What Is Ringworm And How Do We Treat It?

What is ringworm? Have you ever heard of it and do you know how to treat it?

Ringworm is a condition caused by a fungal infection, which causes small circular marks to appear on the skin.

It can appear on different areas of the body. Although not a serious condition, it is highly contagious.

In this article we will tell you a little more about ringworm and how you can treat it easily and simply.

What is ringworm? Causes and symptoms

The fungus that causes this problem on the skin is called tinea corporis . However, it is not the only class of this type of fungus that can affect us. We can also suffer from athlete’s foot, due to tinea pedia or ringworm in the groin, due to the tinea crural fungus.

The symptoms of ringworm begin to appear between 4 and 10 days after contact with the fungus.

• The first sign is a circular eruption on the skin, with slightly raised edges.
• On the skin in the middle of the circle, we may see a pattern that looks like a rash – but in general, the skin in the middle will look fresh.
• However, the itching can be unbearable, and by scratching you can spread the fungus further, not to mention causing infection.

The “rings” can be spread by itching or contact, multiply in other parts of the body or be fused together into even larger rings. In the more severe cases, the rings may become blisters and sores filled with pus.

Ringworm can be transmitted in many different ways, both directly and indirectly. For example, it can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or even with a pet carrying the fungus. Dogs, cats, horses and rabbits can all get this disease.

Children are more likely to be infected than adults. In addition, there are a number of risk factors that adults should watch out for, which can increase the likelihood of getting ringworm:

• Excessive sweating
• Living in a hot or humid area
• Use of tight clothing
• Participation in contact sports
• Sharing clothes or towels with others
• Having a weak immune system

The best way to prevent ringworm is to make sure that you are not in direct contact with people who already have the infection, and make sure that you do not share clothes that have direct contact with the skin.

It is also important to take your pet to the vet and dry them well after bathing them (especially the areas between their toes, under their legs and groin).

Home treatments for ringworm

If you do not really want to use medication prescribed by a doctor, or if you just want another treatment that supplements antifungal creams or lotions purchased at the pharmacy, we recommend the following natural remedies for ringworm:

1. Garlic

Garlic has some startling antifungal properties, which is why it is such a good ally when it comes to treating ringworm. It may sting a little at first contact, but this is natural. You should try to leave it on for as long as you can so that you can take full advantage of the benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic

Here’s how to do it

• Peel the garlic clove and cut it into slices.
• Place it over the affected area and cover with a bandage.
• Leave it on overnight and remove in the morning.
• Repeat for at least a week, or until the lesion disappears.

2. Essential oils

Some oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, have extremely powerful antifungal properties. Using them several times a day helps prevent the fungus from developing further.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons water (20 ml)
• 2 tablespoons essential oil (30 g)

Here’s how to do it

• Mix the water with the essential oil you have chosen in a small bowl ( either lavender or tea tree oil ).
• Apply to the affected area and cover with a cloth or gauze.
• Leave it on for several hours before removing the cover.

• Repeat 3 times a day for a month.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has lots of wonderful properties, two of which are its antibiotic and antifungal effects. The first stinging sensation you will notice when you first use it is completely normal. Try using chilled vinegar to soothe the sting.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (10 ml)

Here’s how to do it

• Dampen a piece of gauze, cloth or cotton with apple cider vinegar.
• Apply this to the lesion by tapping lightly.

• Let it dry.
• Repeat between 3 and 5 times a day.

4. Salt and vinegar

Although this remedy can be quite annoying when it comes in contact with the affected area, it is very effective.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp salt (10 g)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (10 ml)

Here’s how to do it

• In a small bowl, add the salt and pour in the vinegar little by little, mixing while pouring.
• Make a cream and apply directly on the lesions.
• Spread gently and let it work for 5 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and remove any excess with a clean towel, with a gentle motion.
• Repeat this treatment twice a day for at least a week.

5. Aluminum salt

Aluminum salts have an antiperspirant effect. Because of this , they block the production of sweat and prevent the spread of the fungus.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon aluminum salts (10 g)
• 1 glass of water (200 ml)

Here’s how to do it

• Place the salts in a container and add the water slowly. Mix well while pouring.
• When the ingredients form a cream, apply this on the damage and let it continue to work for 6 hours (or even better, overnight).
• Then rinse with warm water and dry well, without rubbing.
• Repeat every day for a week.

In addition to trying the recipes we have shown you here, you should remember the following tips:

Make sure you are hygienic

Adhering to strict hygiene habits, even though it may not be the most exciting thing in the world, is one of the most effective ways to prevent or treat the infection once you have it.

Washing your hands when you get home, before eating or in the bathroom, showering every day (especially after exercise or if it is hot), and using neutral soaps are some simple and effective hygiene measures.

Dry well before getting dressed

After taking your daily shower, it is very important to ensure that your skin is completely dry. Remember that humid environments are the fungus’ favorite.

Wipe yourself with a towel, and pay special attention to areas where there are folds in the skin, such as under the arms. Then, before getting dressed, you should use talcum or cornmeal to keep your skin dry all day.