A ringworm infection can be embarrassing and bothersome. Ringworm is not a worm but a fungus which causes red ring-like patches or raised scaly patches with a clear space in the center. It can appear anywhere on your body including the scalp, feet (athlete’s feet), groin (jock itch), or the nails. Itching can cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body. It is caused by dermatphytes that feeds on the keratin found in outer layer of the skin.
How Does it Spread?
Ringworm is most common among sports persons. Both children and adults are susceptible to this infection. It is a common infection and very contagious. It can spread through direct contact from one person to another. It can also pass on through infected pets like dogs and cats. It can also spread through contaminated objects such as brushes, towels, unwashed clothing, pools, or shower surfaces. Prolonged wetness of the skin and minor injuries of the skin, scalp, and nails can also lead to a ringworm infection.
Measures to Prevent Ringworm
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Try to avoid sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets. Avoid walking barefoot, and always wear proper foot wear. Wash your clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap if you suspect that you may have been exposed to a ringworm infection.
Cure
Ringworm can be treated naturally. The most effective remedy is to rub a few slices of papaya on the infected areas. A paste made of papaya seeds is also highly beneficial. A paste made from mustard seeds and applied externally after washing the skin thoroughly with hot water is another excellent remedy for ringworm. Cassia leaves are useful for reducing irritation and may also be applied as a paste to speed the healing process.
The leaves of holy basil are useful in treating ringworm infections. You can extract the juice from these leaves and apply it on the infected patches. Turmeric is another fine remedy. You may apply the juice from raw turmeric externally and the juice can be mixed with honey and ingested twice a day. You can apply the juice extract from holy basil leaves. A light mudpack can also be applied twice a day as an effective remedy.
Raw vegetable juice, especially carrot and spinach juice, is a valuable treatment for ringworm. The right mix would be 300 ml carrot juice and 200 ml spinach juice. You can also drink half a cup of the juice of mint leaves twice a day for a speedy cure. Tomatoes sprinkled with pepper are helpful for ringworm treatment.
In addition, have a warm water bath twice a day, get a lot of fresh air, and wear comfortable clothes. Drink plenty of water and avoid spicy and packaged foods, condiments, sugar, white flour products, tea, and coffee.