Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm is a skin disorder which is mostly seen in children. However, it affects people of all ages. Ringworm is caused by a particular type of fungus, which grows and multiplies anywhere on the skin region. It can also occur on the scalp and nails. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person or from skin to skin, hence treating ringworm as soon as you find out about the skin infection is important. Here are the various ringworm medical and natural treatment which can be used to treat this skin infection.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

Topical Medication: If the affected body area is large or severe, and doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicines, then prescription strength topical creams or ointments are used. Also, and oral medication which can be tablet, pill or capsule form is prescribed. If you have a mild case of ringworm, then use an over-the-counter antifungal ointment or creams for ringworm. Most of the skin fungal infections respond well to topical agents. Topical medications like Miconazole (Micatin), Tolnaftate (Tinactin), and Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex) can be used. Wash the affected area, and then apply a thin layer of the topical medication twice a day for at least a period of two weeks, or according to the instructions mentioned on the label.

Oral Medication: Apart from prescribing a topical medication, the doctor will also prescribe oral medicine for this skin disorder which can be Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral) or Terbinafine (Lamisil). These medications can cause some stomach upset, and are often recommended to be taken with an antacid.

Medicated Shampoo: Medicated shampoos are used as a treatment for scalp ringworm. Main ingredient in the shampoos is selenium sulfide, which helps to kill the ringworm spores and prevent the infection from spreading to other people. To use the shampoo lather the hair and scalp with the medicated shampoo, and let it sit for 5 minutes, before washing it off. Use this medicated shampoo at least 2-3 times a week for a period of 30 days, or the way recommended by the doctor. On other days, you can use milder non medicated shampoos for washing hair.

Natural Treatment

Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds are widely used as a home treatment for ringworm. In a blender add some mustard seeds and little water, then grind this paste. Apply this paste on the ringworm affected region on the body.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a powerful antibiotic and can be used to treat many skin infections. To use tea tree oil for treating ringworm add 3 drops of tea tree oil with 10 drops of olive oil. Then apply this mix to the ringworm affected skin 2-3 times a day.

Turmeric Remedy: This is another effective remedy, apply juice of raw turmeric to the infected ringworm skin. You can also use turmeric orally to cure ringworm. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice with 1 teaspoon of honey everyday till your skin gets better.

Butea Seeds: The seeds from the herb butea are well-known for treating a ringworm fungal infection. Grind the seeds with little lime juice in a blender. Apply this paste to the skin infected by ringworm.

It is important that you keep the comb, clothes and other personal items of the person who has ringworm separately. This will avoid the spread of the infection. Use the above remedies for treating ringworm, however, if your skin doesn't improve within 4 days of self treatment or the symptoms become worse, then seek immediate medical help.