Ringworm or tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin. This disease is also known as ringworm, although it is not caused by a worm. At first, ringworm often appears as a red circular rash that feels itchy and can attack any part of the body. Fortunately, mild ringworm infections can be treated at home using antifungal lotions or creams. Meanwhile, for more severe cases, you may need to visit a doctor and use prescription drugs. By recognizing the symptoms of ringworm early and treating the infection at home, you may not need more intensive medical treatment.
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Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms of Ringworm
Step 1. Understand your risks
Although anyone can get ringworm, some people are more susceptible to it. You are more likely to be infected with ringworm if:
- Less than 15 years old
- Living in damp, wet, or crowded places
- Contact with people or animals infected with ringworm
- Sharing clothes, sheets or towels with people who are infected with ringworm
- Participate in sports that involve direct skin contact, such as wrestling
- Wearing tight clothes
- Have a weak immune system.
Step 2. Watch out for scaly patches
In most cases, ringworm will initially appear as flat, scaly patches on the skin. As the infection progresses, the size of these scaly patches will increase.
- Be aware that ringworm of the scalp often appears as small, pimple-like sores at first. Pay close attention to the point to see how it progresses.
- Notice if the spot is scaly by moving your finger across the surface. The patches on your skin may also be slightly dull in color due to the scales. Pay attention to whether the patches are getting bigger or itchy because these two symptoms are signs of ringworm.
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching an area suspected of being infected with ringworm. That way, you can prevent ringworm from spreading to other parts of the body.
Step 3. Observe the edge of the spot
Scaly skin may make the edges of the patches appear to stick out as the infection spreads to the skin. These patches will form a circular ring, which is why this infection is also known as ringworm.
- Be aware that the basic contour of a scaly patch or patch due to a ringworm infection is circular, but it can also appear wavy like the shape of a worm or snake. You may also find several forms of interlocking rings.
- Look for patches or itchy areas around the groin or legs that aren't circular. Such areas may indicate a fungal infection known as tinea cruris or jock itch and athlete's foot.
- Observe the color and edges of the blot and see if it appears redder than the area inside. This color is often a sign of a ringworm infection.
Step 4. Check the inside of the blot
The inner and outer areas of the patches in most cases of ringworm infection have a different appearance and texture. Check for the following signs of ringworm on the inside of the patch:
- Blisters
- The liquid flowing out
- Red bumps that are spreading
- Scaly skin
- Bright color display
- Bald patches or hair loss on the scalp
Step 5. Watch for itching and discomfort
One of the common symptoms of ringworm is severe itching and discomfort on the skin, especially near patches or sores. If you experience itching and/or discomfort with other symptoms, you may have a ringworm infection and you should get yourself checked out.
Step 6. Check the nail area
Fingernails and toenails can also experience fungal infections such as ringworm. This disease is called onychomycosis. Some of the common symptoms of a nail infection include:
- Thick nails
- Nails are white or yellow
- Brittle nails
Part 2 of 4: Using Home Care
Step 1. Use an antifungal lotion or cream
Mild cases of ringworm often respond to antifungal lotions. This preparation can relieve symptoms such as itching as well as kill the cause of infection.
- Purchase antifungal medications such as clotrimazole or terbinafine at your local pharmacy or drug store. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging or the doctor's recommendations to treat ringworm infection.
- This drug works by destabilizing the fungal cell walls and triggering the leakage of their membranes. This effect will basically "kill" the infection.
Step 2. Treat ringworm with honey
Applying honey to the ringworm surface can treat or prevent this infection from recurring. Honey can also relieve inflammation caused by ringworm. Simply apply a small amount of warm honey directly on the ringworm, or spread the honey onto a bandage and apply it to the infected area.
Change the bandage or apply honey again 2 times a day until the ringworm infection clears up
Step 3. Use a garlic bandage
Place a few slices of garlic right on the surface of the ringworm and cover it with a bandage. Garlic has anti-fungal properties that can kill infections.
Peel the garlic then slice it thinly. Place the sliced garlic on the infected surface and cover it with a bandage. Leave the garlic on overnight and repeat this treatment every night until the ringworm infection clears up
Step 4. Use apple cider vinegar
Just like garlic, apple cider vinegar also has healing properties. Rubbing apple cider vinegar directly on the ringworm surface for a few days can kill the infection.
Wet a cotton pad with apple cider vinegar and then wipe it over the ringworm. Repeat this treatment 3-5 times a day for 1-3 days
Step 5. Dry the infection with the paste
Salt and vinegar paste can kill ringworm. Use this mixture for 1 week and see if your skin infection improves.
Mix the salt and vinegar to form a paste and then apply it directly to the infected surface. Leave the paste on the skin for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water. This mixture may take about 1 week to kill ringworm
Step 6. Try essential oils
Tea tree and lavender essential oils have strong antifungal properties. Use one of these oils to prevent the ringworm infection from spreading and kill it.
