Ringworm Treatment for Humans

Ringworm is a skin infection that occurs when a certain type of fungus invades the skin and causes itchiness and pain around the affected part of the body. The infection is typically marked by red circular rings of rash over the skin. The formation of rash is very annoying as it causes a lot of irritation. Ringworm skin infection can infect the following body parts:

• Skin (arms and legs)
• Scalp
• Feet (toes)(Athlete's foot)
• Nails

Are Ringworms Contagious?
Is ringworm contagious? Unfortunately, ringworm is contagious, and to stop the spread of infection, timely treatment is extremely important. Avoiding skin contact with the infected person is the best way to stop it from spreading. Also, one must not use objects such as combs, brushes and hats, that are used by people suffering from ringworms.

Ringworm Treatment for Humans
There are a number of treatment options to ease the problem of ringworm in humans. Although, in many cases, ringworm in humans is harmless and not a major problem, leaving it untreated is not advised. This is because, it is observed that the infection becomes severe when left untreated. Also, delay in treatment will increase the healing period, and may also leave permanent marks, post recovery. Some of the popular options regarded as a cure for ringworm are given below:

• Anti-fungal creams
• Oral medicines

Anti-fungal creams that are considered topical form of treatment can be extremely beneficial to clear up ringworm infections. These ointments need to be applied 2 times daily for a period of around 2 weeks. These are basically over the counter ringworm treatment options that are effective and available at most drug stores. The anti-fungal medicines given below are useful in ringworm treatment for humans.

• Miconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Terabinafine

There are various creams available that contain the aforementioned anti-fungal medications. These products can be easily purchased from various drugstores. Some of the most commonly used anti-fungal creams are given below:

• Lamisil cream
• Desiten diaper ointment
• Lotrimin cream
• Nizoral cream

Ringworm Treatment for Humans with Herbs
People using herbal remedies for ringworms have an edge over those taking commercial medicines. This is because herbal treatment is known to provide instant relief without giving any side effects. In other words, no harm to the body occurs by using herbal remedies. Some of the ringworm home remedies are given below:

Oregano Oil: The anti-fungal properties of oil helps to get rid of infection. Massaging the affected part with 2 - 3 drops of oregano oil is the one of the best ways to cure ringworms. Massage it daily at least 3 - 4 times daily to subside the infection. In fact, within a day or two, this practice will improve the infection considerably. With oregano oil, the infection generally goes away within 7 days.

Garlic: Application of paste of herbs containing garlic has been extremely effective to eliminate bacteria and fungus causing this infection. A paste that is made by cutting 3 - 4 slices of garlic is an excellent herbal remedy to free the skin from the infection. Apply this paste generously, around 4 times a day, to speed up healing of the infected area. The excellent properties of garlic make it one of the best remedies for ringworm. Garlic, being an excellent anti-fungal agent promotes rapid healing of external infections like ring worms. Rubbing crushed garlic on the area infected with ringworm is a popular home remedy that can cure this skin infection.

Essential Oil: Essential oil is considered to be a natural cure for ringworm in humans. Put 3 - 4 drops of lavender oil onto the affected part and allow the skin to absorb it properly. For babies that are less than 1 year old, take a drop of lavender oil and mix it with a teaspoon of Jojoba Carrier Oil. Then apply it on their soft skin to get the desired result.

Tea Tree Oil: Another remedy is to mix tea tree oil (few drops) with olive or coconut oil and then apply it to the affected region. This combination can work wonders to destroy the fungus. Ointments that contain tea tree oil as an active ingredient are also very helpful to treat ringworms naturally. Basically, tea tree oil promotes skin dryness and also prevents formation of pus and blisters on the rash.

Green Walnuts: This ringworm treatment for humans involves cutting a green walnut and then applying it on the region inflicted with ringworm. Exercising this practice daily will kill the fungus gradually.

Apple Cider Vinegar: In this form of ringworm treatment for humans, a piece of cloth is soaked in natural apple cider vinegar and then applied on the affected area for approximately 15 minutes, many times daily to fix the problem.

