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While it was earlier believed that ringworm was caused by a worm, it’s actually a fungal infection which affects the skin. These fungi feed on keratin, which is found in skin, hair, and nails. A large number of people will be affected with this kind of infection in their lives, especially those that play contact sports like wrestling. It isn’t a serious problem, but if left untreated, the infection can become chronic and difficult to treat.

Ringworm patches are usually roundish or oval, with raised pink and scaly rings, with a clean space in the centre. It looks much like a worm, which is where the infection gets its name from. Sometimes, the fungus will grow without these distinctive features, a condition known as tinea incognito. Scratching the infected area helps it to spread, as the fungus spreads through the nails.

Treatment: The infection is quite easily treated in a few days. Your GP may prescribe anti-fungal creams, which will help resolve the systems within a couple of weeks. In severe cases, especially when the infection is found on the scalp, oral medication may be given. There are also a number of home remedies which will help ease the symptoms.

Home Remedies:

• Raw papaya juice has been shown to be effective in treating ringworm. You can rub slices of the unripe (green) fruit on the affected area. A paste of the raw papaya can also be made and applied on the area. Alternatively, you can make a paste of water and dried papaya seeds.
• Similarly, a paste of mustard seeds can be applied to the affected area. This will speed up the healing and help in killing the fungus.
• Cassia and basil leaves are very effective in the treatment of ringworm. You can make a paste of the leaves of these plants individually, by grinding them on a stone, and apply this paste on the affected area.
• Seeds of the Butea herb can be ground into a paste and applied to the ringworm patches.
• Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda place great importance in turmeric, and it is also used to treat ringworm. You can mix turmeric powder with water to make a paste.
• You can apply coconut oil on the skin to keep it soft. This will ease the itching and thus stop the spread of ringworm on your body.
• Castor oil is very effective, especially if the ringworm patches are found on the scalp. You can rub castor oil into the hair at night, with special attention being paid to the affected areas.