How to Get Rid of Ringworm: Home Remedies, Medications, and Prevention Tips

I. Introduction

If you have ever had a circular, itchy, and red patch on your skin, then chances are that you had ringworm. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. Ringworm is contagious and can spread from person to person and from animals to humans. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of ringworm with home remedies, medications, and prevention tips.

II. Home Remedies for Treating Ringworm

If you opt for home remedies to treat ringworm, you can give tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic a try.

A. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antiseptic agent that can help fight off ringworm. You can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area three times a day. You can also use a tea tree oil-based shampoo to wash your hair if the ringworm is present on your scalp.

Precautions and side effects: tea tree oil should be diluted before use. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.

B. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of ringworm. You can mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply the solution to the affected area with a cotton pad or cloth. Allow it to dry before rinsing it off with water.

Precautions and side effects: apple cider vinegar should be diluted before use. It can cause skin irritation and dryness if used in excess.

C. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antifungal agent that can help kill ringworm. You can crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with coconut oil to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

Precautions and side effects: garlic can cause skin irritation and burning sensation in some people. It should not be used excessively as it can cause skin damage.

III. Medications for Treating Ringworm

If home remedies do not work, or if you have severe ringworm, your doctor may prescribe medications. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications or prescription medications.

A. Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications

OTC medications are topical antifungal creams that you can buy without a prescription. Some of the OTC medications for ringworm include clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and ketoconazole. You should apply the cream to the affected area two to three times a day for two to four weeks.

Precautions and side effects: OTC medications can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. If the symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

B. Prescription Medications

If OTC medications do not work, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Prescription medications include oral antifungal medications such as itraconazole, fluconazole, and griseofulvin. You may need to take the medication for up to six weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe topical antifungal medications that are stronger than OTC medications.

Precautions and side effects: prescription medications can cause side effects such as liver damage, skin rash, and nausea. Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects.

IV. Preventing Ringworm

Prevention is key when it comes to ringworm. Here are some prevention tips:

A. Maintaining hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Shower and change clothes after working out or being in contact with animals.

Importance of cleanliness: when it comes to ringworm, cleanliness is essential. Ringworm thrives in warm, damp, and dark environments. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your environment clean and dry.

B. Avoiding Sharing Personal Items

Do not share personal items such as towels, combs, brushes, and clothing. If you have pets, avoid sharing pet items such as toys, beds, and grooming tools. If you must share, clean the items thoroughly before and after use.

How to avoid sharing personal items: designate personal items for each family member. If your child attends school or daycare, label their personal items. Keep pets’ items separate from human items.

C. Keeping Environment Clean

To keep your environment clean, you should:

Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture regularly
Wash linens, towels, and clothes in hot water and dry them well
Clean and disinfect surfaces, especially those that come into contact with skin such as phones and keyboards

Hygiene practices for the public: ringworm is contagious, and you can get it from public places such as gym locker rooms and pools. Use caution when using public facilities. Wear sandals or shoes in public showers and locker rooms, and avoid sitting barefoot on benches and floors.

V. Natural Treatments to Complement Medical Care

You can use probiotics and aloe vera as a complementary treatment to medical care.

A. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for your health. They can help improve your immune system and fight off fungal infections like ringworm. You can take probiotics orally as supplements or apply them topically to the affected area.

Precautions and side effects: probiotics can cause mild side effects such as gas and bloating. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system.

B. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial agent that can help soothe and heal ringworm. You can apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area two to three times a day. You can also drink aloe vera juice to improve your immune system.

Precautions and side effects: aloe vera can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. It is not recommended for pregnant women and people with diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders.

VI. Ringworm in Pets

Ringworm can also affect pets, especially dogs and cats. If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

A. Signs of Ringworm in Pets

Some of the signs of ringworm in pets include:

Circular patches of hair loss
Scaly and crusty skin
Bumps and pimples
Itching and scratching

When to consult a veterinarian: If you notice any of these signs, take your pet to a veterinarian right away. Your vet may perform a skin test or a fungal culture to diagnose ringworm.

B. How to treat Ringworm in Pets

You can treat ringworm in pets with medications and home remedies.

Medications: Your vet may prescribe oral antifungal medications or topical antifungal creams. You may need to give your pet a bath with a medicated shampoo.
Home Remedies: You can use some of the same home remedies that are used for humans, such as apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. However, you should consult your vet before using any home remedies on your pet.
Tips for prevention: To prevent ringworm in pets, keep them clean, dry, and well-groomed. Do not share grooming tools, toys, or beds with other pets.

C. How to prevent Ringworm from spreading to humans

If your pet has ringworm, you can prevent it from spreading to humans by practicing good hygiene.

How to keep the environment clean: Vacuum carpets and floors regularly. Wash your pet’s bedding and toys in hot water and dry them on high heat. Clean any surfaces your pet comes into contact with.
Hygiene practices: Wear gloves when handling your pet, especially if they have ringworm. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your pet.
Public awareness: Inform your family, friends, and neighbors if your pet has ringworm. Advise them to wash their hands if they handle your pet.

VII. Conclusion

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect both humans and pets. You can treat it with home remedies or medications. To prevent ringworm, you should practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items. Natural treatments like probiotics and aloe vera can help complement medical care. If your pet has ringworm, take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

B. Final Thoughts

If you have ringworm, do not panic. With proper treatment and prevention, you can get rid of ringworm and prevent it from coming back.

C. Importance of taking care of oneself and their pets

Taking care of your health and your pet’s health is crucial in preventing ringworm. Practice good hygiene, keep your environment clean, and seek medical treatment if necessary.