Mustard Seeds: These seeds are an effective way to treat ringworms for humans. Prepare a paste of mustard seeds, but before applying it, wash the skin thoroughly with hot water.

Turmeric: A natural way to heal ringworm is to apply a paste made by mixing turmeric ointment with the same amount of honey. Application of raw turmeric juice on the skin can also speed up the healing of ringworm infection.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): This is an inexpensive ringworm treatment for humans. GSE that contains 50% glycerol is commonly used to treat skin problems like acne and ringworms. Rubbing some amount of extract on ringworm patches can reduce the infection considerably. Once it is done, cover the affected portion with a bandaid. GSE may cause slight irritation but is a quick remedy to get rid of ringworms.

Butea Seeds: Use of butea seeds is a well known remedy for ringworms. Mix grounded butea seeds with fresh lime juice. Applying this portion over the lesions can restrict the growth of fungi.

Raw Papaya: Cut slices of raw papaya and then rub them one by one on the rash. Let each of the slices remain for around 10 - 15 minutes on the affected part and then wash it with warm water. Raw papaya contains enzymes that is capable of destroying the fungus, causing ringworm.

Mustard Seeds: An effective natural remedy for this skin infection is mustard seeds. Firstly, wash the rash with warm water. A paste made from mustard seeds is then applied externally over the lesions to cure ringworms in humans.

Holy Basil: Holy basil leaves have earned a good reputation of curing ringworms in humans. External application of juice extracted from these leaves on the affected portion of the skin several times in a day can help to get rid of infection.

Cassia Leaves: Making a paste or extract of the juice of cassia leaves can bring a great deal of improvement to the condition. The leaves play a key role to reduce the pain and swelling associated with ringworm infection.

Scalp Ringworm Treatment for Humans
Scalp ringworm infection is often observed among children. Individuals with weaker immune systems are more vulnerable to this infection. This fungal scalp infection triggers formation of red, circular, itchy patches that eventually become devoid of hair. The fungi affects the root of the hair, thereby making them brittle. If left untreated, the circular patches of broken hair will increase in size, which may lead to permanent hair loss. Treatment for scalp ringworm that generally lasts for a period of 8 - 10 weeks involves use of following oral medications:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Griseofulvin (Grifulvin)

The use of a shampoo along with the aforementioned medications is also recommended. However, using only shampoo is not advised, as shampooing alone cannot eliminate the ringworm infection.

Nail Ringworm Treatment for Humans
Curing nail ringworms can be tedious because this form of infection does not respond well to treatment. This in turn slows the pace of the nail's recovery. Another cause of worry is that the infection spreads to other nails very quickly. The appearance of nails change to greeny-grey, making them brittle and thick. Anti-fungal tablets such as Lamisil are often prescribed. Prolonged use of these tablets can affect the patient's health. So, in some cases, the affected nail is cut and then the nail bed is treated with nail solutions like tioconazole (Trosyl) and amorolfine (Loceryl nail lacquer), which act as powerful fungicides. Another useful treatment is to soak the nail with small amounts of grapefruit seed extract (few drops) and then add few drops of Tea tree oil. This combination can successfully pass into the nail bed which helps to cure the infection.

Treatment for Ringworms in Children
Ringworm in children is more common than in adults. Children with ringworms show a red itchy rash on the skin. Generally, children catch ringworms while playing with infected dogs or cats. Use of prescription topical creams like Spectazole and Oxistat is many a times sufficient to get rid of ringworms. It is often observed that the infection in children is mildly contagious, so there is no need to remain absent from school.

Ringworm is also an infection that affects our beloved pet, the dog. To know more about ringworm treatment in dogs, read treatment for ringworm in dogs.

One very important point to note, is that along with the recommended ringworm treatment for humans, maintaining cleanliness of the infected skin is equally important. Exposing the area to dirt or sweat can worsen the condition. Therefore, ensure that the area inflicted with the skin infection does not come in contact with the dirty cloth. Also, the use of harsh soaps and hot water to clean the infected portion should be avoided, as it can make matters worse.