Your skin is the largest organ of the body, so taking care of it is critical. However, even the best of us will run into problems along the way. One very unpleasant skin problem you can run into is ringworm.
Knowing how to get rid of ringworm is the first step in eradicating the problem. Many people will go to the doctor for ringworm where they will be prescribed a medication.
However, there is a variety of home remedies that can be effective in resolving ringworm. If you are interested in natural ways to cure ringworm that can be done from the comfort of your own home, this article will be a great resource.
What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a noticeable and contagious skin infection. You’ll see it as a circular infection on your body that bears a resemblance to a worm in the shape of a ring under your skin, hence the name.
The ring is a circle with the edge of the circle raised to the touch. The size of the skin infection will vary, but you’ll know when you have it by the appearance of the infection.
It’s More Common Than You Think
Ringworm is a common infection, so if you are suffering from the condition it is not out of the ordinary. Typically this is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, which is a fungal infection.
This kind of fungal infection is more likely to pop up around warm and moist areas of your skin (such as on your feet or in your armpit, although it can pop up anywhere on the body).
If it appears on your foot, it is more commonly known as athlete’s foot. The two are the same, the only difference being the size (it will be smaller when on the foot).
More Discomfort than Pain
Eventually, you will see a red, crusty patch of skin. Typically it is only itchy, but if the infection is around a joint or an area of skin that will stretch with movement, you may begin to feel discomfort and pain.
Ringworm spreads easily. This is why people suffering from athlete’s foot will notice that the infection does not stay in one localized area of the foot, rather it will spread all over. The fact that ringworm spreads so easily is also why it is so important to wear flip-flops in any locker room.
How Do You Get It?
Ringworm is most commonly spread from person to person. This might be skin to skin contact, so if you know someone who has ringworm it is best to not touch the infected areas of their skin.
It is a common gym infection because if someone walks around a locker room barefoot they may spread the fungus. Additionally, locker rooms are typically warm and moist, so it helps keep the fungus alive and well even when it doesn’t have a human host.
Ringworm can also transfer to inanimate objects, such as towels. So if someone has ringworm on their hands and you both use the same hand towel, you are at high risk of contracting ringworm.
A surprising way to get ringworm is from your pet. If one of your four-legged friends comes down with a case of ringworm, it is possible for them to spread it to you.
You can also catch ringworm from working in the soil and with plants. It is difficult to know when ringworm might be present, which is why it is important for you to take regular showers, to wear flip-flops at the gym, to use weight lifting gloves if you are sharing weights at the gym, and to always wash your hands after grooming your pets or working outside in the garden.
How to Get Rid of Ringworm – 10 Home Remedies
There are several things available inside the average American household that will aid you in figuring out how to get rid of ringworm. While you can always pick up an ointment, medication or spray from your local pharmacy, there are other options available to you in how to get rid of ringworm.
These home remedies are all healthy alternatives that do not introduce chemicals to your body or your home.
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of those foods that can do just about anything. It is a natural remedy for many health issues, including ringworm. There’s a reason you can purchase garlic as a supplement in the health section of your store.
Start with a fresh piece of garlic, crush it down into a paste and apply it right to your affected area. Wrapping a bandage around the garlic will help keep it in place and allow you to retain use of your hands.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
This may or may not be something you have immediately on hand, but it is easy enough to pick up at a grocery store or pharmacy. Tea tree oil has been used for a long time in correcting skin conditions (especially in Australia).
Apply the tea tree oil directly to the skin. With any of the liquids, it may be best to apply it to a cotton ball and secure it with a bandage.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a beneficial product to have on hand for several reasons. Vinegar is great in general because you can use it for healthy living and you can also use it for cleaning. Apple cider vinegar has more acidity to it, which will help clear up the ringworm.
Just go light on the apple cider vinegar at first as it may dry out your skin. Apply it to a cotton ball and place it on the affected area, leaving it there for at least 30 minutes (do this twice a day).
4. Turmeric
Head for the seasonings in your home and grab the container of turmeric. You can also use fresh turmeric if you really want to increase the efficiency of the household item.
Apply the juice right to the infected area for at least 30 minutes at a time. Do this twice a day.
5. Salt and Vinegar
While you can’t crush down your favorite potato chips for this, you can use regular vinegar and salt. Mix the salt and vinegar into a paste and lather the paste onto the infected area. You’ll only want it to soak for about five minutes.
This is a strong compound so you’ll likely see the ringworm dry out after a few days. Keep in mind that if your skin is cracked and open, this may be more painful than other options because of the salt compound.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of those wonderful ingredients that can help with just about any skin condition. When it comes to how to get rid of ringworm, lavender oil can help.
Lavender oil is an excellent option for any kind of fungal infection. This essential oil is great if you’re suffering from other skin conditions at the same time. So apply the lavender oil to the infected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
7. Aloe Vera
Much like lavender oil, aloe vera is one ingredient you can easily grab for. You can also pick up a large container for just a few dollars at most grocery stores.
Apply the aloe vera directly to the skin. This is a great ingredient to have if the skin has cracked and it is painful (such as around the toes).
8. Lemongrass Tea
You can add lemongrass tea on top of the other options for how to get rid of ringworm. You can drink the lemongrass tea at least three times a day, which will help with the infection.
You can also place the used tea bag right onto the infected area while drinking the tea to maximize the effect.
9. Colloidal Silver
This is a natural antibiotic that has been in use for hundreds of years. You can rub the colloidal silver right onto the skin infection twice a day. Just wash your hands when you’re done.
10. Olive Leaf
Olive leaf is yet another home remedy that has been used to boost the body’s immune system for hundreds of years. It also has an anti-fungal element to it.
You can pick this up in a supplement form, which makes it an excellent addition to the rest of your ringworm-fighting toolkit. Take a 250 mg supplement three times a day.
Conclusion
There are harsh chemicals available for ridding your body of ringworm. You can go to your doctor for a prescription or purchase an over-the-counter medication or topical ointment that will help with your ringworm issue.
However, there are plenty of home remedies you can use for how to get rid of ringworm. It is important to take steps to get rid of ringworm the moment you know you have it. If you don’t, you risk it spreading to other areas of your body and also to other people.
So now you are armed with the knowledge of how to get rid of ringworm and can choose from a variety of safe and natural methods that will put you on the road to healing.
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