WHAT IS RINGWORM?               

There’s a wrong notion about this skin disease called ringworm, most persons believe that ringworm is caused by a ring like worm, which appears on  the skin. Although we know some worms get their names from their appearance or form. For example tapeworm actually looks  like a  tape, thread worms like thread/pin worms like pins etc. However ringworm are not caused by worms neither are they like rings.

Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, and it is also called Tinea. This skin infection is highly contagious, that is one can easily contract this disease if you are not knowledgeable enough about it.

This fungal infection can appear on any part of the body, like the Face, Scalp, Groin, Foot, Fingers etc.When it appears on the foot ,it is popularly known as Athlete Foot. When ringworm appears on the scalp there is usually hair loss on that area of the scalp.

HOW DOES RINGWORM  LOOK LIKE?

When it appears on the skin,pending on your skin complexion it can appear reddish on a fair skin,or whitish and scalish on a dark skin. Ringworm looks like a rash with spiky tips and forms a ring like layer towards the centre  wherever it appears on the body. Its very itchy and at times very painful too.

ringworm on a fair skin

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Ringworm, as earlier said is caused by a fungus and can be contracted in the following ways

(i)From one  person (infected), to another via sharing of clothings like towels,undies etc

(ii)From an animal, like a pet to its owner

(iii)From swimming pools.

(iv)From lack of personal hygiene the list endless.

We are going to look at some effective home remedies for ringworm

 below:

  HOME REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM

1.GARLIC TREATMENT: This is a plant from the onion family.Its highly medicinal, nutritional, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Blend some pieces from a garlic clove,add a little water to make a paste. Then wash the affected area with soap and water and dry. Apply the garlic paste at least 3 times a day on the affected area and allow to dry.Continue until  the infection clears completely.

                          Garlic

2.COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is known for its antifungal, antibacterial, culinary and moisturizing properties. Apply pure coconut oil on affected area after washing with soap, water and drying well. Apply at any time of the day ,till the affected area is cleared. See also Vaginal yeast infection in children

                        Coconut

3.ALOE VERA: Aloe vera plant is a well-known plant all over the world for its medicinal purposes. Its healing, antinflamatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties makes it an excellent home remedy for ringworms. You can use the gel from plant directly on the affected area,at least thrice a day until all symptoms of ringworm disappears.

4.TUMERIC PASTE : turmeric is also known for its great, antifungal antibacterial and antinflamatory  culinary properties. Grind turmeric and make a paste out of it by adding a little water. Use this paste at least thrice a day,until all symptoms disappears.

5.LEMON GRASS OIL: Oil from lemon grass is also an excellent home remedy for ringworm,its highly medicinal.

6.TOOTHPASTE : This home remedy is one of the simplest,wash affected area with soap and water and dry.Then apply tooth paste on the surface of the affected area until symptoms clear.Although it still depends on the severity of infection if its at the early stage.

7.SCENT LEAF (EFINRIN): Scent leaf also known as OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM   its a powerful medicinal plant that grows in Africa and some Asian countries. It has powerful antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and culinary properties. Pluck at least a leaf or two, squeeze   it well and apply the juice on the affected area  at least thrice a day until symptoms disappears

8.LIME AND SULPHUR POWDER: Lime is highly medicinal,its known for its antibacterial and  antifungal properties : see also Home remedies for cough, its also very good on skin. Likewise  Sulphur,which is also known for its medicinal properties, especially on skin.Get  powdered Sulphur and mix with lime water,and use cotton ball to apply it on affected area as much as possible until symptoms disappear.

  sulphur

9.BLEACH: Bleach  is known for its  powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent for washing and cleaning surfaces.It can be used to treat ringworm when diluted with water.Get a little in a container add water in the ratio 2:1.Then use a little cotton wool  to apply on affected area and allow to dry.This should be done at least twice a day,until symptoms dissappear.

WHEN TO VISIT YOUR PHYSICIAN:

 There will be need to visit your Physician or Doctor,if after  a week or two  of consistent application of the mentioned home remedies and symptoms still persists.

PREVENTION OF RINGWORMS:

1: Take personal hygiene seriously and teach children likewise.

2Avoid sharing clothing and undies with people.

3.If you must have pets ,make sure you take them to the vet regularly to avoid the spread ogf diseases and germs.

4Avoid physical body contact with an individual with ringworm and teach children likewise

5.After exercise or any rigorous activities ,dont allow sweat to stay too long on skin.

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