Cure for Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection, which can affect any part of body such as scalp, feet, facial area, nails, etc. It occurs as a flat, round patch of rash and expands to a ring-shape. People may have more than one patch, which is itchy. Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is caused by several agents, which are collectively known as dermatophytes. There are various types of ringworm, such as body ringworm (tinea corporis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), groin ringworm (tinea cruris), nail ringworm (tinea unguium) and feet ringworm, known as tinea pedis in medical terms. Among all these, people most commonly suffer from the groin ringworm.

Causes of Ringworm
Ringworm is a contagious skin disease. It is caused due to direct as well as indirect contact. When an infected person touches another person, fungus is directly transmitted. On the other hand, it infects indirectly when one uses clothes, towels and combs of the infected person. Some environmental and climatic factors like dampness, humidity, dirt and pollution, spread fungi, which causes ringworm. In addition, animals such as dogs and cats, also carry the germs of ringworm.

Ringworm Cures
Ringworm is a common skin disorder and can affect everyone, irrespective of their age. By nature, it can affect any part of our body with the exception of eyeballs and mucous membrane. Apparently it looks like an open wound at the initial stage, however the wound swells later on and spread over the surrounding area.

Diagnosis is essential to make sure whether it is ringworm or some other skin disease. For this, one has to undergo certain medical tests. After proper diagnosis, one can follow some preventive measures to stop the infection. Here are some cures for ringworm that may prove helpful.

Washing Affected Areas
Washing the affected area on a regular basis and keeping it dry afterwards can help one to cure ringworm to some extent.

Medication
Proper medication helps one to cure ringworm. Antifungal creams and powders are used according to the symptoms of the patches. In case of serious ringworm infections, physicians may prescribe antifungal drugs. Some ringworm infections caused by bacteria can be treated by applying antibiotic ointment. However, these medications should be taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

Herbal Cure
After proper diagnosis, some herbal remedies can be used to cure ringworm. The extract of walnut leaf is used to cure oozing and itching of ringworm. In addition, there are herbs such as Pau d'arco, a South American herb, containing large amount of quinine compounds, and Tea-tree oil, a natural antibacterial herb can be used as antifungal medications.

Preventive Measures Against Ringworm
It is best to prevent ringworm, before it infects a wider part of our body. Some safety measures can be followed that assist in killing fungal as well as bacterial infection. These include:

• Take a bath regularly.
• Wear loose and clean clothes.
• Maintain proper hygiene such as washing of hands.
• Cleanliness should be maintained everywhere, such as at school, college, workplace, etc.
• Avoid sharing clothes, towels and combs of the infected person.
• Person affected by ringworm should take utmost care not to infect others and should refrain from socializing until he is fully cured.
• Stay away from pets infected with ringworm.

These preventive measures and medications can prove an effective treatment for ringworm. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus. If any of the family members suffer from this uncomfortable itching disorder, the risk of ringworm infection to others increases. It is always advisable to seek the advise of a dermatologist before starting on any kind of treatment.