Be aware of Ringworm

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a common skin disorder otherwise known as tinea. While there are multiple forms of ringworm, the most common affect the skin on the body, the scalp, the feet, the groin and the nails.

How did I get ringworm?

Ringworm is contagious and can be easily spread multiple ways. You can get it from an infected person, animal, object, and even soil. Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in areas of frequent sweating as well as skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes. This also accounts for their reputation as being caught from contaminated items such as toilet articles, clothing, pool surfaces, showers, and locker rooms.

How is Ringworm Treated?

These fungal infections are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread. Ringworm can be treated topically with antifungal solution and creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine in severe or resistant infections on the scalp or nails.

Home Treatments for Ringworm:

Garlic Extract: You need to peel a clove and cut it into slim slices. Place these slices on the affected area and wrap a bandage around it. You need to leave it overnight for best results. In case you would like to make a thick paste and apply it on the ringworm.

Apple Vinegar: To use this remedy effectively, apply undiluted apple vinegar to the patchy area with a clean cotton ball several times every day. You need to do this until the patches are gone. As recommended by dermatologists, applying it 3 to 5 times for three days, will give you the best results.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is also greatly used in treating scalp ring worms. You need to apply the oil on the affected area overnight. By doing this you will eliminate build-up and residue of the infection.

Ringworm prevention Tips:

•  Don’t share clothing, sports gear, towels, sheets
•  Wear slippers or sandals in public pool and any wet areas.