Ringworm or Tinea corporis is a common fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes, which are microscopic organisms that live on the dead layer of the skin. This results to a ring-shaped rash in the skin. The usual misconception is that it is caused by worms. Exactly, there is no worm involved it is fungus that causes the disease. It can be acquired from pets or other people who are infected with the disease. Living in a warm, humid climate, overcrowded and have a direct contact with the infected patients or have a weakened immune system because of certain diseases such as diabetes, leukemia or AIDS is at the high risk of acquiring the disease.The symptom of acquiring the disease is itchiness of the area until it will appear as circular red spots with rashes. Ringworm is a big problem for the school children and students because it causes sleepless nights, irritability, lack of concentration and break down of self confidence. It is contagious and can easily spread to both the family members and pets. There are several areas that it can grow. In the head which could cause baldness when it is not treated well, to the armpits, in the toes and hands and other parts of the body especially in inner thighs.
The treatment of this fungal disease is so easy. There are over-the-counter anti-fungal creams with clotrimazole and cetakonazole, ketoconazole (Nizoralicon), pyrithione zinc (Selsun Salonicon) or selenium sulfide (Selsun Blueicon) which help lessen the itchiness and eventually kill and heals the disease. There are also soaps which have sulfur that could also help in treating. These medicines could be very costly so it is good to know that there are alternative medicines which could be used in treating this skin disease. Some of these are:
• Raw papaya is also good alternative medicine for treating. Cut some slices of papaya, rub it to the infected area. You could also grind dried papaya seeds; make a paste and apply to the infected areas.
• Mustard Seeds could also be used. Wash infected area with warm water or soaked cloth to a warm water and clean the infected part. Grind the dried mustard seeds; make a paste and apply to the area of the skin where ringworm appears. Do it twice daily.
• The leaves of cassia (Cassia alta L ) is an effective remedy for ringworm. Gather leaves (depending on the area to be treated) pound to extract juice. Apply the juice with cotton to the infected area after washing with warm water. Apply twice a day or before sleeping.
• Garlic (Alium sativum L.) could also be used. It is some kind a little bit painful but it could help you minimize the itchiness. Take 1-2 pieces of garlic (depends on the area to be treated) cover it a clean cloth or aluminum foil and apply it to the infected area. Do this twice a day.
• Raw vegetable juices, like carrot juice (300 ml) mixed with spinach juice (200 ml),apply it to the area with cotton or cloth.
• Vinegar is also a good remedy, apply to the infected area with cotton balls or sanitized cloth.
• Olds say that tobacco can also cure this disease. Wet the tobacco and apply it as patches to the infected area.
• Always remember to wash your hands before and after treating.
• Proper hygiene is very important in curing this disease. The patient should always be clean. The surroundings should be clear from dust. Always wear with properly washed clothes. Members within the family should not wear exchange clothes with patients under medication. Clothes should be properly washed and dry under the heat of the sun.
When there is continuous swelling and the areas does not seem to react with either any of these remedies. Always find ways to have it check up with a dermatologist.
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