Ringworm refers to a fungus infection that affects the scalp, body, feet and the nails. It is also known as Tinea. In ringworm a red ring appears on the infected person’s skin. It is contagious and may spread with direct or indirect contact. Ringworm is caused by several different fungus organisms that belong to a group called Dermatophytes, derma means skin and phytes means organisms. The duration of the scalp ringworm is 10-14 days and that of skin ringworm is 4-10 days.
Causes of Ringworm
Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the other by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated articles such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. Pets like dogs and cats that carry fungus can also cause ringworm. The other causes of ringworm are prolonged wetness of the skin and the minor injuries of the skin, scalp and nails.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
One of the most effective home remedies for ringworm is the use of mustard seeds. A paste made from the seeds can be applied over the affected areas.
The use of raw papaya has also been proved beneficial in the ringworm treatment. A few slices of the unripe fruits can be rubbed on the patches twice a day.
Apply the juice of raw turmeric externally to the parts of the skin affected by ringworm. Simultaneously, one teaspoon of turmeric juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey should be taken orally for ringwworm cure. This is also good home remedy for ringworm.
The use of castor oil is valuable for the scalp ringworm treatment. The oil should be rubbed on the affected areas of the hair. This is one of the best ringworm remedy.
Raw vegetables juices, especially carrot juice in combination with spinach juice has been proved beneficial in the treatment of ringworm. This is also one of the effective home remedies for ringworm.
Grind the seeds of herb butea ground to a paste and mixed with a lime juice. Apply this paste externally over the skin affected by ringworm.
Coconut oil can be applied to the affected areas as it will keep the skin soft and prevent itching. This is one of the best ringworm remedy.
Grind a few seeds of herb butea and make a fine paste, using little limejuice. Thereafter, apply the paste on the ringworm patch. This is simple and one of the effective home remedies for ringworm.
A paste made of dry seeds of papaya can be applied on the ringworm patches. This is a simple and one of the effective natural remedy for ringworm.
Tea, coffee, condiments, highly flavoured dishes, sugar, white flour products, denatured cereals and tinned or bottled foods should be avoided. This is not a good diet for ringworm.
A light mudpack applied over the areas of the ringworm is also helpful. The pack should be applied for half an hour twice a day as this is a very effective home remedy for ringworm.
The leaves of the cassia tree are useful in treating the irritation of the skin. Paste made from them can be applied to ringworm patches with very good results and is also good natural remedy for ringworm.