Ringworm Home Remedies
How to Get Rid of Ringworm
Simple ringworm home remedies with common items from the home. Remedies for ringworm need not be expensive. Human ring worm is a common condition especially in children but it is important to treat it early and be aware of the symptoms.
What is Ring Worm?
Ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection that invades the skin usually through small cuts or breaks. The organisms live on the dead outer layer of skin. It is extremely contageous and can be picked up from other people or animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, or horses. It can also be picked up from handling infected objects or from the soil.
What does Ring Worm look Like?
Ringworm appears as a small, reddish raised circle on the skin with a clear spot in the middle, hence the name ring worm. The picture of ringworm at the right shows you what it looks like. It can appear anywhere on the body including the scalp. Ringworm on the scalp can be somewhat difficult to diagnose because it is covered by hair. It is usually not noticed until the area becomes crusted with a scab. However, intense itching is a good clue that something is up.
How Long is Ringworm Contageous?
No one seems to agree on the answer. Some say it is no longer contageous after the redness is gone. Others say it contageous until the raised circle is smooth and the spot is no longer growing. I would tend to go with the latter theory. Since it is a fungus and not an animal, treatment must take place until every bit of the fungus is gone and until it is gone it can be contageous. You will not know that until it stops growing completely.
It is important not to scratch the ringworm spot because doing so and then touching other parts of your body can spread the fungus. Wash your hands frequently to keep from spreading the fungus to others as well. It is difficult to keep children from scratching something that itches and it is important to use treatments that will stop the itchiness. Be alert with children who have ringworm and make sure they wash their hands frequently. With very young children, perhaps you can make a game of it.
Remedies for Ringworm
These ringworm home remedies are meant for humans and not ringworm in animals. Animals will lick whatever you put on them and you need a veterinarian's advice on what is safe to be used on them. You don't want to kill the cat along with the ringworm.
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Tea Tree Oil  |
- Tea Tree Oil and Ringworm. Tea Tree Oil is an antifungal and can effectively treat ringworm. Just paint some tea tree oil on the ringworm three times a day. Continue using it for a week after you think the ringworm is gone just to be sure. Learn about the amazing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil.
- If you only have one or two spots you can treat ringworm by painting clear nail polish on the spot. I would not want to use this remedy if you have spots all over your back or stomach. The nail polish will loosen and come off by itself. When this happens, just paint it again.
- Many people report success with putting household bleach on ringworm. Others say they had no success with it. If bleach is all you have in the house, it is worth a try until you can get something else.
- You can also try painting the area with hydorgen peroxide. It will not work as fast as bleach but many say it is effective.
- Apple Cider Vinegar also works. Paint the area with the vinegar three times a day.
- If you can stand the smell and if you can stay at home and if your family does not object, rub the ringworm area with raw garlic. Garlic is one of the old ringworm home remedies.
Black Walnut Extract - If you just happen to have a walnut tree in your backyard and it is the season (autumn) for walnuts, peel the outer husk of the walnut off and use the inside of the husk to rub on the ringworm. If you don't have access to a walnut tree, you can get black walnut extract at a health food store. Apply the extract to the infected area twice a day.
- Iodine is what my mother always used. Just paint the ringworm with the iodine twice a day. It stains the skin and anything else it comes into contact with so be careful with it. I can personally attest that it works even though I hated it as a child.
R-Worm Clear
contains Neem Oil, witch hazel, tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil, and calendula essential oil. Apply to the affected area twice a day.
- Over-the-counter antifungal creams will kill the ringworm fungus. Lamasil and Lotrimin are the two usually recommended.
If these ringworm home remedies have not worked for you within four weeks, it is important to see a health professional.
