Explore more on how to get rid of ringworm using the various treatment and home remedies. You will also get enlightened on how to prevent ringworms and its spread.
How to Get Rid Of Ringworm in Human
Ringworm is a fungal infection that survives in warm and moist environment. It is not caused by a worm as its name suggest. Before we get to the various treatment on how to get rid of this condition, let’s learn on how do you get ringworm. This is a highly contagious infection that spread from human-to-human through direct skin contact. You may also get ringworm if you come in contact with infected pet and objects. There are different ways you can use to get rid of ringworm as follows:
- Doctors prescribed treatments
There are various prescribed antifungal medicines that prevents the fungi from multiplying and spreading. They are found in several forms as capsules, pills, creams, gel or sprays. Some of the tablets are terbinafine or Lamisil. Most of the prescribed antifungal medicines are taken through the mouth and it may take 2-4 weeks to see the results especially when your condition is not severe.
Ringworm becomes less contagious for 24-48 hours of treatment. You need to be very careful during this period to avoid spreading the infection to other people and animals. Ensure that you take the medicines as recommended by your doctor. Complete your dose even if the symptoms may go away.
- Over-the-counter antifungal medicines
Over-the-counter antifungal medications are also effective on how to get rid of ringworm. Most of the medicines are found inform of gel, lotion, creams and spray. They are commonly found pharmaceutical shops and are applied directly on the affected areas.
The antifungal shampoo helps in treating mild scalp infection. It also helps to prevent the infection from spreading. They are found in various brand names such as Ketoconazole and selenium sulphide. The shampoo is used twice a week until your condition heals.
- Home remedy treatments for ringworms
The home care treatments and remedies are also effecting in eradicating ringworm infection. Most of the ingredients used are found within your kitchen while others can be obtained from an organic store within your location. After cleaning the affected area you may apply various treatment such as the use of tea tree oil, apple vinegar, garlic or jojoba and lavender oil among others to kill the fungi.
Most of the remedies has antifungal properties that helps in preventing the fungi from multiplying and spreading to other areas. You may consult your dermatology on the best remedy that may work best for your skin. However, if the symptoms persist after using the remedy for 2 weeks, it is recommended to visit your doctor.
How to Treat Ringworm – Cure
Once you notice the various symptoms of ringworms, it is recommended to look for treatment before it spreads to other parts or your body or to other family members, friends and animals. Mild ringworm infection can be treated by the use of non-prescribed medicines while severe infection may require prescription antifungal medications. Ringworm treatment depends on the part of the body that is affected as follows:
- Ringworm of the skin
Ringworm of the skin, athlete’s foot and jock itch can be cured using over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder, sprays and lotion. Most of these medications are found in drug stores or chemistry. The pharmacist may help you to choose the right one depending on your condition.
Some of them includes antifungal cream that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. Their brand names are Micatin, Mycelex and tinactin. Other antifungal medication taken includes Terbinafine also known as Lamisil.
Over-the-counter antifungal medication are effective on how to get rid of ringworm fast. Before applying, wash the affected area thoroughly using soapy water and dry using a clean towel. Using your fingers, apply the cream on the rash and the areas around. Ensure that the cream is evenly spread.
Follow the manufactures instructions while using this medication. Do not stop using when your condition starts to improves or when the symptoms goes away. You may be required to apply the cream for 2-4 weeks to prevent ringworm from recurring. In case your condition does not improve after two weeks, you may be required to visit the doctor for treatment. You may be given prescribed antifungal medications that are more powerful.
If you are infected with ringworm on different parts of your body, it is advisable to treat both infections to avoid re-infecting yourself. For instance, most individual with athlete’s foot may also suffer from ringworm of the groin. Therefore the two infections should be treated at the same time. You should also wear the underwear first before your socks when suffering from athlete’s foot to avoid its spread.
