When to see a Doctor

Ringworm needs medical treatment if it gets really bad. People should see a doctor if they suspect it is getting worse or if they are concerned about the infection.

People should also see their doctor if:

  • The rash is getting worse, and treatment for ringworm does not help.
  • Signs of a skin rash or infection develop in someone with a chronic illness or weakened immune system.
  • A fever, chills, or muscle aches develop along with a skin rash.

How is Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm can spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes. Soil to human. In rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans by contact with infected soil.

Complications with Ringworm.

There are very few common complications with ringworm, however the most common complication is spreading of the ringworm from one area of the body to another. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to be cautious of your personal hygiene. If the skin infection causes the skin to be irritated or broken it may lead to other bacterial infections which may need treatment with antibiotics. Infections are more likely to spread if you have a very weak immune system.

Home remedy for Ringworm

Garlic!

Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use.

Garlic is often used to treat infection. Although there are no studies that examine the effects of garlic on ringworm, it has proven effective for other types of fungi, including CandidaTorulopsisTrichophyton, and Cryptococcus.

To use garlic as a treatment, make a paste of crushed garlic cloves by blending the garlic with some olive or coconut oil. Apply a thin layer of paste to the affected skin and cover with gauze. Leave in place for up to 2 hours before rinsing. Repeat twice daily until symptoms resolve.

If the garlic paste causes stinging, swelling, or redness, rinse off immediately and do not reapply.

Self care and prevention

Self care;

  • Do not pick the infected area, it could cause a bacterial infection.
  • Check all family members and pets for ringworm and treat the infection.
  • Stop your child from doing things where their skin touches other children’s skin (i.e. wrestling and swimming), until the ringworm goes away.

Prevention;

  • Shower or bathe daily.
  • Dry your skin thoroughly between your toes and skin folds.
  • Avoid sharing towels, clothing or shoes, hair brushes, bedding or headphones.
  • Wear jandals or plastic sandals in public pools and changing rooms.
  • Wear loose clothing made from breathable materials that draw moisture away from the skin (i.e wool, cotton or leather).
  • Avoid clothing made from synthetic material.
  • Change your shoes each day and allow them to dry out.
  • Wash towels, bathmats, sports clothing, socks and underwear regularly in very hot water (over 60ºC) and dry them well.
  • Regularly wash floors (with very hot water and soap) where you walk in bare feet.

Treatment of Ringworm

Most cases of body ringworm can be treated with medicines from a pharmacy, however, it is important to follow the instructions on the pack carefully as some products need a single application only and others need regular application until after the infection has cleared, to prevent recurrence. Please see your local GP if the infection:

  • becomes severe, swollen, warm, blistered, crusted, smelly or pusy
  • lasts longer than 2 weeks
  • is on the scalp or in the beard.

Symptoms of Ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm on the body;

  • redness
  • itching
  • discomfort
  • a ring shaped rash around normal looking skin.

Symptoms of ringworm on the scalp;

  • painful, small, raised pimple-like bumps
  • the bumps will spread and leave fine, scaly patches of skin
  • temporary bald spots
  • broken hair.

Most cases of body ringworm can be treated with medicines from a pharmacy, however, if you have any of these symptoms, please visit your local GP.

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