- Mix a solution of tea tree oil and water, with equal volumes of water and oil. After that, use this solution for a maximum of 1 week on the infected area.
- Rub a little lavender oil on the infected area every day. However, lavender oil treatment may take longer, up to 1 month to kill ringworm.
Part 3 of 4: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Make an appointment with the doctor
If home remedies don't help reduce or cure ringworm, or if the infection gets worse, make an appointment with your doctor. This is the only way to know for sure the diagnosis of the disease as well as get the right treatment to treat and prevent ringworm.
- Have a physical exam that will help your doctor find the symptoms of ringworm. Your doctor may also ask you about your medical history and other factors such as your exposure to ringworm.
- Ask your doctor about ringworm you have or how it is transmitted.
- Remember, direct contact with skin, bedding, or animals and an infected person can transmit this infection. So, make sure other people/animals who are also infected with ringworm receive the same treatment to avoid re-infection after you recover.
Step 2. Know the diagnosis of the disease
In most cases, a doctor can diagnose ringworm simply by examining it. However, you may also need to have laboratory tests to confirm this. This test can also help your doctor determine the best treatment for you.
- Your doctor may remove some of the scaly skin to examine it under a microscope. The doctor will then identify the fungus and diagnose ringworm, especially if it is drug-resistant.
- If standard treatment doesn't work for ringworm, your doctor will order you to have other tests to confirm an immune deficiency problem.
Step 3. Purchase a prescription lotion or cream
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or lotion if your infection is severe. Prescription antifungal drugs are stronger than over-the-counter medications, so they are more effective at treating ringworm.
Follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor if you are prescribed an antifungal medication
Step 4. Use oral antifungals
Your doctor may also prescribe oral medication to treat ringworm. Antifungal tablets are often used to treat severe cases of infection and are combined with lotions or creams.
- Take oral antifungal medication for 8-10 weeks at the recommended dose. Commonly prescribed drugs include terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole.
- Be aware that oral antifungal drugs have the following side effects: diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and headaches.
Step 5. Use an antifungal shampoo
To treat ringworm of the scalp, you may also need to use an antifungal shampoo in addition to an oral antifungal. This treatment will be easier and also effective to cure ringworm on the scalp than home treatments.
- Consider using a shampoo containing tea tree oil if you can't find an antifungal shampoo. Tea tree oil is also antifungal and can help fight infection.
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Consider using Selsun Blue shampoo on your skin. This shampoo can prevent and treat fungal infections. Just use this shampoo 3 times a week and use regular soap on other days. After the ringworm infection improves, use this shampoo twice a week for a while.
Do not let this shampoo get into the eyes, and keep the shampoo away from the face area
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Ringworm
Step 1. Keep your body clean
Good body hygiene is an important part of preventing and treating ringworm. Simple steps, such as washing your hands to using only personal items for yourself, can prevent ringworm from spreading to other people as well as prevent it from recurring.
Step 2. Clean the skin
Ringworm is caused by a parasite that feeds on skin cells. Washing your hands frequently and bathing every day can help prevent ringworm from recurring or recurring.
- Use soap and water to clean the skin after using the toilet or touching the surface of shared objects.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes when using the public bathroom at the gym or locker room.
Step 3. Dry the skin completely
A humid environment will promote the growth of ringworm. So, make sure to dry your skin thoroughly with a towel or air after swimming or showering. This will reduce the area of moisture that favors mold growth.
- Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch to keep your skin dry from water or sweat.
- Use deodorant or antiperspirant on your underarms to keep them dry and help prevent ringworm.
Step 4. Avoid contact with ringworm
Because this disease is highly contagious, avoid sharing personal items. This step is useful for preventing ringworm from arising or recurring.
Keep towels, sheets, and clothing of a ringworm infected person separate from your personal belongings. Combs and hairbrushes can also transmit ringworm
Step 5. Wear loose, cool clothes
Wear clothes according to weather conditions and go outside when the temperature changes. Dressing like this can prevent the body from sweating, thus avoiding conditions that favor the growth of ringworm.
- Wear soft and light clothing in the dry season. Choose fabrics like cotton that allow your skin to breathe.
- Wear outside when the air temperature is cooler or it is raining. Wearing clothes in layers allows you to take one off when it's too hot. That way, the body will not sweat as much and create an environment that supports the growth of ringworm. To keep yourself warm and dry, choose a fabric like merino wool.
Tips
- Don't scratch the ringworm as this can make it itch even more and cause the infection to spread.
- Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water every time you touch ringworm or any suspected ringworm area.
- Check for and treat pets infected with ringworm.
- You can try to hide ringworm in areas that are easy to see, such as your face.
