Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a highly contagious type of fungal infection. The common appearance of ringworm is that the skin looks sore or blistered, the edges are red scaly and the center is smooth. If you have ringworm, you can treat it easily but it is best done as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection. You can treat mild cases of ringworm at home and may need medical treatment for infections that are more severe or cannot be cured at home.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Treating Ringworm at Home
Step 1. Apply an antifungal cream or lotion
If the ringworm is mild, you can use an antifungal cream on the infection. Antifungal creams can help relieve symptoms and get rid of ringworm.
- Creams or lotions such as clotrimazole or terbinafine can help treat ringworm.
- Apply the cream or lotion according to the directions on the package or your doctor's instructions. Usually you have to apply it for 2-3 weeks.
- You can buy antifungal creams at pharmacies and supermarkets, or large retail stores.
Step 2. Slice the garlic and attach it to the ringworm with a bandage
Garlic is a food spice that also has antifungal properties. Applying sliced garlic to the ringworm can help get rid of the infection.
- Peel a clove of garlic and slice it thinly. Place the garlic slices on the ringworm and cover with a bandage.
- Leave the garlic bandage overnight. Continue until the ringworm is gone.
Step 3. Rub apple cider vinegar on the ringworm
Apple cider vinegar is another food ingredient that has certain medicinal properties. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on ringworm for a few days can remove ringworm.
- Wet a cotton swab with apple cider vinegar and then rub it directly on the area of the skin that is infected with ringworm.
- Apply apple cider vinegar 3-5 times per day for 1-3 days.
Step 4. Make a paste of salt and vinegar to dry the ringworm
There are some people who suggest a paste of salt and vinegar to apply to ringworm. This can help get rid of ringworm in a week.
- Mix the salt and vinegar together to form a paste, then apply it directly to the ringworm.
- Let the salt and vinegar paste sit on the ringworm for five minutes and then rinse with water.
- Ringworm will disappear within seven days with this treatment.
Step 5. Use lavender or tea tree oil
Lavender and tea tree oils have potent antifungal properties. Applying one of these oils can stop the fungus from growing and remove ringworm completely.
- Mix tea tree oil and water in a 1:1 ratio. Use the solution twice a day on the infected skin.
- Tea tree oil can take up to four weeks to treat ringworm.
- Apply a small amount of lavender oil on the infected area every day. It can take up to a month to treat ringworm with lavender oil.
- If pure lavender oil is too harsh for your skin, try mixing it with a little distilled water.
Step 6. Try an aluminum salt solution
Aluminum salts, such as a 10% solution of aluminum chloride or aluminum acetate, are known to have antiperspirant effects. The solution can block sweat production and help relieve ringworm.:
- Mix the aluminum salt solution and water in a ratio of 1:20.
- The solution must be applied to the ringworm and allowed to stand for 6 to 8 hours. Should be used overnight because sweat production is lowest at night.
- The solution should be cleaned off before you start sweating profusely. Repeat this procedure until the ringworm is gone.
- You can buy aluminum salt at the pharmacy.
Step 7. Adopt a hygienic lifestyle
A hygienic lifestyle is an integral part of preventing ringworm and treating it. Simple actions like washing your hands or not wearing other people's personal items can help you treat yeast infections, prevent them from spreading to others, and prevent you from re-infection.
Step 8. Keep your body clean
Ringworm comes from a parasite that feeds on the skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin. You can avoid ringworm by bathing every day and washing your hands frequently.
- Use mild soap to wash your skin or regular hand soap to clean your hands after using the toilet or touching surfaces you share with other people.
- If you shower in a gym or public bathroom, wear shower shoes to prevent ringworm from spreading to your feet or other skin areas.
Step 9. Wash with an antifungal shampoo for ringworm on the scalp
If you have ringworm on your scalp, use an antifungal shampoo such as Nizoral or ketoconazole. This particular shampoo may be easier and more effective than other home methods. You should see a doctor if you have ringworm on your scalp because you will usually need prescription oral medications as well.
Shampoos with tea tree oil can also help
Step 10. Dry skin thoroughly before dressing
Make sure your skin is completely dry after showering. This can reduce the humidity that supports mold growth.
- You can dry your skin with a towel or let your body dry on its own.
- Use talcum powder, corn starch powder, or rice powder to keep the skin dry. This type of powder can absorb excess sweat. A small amount of sweat can make the skin free of fungus.
Step 11. Don't share things with other people
Ringworm is very contagious. Do not lend personal items or borrow from others. This is to avoid ringworm or prevent re-infection.
- Towels or clothing can act as an intermediary for the spread of mold because mold can stick to the fabric.
- Hairbrushes and combs can also spread ringworm, so don't lend or borrow them.
Step 12. Avoid excessive clothing to stay cool
Whatever the weather, try not to overdress. You can wear weather-appropriate clothing to prevent sweating and prevent the conditions that promote ringworm from forming.
- In hot weather, wear soft and light clothing. Cotton is a great option that allows the skin to breathe.
- Wear layers of clothing in cold weather. If you overheat or start to sweat, the lining is removable but won't leave you too cold. Merino wool is a great option that will keep you warm and dry.
Method 2 of 2: See a Doctor and Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Visit a doctor
If home remedies do not reduce or cure ringworm, or if the infection is on the scalp, see a doctor. Your doctor can develop a treatment plan and treat any related or other conditions that cause ringworm, including skin infections.
- A GP or dermatologist can diagnose and develop a treatment plan to cure ringworm.
- The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for signs of ringworm and may also ask for a medical history, including factors such as whether you have been exposed to people or animals that have ringworm.
- You may find that ringworm is difficult to treat at home if your immune system is low or you have diabetes and should see your doctor.
Step 2. Get tested and get a diagnosis
Your doctor may be able to diagnose ringworm just by looking at it. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to help confirm the diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
If your case isn't clear, your doctor may take a piece of skin to examine under a microscope. This can help the doctor identify the fungus and diagnose ringworm more clearly
Step 3. Use a prescription antifungal cream
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream depending on the severity of your case. Because they are stronger than over-the-counter creams or lotions, prescription antifungal creams can help relieve ringworm more effectively.
Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions when using prescription antifungal creams
Step 4. Take the oral medication
Many doctors prefer to prescribe oral medications to treat ringworm. Make sure you tell your doctor about your medical problems, such as allergies, other medications you are taking, are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Take the pills as directed for the most effective ringworm treatment.
- The most commonly used oral antifungal drugs are terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole.
- Oral antifungal medications are usually taken for 8–10 weeks and are available at pharmacies.
- Make sure you follow the directions on the recipe for maximum results.
- You may experience some side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, and indigestion. Tell your doctor if you experience more severe side effects.
- If ringworm is on the scalp, your doctor may recommend a combination of an oral antifungal medication with an antifungal shampoo.
- If ringworm is on your nails, your doctor may recommend a combination of an oral antifungal medication with an antifungal nail polish.
- Your doctor may order blood tests before, during, or after treatment.
Tips
- Wash your hands regularly. This is an important precaution that can help avoid the spread of ringworm.
- Pets can have ringworm and pass it on to people, so get your pet checked if you notice any changes to their skin or coat.
