around 10 days after infection.

Natural Remedies to Treat Ringworm:

When the ringworm is not treated properly it can lead to a number of complications. It may be spread all around the body, as it is a fungal infection. While natural remedies will be of the best benefit to treat this condition, it is important to consult your doctor before using them. Most of them are safe to use, however the severity of your infection needs to be taken into consideration. No matter which part of the body the ring worm affects, you can use some natural remedies to get rid of it.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil which may help cure ringworm affecting the feet. Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal and antiseptic agents which can treat various types of skin diseases. It is widely used to treat fungal infections and decreases the infection effectively. Tea tree oil is also an effective homemade treatment for acne and pimples. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil, squeeze the excess oil. Now apply this tea tree oil with the help of this cotton ball. Repeat it three times every day.

With regular use one can even get rid of it completely. You will get better results if the oil you are using is of the same temperature as your body. For this you need to warm the oil a little and follow the same procedure. Tea tree oil has been an all-time favourite ingredient for the preparation of cosmetics. It is also useful to heal burns, cuts and wounds.

Garlic Extract

Garlic is flavoured with ajoene, a natural anti-fungal agent. It is used to cure many kinds of fungal infections, including ring worm. The uses of garlic for hair loss are also quite popular. This agent shows promise in treating ringworm if used regularly. Many studies suggest that ajoene is great to heal this fungal infection. You need to peel a clove and cut it into slim slices. Place these slices on the affected area and wrap a bandage around it. You need to leave it overnight for best results. In case you would like to make a thick paste and apply it on the ringworm, go for it!

Apple Vinegar

The ingredient mainly used for salad dressing is considered one of the best home remedies for weight loss. Apple cider vinegar also has natural antifungal properties that can treat the ringworm infection. By using apple cider vinegar in your food, you can also get rid of blood pressure problems. To use this remedy effectively, apply undiluted apple vinegar to the patchy area with a clean cotton ball several times every day. You need to do this until the patches are gone. As recommended by dermatologists, applying it 3 to 5 times for three days, will give you the best results. It has been proved that apple vinegar will completely eliminate this fungal infection.

Coconut Oil

The application of coconut oil for grey hair and treatment of other hair and scalp problems is well known. The healing properties found in coconut oil are extremely effective in treating ringworm infections. This is a simple ingredient which can be found in your home. The oil provides great relief from itchy skin while making the area smooth and soft. Coconut oil is also greatly used in treating scalp ring worms. You need to apply the oil on the affected area overnight. By doing this you will eliminate build-up and residue of the infection.

Jojoba Oil and Lavender Oil

This is the safest and soothing remedy to treat the ring worms. It is used to heal the infection in babies. All you need to do is mix a drop of lavender oil in a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Apply this mixture with a cotton ball on the affected area. Leave it on the ring worm.

You can also use lavender oil alone to get rid of the ring worm. It consists of strong antifungal effects. Studies have shown that lavender oil does not just stop the fungi from further development, but it actually kills the fungi completely. This will help rid you from the infection. Thus applying a few drops of oil on the affected area will be extremely helpful to cure your ring worms.

Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are tiny in size but they are great agents to cure ring worm. Soak the mustard seeds in water for 30 minutes and grind them to make a thick paste. The paste needs to be applied on the infected skin to provide relief from itching and irritation.

Turmeric

This simple spice we use in our daily life actually has some great natural antibiotic qualities. Turmeric, popularly known as the holy powder has several potent benefits. This remedy will help you get rid of all kinds of bacterial and fungal infections. Use fresh turmeric juice to apply on the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball. You need to apply it 3 times every day until your infection disappears.

Vinegar and Salt

We already know that vinegar has been fruitful in treating ring worms. Make a thick paste from vinegar and salt. Apply it directly onto the ringworm and leave it on for 5 minutes. People who have used this remedy to treat ring worms say that it takes about 7 days to help the infection vanish.

Aloe Vera

The use of aloe vera hair mask for natural hair conditioning is extremely popular in beauty circles. However, it is a great remedy to get rid of skin infections as well. Aloe Vera is an all-natural remedy for ringworm and numerous other skin problems. Remove the gel from aloe vera and apply it directly on the skin. Leave it on overnight and wash the affected area the next day. Apply it every day till you are cured of your illness.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is a great antibiotic and it is completely natural. It helps in destroying hundreds of dangerous microorganisms. It can be used topically to eliminate ringworm. Apply colloidal silver on the affected area, twice a day. It can be in gel or liquid form. Repeat this procedure every day to get rid of the infection.

Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass tea is the best remedy to reduce the itchiness and rid you from the infection. You need to drink a glass of lemongrass tea thrice a day. You need to apply the used tea bags on the ring worm simultaneously. This will bring a great relief into your life.

Myrrh

Myrrh is another good antifungal treatment. You can make a paste from it by mixing equal components of myrrh and goldenseal. Add few drops of water to this mixture and mix it well. Apply this mixture on your ring worm. Do this 3 times daily.

Olive Leaf

Almost all the parts of the olive tree have potent health benefits. Olive oil is undoubtedly the best body massage oil, whereas olive leaf is a powerful remedy for ringworm. It has anti-fungal qualities and helps in boosting the body’s immune system. Consume this leaf 3 times per day until the problem subsides and you feel light from within.

As mentioned before ringworm is an illness caused due to a fungus. This makes it extremely hard to eliminate. These are some natural home remedies that work effectively. Consulting your doctor is very important, especially for people suffering from this infection in the scalp. Treatment does require more time when used for the scalp, toe nails and fingernails. Before using these remedies clean your skin and wash your night clothes and bed sheets. It is also important to treat your infected pets

In order to prevent ringworm, The National Institutes of Health recommend a hygienic environment. You need to keep your skin clean and dry, and shampoo your hair regularly. Avoid sharing personal-care items with others. You need to wear sandals or shoes at pools and gyms. Also avoid touching pets with bald patches on the skin. Eat healthy foods to enhance your immune power. Follow the instructions and keep yourself healthy and hygienic.

Note: Results might vary if you are a diabetic patient or having any other medical conditions. Please consult your physician before acting upon these remedies.