Home remedies for ringworm

Introduction to ringworms

This is a skin infection caused by a fungus (a microorganism that become parasites on the body). These fungi thrive on warm and moist skin, but may also survive directly on the outsides of hair shafts or in their interiors. Ringworm is characterized by an itchy, red circular rash with healthy-looking skin in themiddle.

It is fairly common, especially among children, but it can affect people of all ages. It is highly contagious, and not only can it be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact, but also by contact with contaminated items such as unwashed clothing, combs, towels, and shower or pool surfaces. One can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus (usually from cats, but dogs have also been known to carry it).

The most common symptoms of ringworm are: a circular rash (healthy-looking in the middle, and red and inflamed around the edge), scaly skin, and a flat patch of itchy skin. The treatments for this skin condition include various topical creams or oral medications. A doctor should be consulted as soon as the first symptoms have presented themselves, and he will then prescribe the best course of treatment.

Home remedies

Although doctors will usually recommend that a person be treated by a professional when it comes to any skin condition, many have been convinced in the healing power of natural, home remedies for ringworm. They are made of substances that are available in anyone’s home and have been proven to be quite effective when correctly applied. Also, one other benefit of natural treatments is that they are completely devoid of any side-effects (which is often not the case with prescribed medication.

The best home remedies for ringworm include:

Cassia tree. It is great when it comes to soothing the itchy skin, and helps the skin heal faster. One should make a paste out of the leaves of cassia tree and apply it to the affected area.Raw turmeric. When using turmeric as a natural remedy, one should apply raw turmeric juice on the affected area, and then, take 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice and 1 teaspoon of honey orally.Raw papaya. A few slices of raw papaya should be rubbed over the ringworm twice a day. Also, one can make a paste from papaya seeds and then apply it on the skin.Mustard seeds. Mustard seeds, when blended with little water and applied, are a great way of getting rid of ringworm.Carrot and spinach juice. One should drink juice made from carrot and spinach every day.Sunbathing. Sunbathing in the early morning is very helpful when treating this condition.Coconut oil. Also, highly effective, all one need do is apply it on the affected area and that should soothe the itching.Castor oil. If one has ringworm on their scalp, they should rub it on the affected area of the hair for best results.Mud pack. One should apply a light mud pack twice a day, for a half an hour and this should help the skin to heal.