Ringworm, despite the name, is not caused by worms. It’s actually a fungal infection of the skin. The medical term for ringworm is tinea corporis. These fungal spores can live on surfaces like locker room floors, showers, and sports equipment. When they come in contact with your skin, they start to grow and spread out in a ring-like pattern.
Ringworm often looks like a circular, itchy, red rash. As it spreads outward, the center may clear up, giving it the appearance of a ring. Ringworm can appear almost anywhere on your body, especially areas that are warm and moist. The most common areas are:
- Scalp (tinea capitis)
- Feet (tinea pedis or athlete’s foot)
- Groin (tinea cruris or jock itch)
- Beard area (tinea barbae)
- Body (tinea corporis)
You’re more prone to ringworm if you:
- Participate in contact sports like wrestling where there is skin-to-skin contact.
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Live in warm, humid environments.
- Share personal items like combs, brushes, towels, and clothing with someone who has ringworm.
The good news is ringworm is typically not serious and can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos. For persistent or severe infections, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication.
Practice good hygiene like showering after sports or exercise and washing workout clothes to lower your chances of ringworm. If you do get ringworm, keep the area clean and dry, wash all clothes/towels in hot water, and avoid sharing personal items during treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm Infection
Ringworm infection manifests in various ways depending on the location of infection. Some common signs and symptoms of ringworm include:
•Itching – Ringworm often causes an itchy, red rash. The rash may start small and spread outward, forming circular lesions with raised borders. The center of the rash may clear up as it expands, giving it a ring-like appearance. Scratching the rash can lead to infection and spread the fungus.
•Red, circular rashes – Ringworm rashes are often red, scaly, and circular in shape. The rashes can appear on the face, scalp, feet, groin area, and other parts of the body. Rashes on the scalp may lead to patchy hair loss.
•Scaly and flaky skin – The rash may produce small blisters or pustules that burst, leaving behind scaly and flaky skin. The edges of the rash are usually red and may blister and ooze.
•Hair loss – Ringworm infection of the scalp, known as tinea capitis, can lead to patchy hair loss and broken hair shafts. In severe cases, it can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.
•Discolored or thickened nails – Ringworm infection of the nails, known as onychomycosis, causes the nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. The infection usually starts at the edge or base of the nail.
•Groin rash – Ringworm infection of the groin area, known as jock itch, causes a red, itchy rash in the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks. The rash has a ring-like pattern and scaly, blistered edges.
If you notice any signs of ringworm infection, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and spread to others. Home remedies may help relieve symptoms, but antifungal medications are typically needed to cure the infection.
Top 5 Home Remedies for Ringworm
Ringworm got you itching like crazy? Don’t worry, there are natural ways to relieve your discomfort and cure the infection. Here are five home remedies you can try to banish that ringworm.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help kill the fungus causing your ringworm infection. Apply a few drops of tea tree essential oil directly to the rash three times a day. Alternatively, you can dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply to the affected area. The oil may cause skin irritation in some people, so do a patch test on your skin first.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that acts as an antifungal agent. Apply virgin coconut oil directly to the ringworm rash three times a day. Coconut oil helps relieve inflammation and itching while fighting the infection.
3. Garlic
Garlic has natural antifungal properties and can be used to treat ringworm. Crush a few cloves of garlic to release its oils and apply directly to the rash. You can also make a garlic paste by crushing a few cloves of garlic and mixing with a little water. Apply the paste to the ringworm and cover with a bandage. Reapply two to three times a day until the infection clears. Garlic may irritate sensitive skin, so do a patch test first.
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano essential oil contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol which have antifungal effects. Dilute 2-3 drops of oregano essential oil in a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Apply to the ringworm rash three times a day until the infection is gone. Oregano oil can cause skin irritation in some people, so do a patch test and never use undiluted.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste from turmeric powder and water and apply to the ringworm rash. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off. Reapply a few times per day until the rash clears. Turmeric can stain the skin yellow, so consider doing a patch test first.
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Conclusion
These natural remedies can help relieve ringworm symptoms and speed healing. However, for severe or persistent infections, see your doctor for prescription antifungal medication. Home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment.
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