Ringworm

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What Is Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that takes the form of a circular, raised rash on the skin. It is not actually a worm or parasite infection, rather, the condition gets its name because of its ring appearance on the body. It is similarly related to Athlete's Foot or Jock Itch. Ringworm can appear on the scalp, on the body, or on the groin.

Signs Of Ringworm

The primary symptom of Ringworm is a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash. Sometimes the border of the rash may have small raised blisters. Common symptoms of this rash may include:

Red, irritated skin on the scalp, body, or groin
Rash that gets worse with exercise or activity
Burning in the affected area
Constant itching in the affected area
Change in skin color
Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin in the affected area

What Causes Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is primarily spread via skin to skin contact. It is a mold-like fungus that lives on the outer layer of the skin in cells, or it can live in the soil and can spread through the contact of humans touching infected animals. Crowded living conditions where it is hot and moist can also increase the risk of contracting the fungus. The following can be possible causes.

Human to human contact (touching someone who is infected)
Animal to human contact (touching an animal with Ringworm or grooming an animal with Ringworm)
Touching an infected object (touching a towel, clothing, bedding, comb, or brush that an infected person used)
Touching infected soil

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Try to avoid wearing clothing that irritates the affected area. It can be beneficial to wear clothing that breathes and is not tight, including underwear, as this can irritate the rash. Also, be sure to change your clothes, especially items that come in contact with the fungus, daily to avoid making the rash worse.
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural solution that can be ingested or applied directly on the skin. If you mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water and consume that twice a day, this can help to restore your body's pH balance, which is sometimes all that is needed to help Ringworm. For topical use, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water and spray this on the affected area several times a day. You can also refrigerate this solution before spraying it on if you want a cooling effect.
An oatmeal bath can help reduce skin irritation because it helps moisturize the skin. Mix one cup of blended oats in a luke warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes every day until symptoms decrease. You can also add Epsom salt or 20 drops of essential oil of lavender to the warm water.
Because onion has antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-flammatory properties, it can help kill the fungus that causes Ringworm. Grind an onion into a paste and apply it to the affected area. Leave the paste on for about 30 minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and repeat this process twice daily. It is important to not use the towel on any other part of your body as this can spread the rash. Use clean towels to dry the area, no matter what cleaning method you decide to use. You can also do this procedure with garlic.
Since coconut oil is an incredible moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties, it can help reduce the symptoms of Ringworm if applied to the affected area(s). For best results, gently apply warm coconut oil nightly before bed, as this softens the skin. Symptoms may take a few days to reduce. You can also add 4 drops of tea tree oil to an ounce of coconut oil and apply this solution twice daily.
Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of Ringworm. Applying the aloe vera to the affected area(s) helps to restore your skin's pH balance and relieve itching and irritation. Like coconut oil, aloe vera also has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
Make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking alkaline water can be beneficial as it helps restore the body's natural pH balance. The suggested amount of water to drink is eight 8oz glasses per day.
Avoid eating processed food, meat, dairy products, salt, sugar, and genetically modified foods and commit to eating raw fruits and vegetables. Many raw fruits and vegetables are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the inflammation of Ringworm.

Things you should eat