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What Are Ring Worms And How Are They Cured?

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, shares similarities with other fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm of the scalp. Its name is derived from its ring-shaped appearance, but there is no worm of any kind under the skin. Ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or even folk remedies. If you choose an alternative home remedy, keep in mind that it may, or may not, work for you.

  1. Features

    • Distinctive features of ringworm include the appearance of a circular skin rash, red and inflamed around the edges, but healthy-looking in the middle. You may have more than one patch of slightly raised scaly rings on your face or trunk. Ringworm is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes that live in your skin's outer layer. The fungus is contagious and can be spread from one person to another; from animals to humans; by contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, towels, bedding or hair brushes; or by contact with infected soil.

    Risks

    • People living in damp, humid environments have a higher risk of contracting ringworm. Sharing clothing, bedding or toiletries with an infected person or animal is also a risk. Animals with ringworm often have patches of skin where the fur is missing. Excessive sweating creates an ideal environment for contracting ringworm, as does participation in contact sports such as rugby, football or wrestling. Women who use oral contraceptives and people who take antibiotics are at higher risk. Recurrent fungal infections may be a sign of depressed immune function, often seen in diseases like diabetes, cancer and HIV.

    Conventional Treatments

    • If your ringworm doesn't respond to over-the-counter or natural remedies, you may need a prescription for topical creams or oral anti-fungal medicine. Topical treatments include Mentax, Loprox, Econazole, Mycelex and Lamisil. Oral medications include Grifulvin V, Sporanox, Diflucan and Lamisil. Some oral agents cause gastrointestinal upset and abnormal liver function and may alter the effectiveness of Warfarin, an anticoagulant drug.

    Lifestyle and Home Remedies

    • Over-the-counter antifungal lotions include Lotrimin AF, Micatin or Micaderm, Lamisil AT and Tinactin. After cleaning the affected area, apply the topical agent once or twice a day for two weeks, applying the lotion to an area extending beyond the visible edge of the infection.

      The book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends taking the probiotic acidophilius orally to supply "friendly" bacteria to counteract fungi, along with garlic capsules that neutralize most fungi. Tea tree oil and wild oregano oil are natural antifungals for external use and may be applied to the affected area several times daily. Folk remedies include applying clear nail polish, toothpaste, bleach or tiger balm to the affected area, but these remedies have not been scientifically proven. Consult your doctor before attempting to treat any condition at home.

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