Ringworm Home Treatments

Ringworm is not actually caused by a worm. It is a skin rash that forms a red ring that affects the skin on the body, scalp and nails. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and can be very contagious. Home remedies can be effective for treating ringworm, but it is important that a diagnosis of the skin condition be made first to rule out other fungal infections.

Diagnosis

The skin rash that is caused by ringworm must be officially diagnosed before an effective treatment can begin. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and must be treated with home remedies that will eliminate fungus. A skin infection that is caused by bacteria must be treated with a different set of home remedies. Ringworm causes a red, scaly rash that forms in the shape of a ring. The rash can be itchy as well.

A fungal infection of the skin is usually not a life-threatening condition, but a bacterial infection of the skin can be in some rare cases. This is why it is important that you have skin infections diagnosed by a medical professional. When a skin rash does not clear up with home remedies within two weeks, it is time to get an official diagnosis from the doctor.

Home Remedies

There are a number of home remedies that can be used to treat ringworm. Mustard seed is an effective treatment when it is made into a paste and applied directly to the rash. Other ingredients commonly used to treat a ringworm rash are papaya applied to the rash twice a day, coconut oil, butea seeds ground into a paste and turmeric. Apply these ingredients directly to the ringworm rash for relief from itching and to clear up the rash.

Applying bleach to the rash can also kill the fungus that causes ringworm. Apply the bleach with a cotton ball or swab once or twice a day. This treatment can cure or eliminate ringworm within just a few days. Use a clean and new cotton swab each time the bleach is applied to the rash. Dilute the bleach with water if desired.

Medical Attention

Ringworm that becomes severe and spreads to larger areas of the body might need a stronger prescription medication from the doctor. Home remedies should be able to clear up ringworm in a couple of weeks. When the rash has not cleared up or the home remedies that you are using are not relieving the itch that accompanies ringworm, a visit to the doctor is recommended.