- Ringworm of the scalp
It is also known as tinea capitis. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or sprays may not help on how to get rid of ringworm on scalp. You may be required to take prescription antifungal medication that are taken by the mouth. Tinea capitis may also take longer time to heal as compared to ringworm of the skin. You make take the antifungal medication for 1-2 month to heal this condition.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
When ringworm is not controlled, it may lead to various complications in your body. This fungal infection may spread to different parts of your body. You will also increase the chances of spreading the infection to your family members, friends and pet animals that are around you. Therefore, there are various natural remedies that can be used to treat ringworms while at home. However, it is advisable to visit your doctor before using some of the remedies. They include the following:
- Apple vinegar
Apple vinegar is considered to be the best home remedy on how to get rid of ringworm in humans fast. It is also used in treating various skin problems. This remedy has natural antifungal properties that is effective in treating fungal infections. To use this remedy, you simply need undiluted apple vinegar and a cotton ball.
Put few drops on the cotton and apply on the patches for several times a day. It is dermatologically recommended to apply 3-4 times a day until the patches heals. Apple vinegar has the ability to clear this condition when applied as recommended.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can be used in treating fungal infections on different parts of your body. It is commonly used in treating athlete’s foot among other types of fungal infections. It contains anti-fungal and antiseptic properties that are effective in treating various skin infection including acne and pimples. To use this remedy, soak a cotton ball in this natural oil and apply it on the affected area for three times a day until your condition improves.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil has healing properties that aids in treating ringworm infection. The oil has soothing and softening effects that helps in relieving the itchy sensation. Coconut oil works best in treating ringworm of the scalp. To use this remedy, you simply apply in the hair in the evening before going to bed. Wash your scalp in the following morning to remove the build-up and residues.
- Mustard seeds
This tiny seeds are also effective on how to get rid of ringworm in humans quickly. It helps to relieve irritation and itchy feeling when applied on the affected patches. This helps in speeding up the healing process. You simply soak the seeds in cool water to soften them before grinding to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area thrice daily until your condition improves.
- A mixture of jojoba and lavender oil
The mixture of this two remedy are recommended in treating ringworms in babies. They are safe and provides soothing effects on the affected parts. To apply this remedy, you simply use a cotton swab to spread the mixture on the ringworm patches. Apply three times a day until your condition improves.
- Garlic
The ingredient has natural anti-fungal properties. It is effective in treating various fungal infections such as ringworms. Garlic is also used in treating other different types of skin conditions. To use this ingredient, you simply cut the clove into small pieces and grind them to make a paste and apply on the affected areas thrice a day until your condition heals.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is used in making various skin care products that helps in treating various skin problems. It is also effective on how to get rid of ringworm in humans naturally. You simply pluck the leave and obtain a gel from it. Apply the gel on the affected area 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, cut the Aloe Vera leaf into slices and rub them against the patches.
How to Prevent Ringworm
The fungi that causes ringworm can survive for a long time in dumpy and humid conditions. They can also survive on items such as furniture, clothing, towels, brushes and sporting items. You may be asking yourself this question, is ringworm contagious? The answer is yes, it easily spreads from infected person to others through direct skin contact and contact with infected objects. However, this infection can be prevented as follows:
- Avoid sharing clothing, towels, beddings, comps, brushes and sport equipment’s. Wash your hand and clothes thoroughly using fungicidal soap in case you suspect as exposure to ringworm.
- Observe your personal hygiene, keep your skin, clothes and beddings clean and dry. Change and wash your underwear’s and socks daily.
- Wear sandals when using locker rooms, public showers and other dumpy areas that may be harboring the fungi that causes ringworms.
- Shower thoroughly after sporting activities that encourages direct skin-to-skin contact such as wrestling.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear and pants. Use loose-fitting cotton underwear’s, pants and jeans.
- Avoid wearing your socks before the underwear if you are infected with athlete’s foot as you may spread the infection to the groin area. It helps to prevent jock itch.
- Use clean towels to dry yourself completely after shower. It helps on how to get rid of ringworm that may survive on your skin.
- Take your pet animals to the vet immediately you notice patches of hair loss on their body.
- Restrict the affected animal from others and yourself until it is treated.
Further References;
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/ringworm-of-the-skin-medications
http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/page13.htm
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/disease
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html