Getting ringworm is not complicated, simple, and annoying. Treating ringworm can be just as simple and hopefully not bothersome. You can get ringworm through physical contact with another person who is contagious, from someone else’s property that has been touched by an infected person, through pets, and some domestic animals such as livestock. You can also catch it through swimming fountains and places that stay humid and warm.
There are many types of ringworm, you can get the body type of ringworm that affects your body with round red circles that itch and can be scaly, the type of scalp that leaves some baldness, the groin type, the type of nail and foot . Each has some similar symptoms, but each also has its own personal traits. Itching, redness, and flaking are common among most types of ringworm.
Prevention consists of being cautious with your personal belongings and not sharing anyone else’s things. Wash frequently after physical contact in activities such as sports or when petting an animal. Be careful in places like changing rooms or dance studios.
Once you have countered the disease, it can take two to four weeks to get rid of most types of ringworm. Some people believe that a medical treatment of oral medications or creams for infected skin is what they need to get rid of the disease. Other people believe that home remedies are effective, such as washing the area with medicated shampoos and using a hair dryer to kill the fungus. Keep the area completely clean and dry and repeat the procedure until the symptoms disappear. Some will buy over-the-counter antifungal creams and use them on the affected area. Tea tree oil is another product that many swear by to cure ringworm. Older remedies are things like salt and vinegar mixtures that are used over and over.
With research, you can find a wealth of advice and feedback on this topic. If the ringworm is bad or worse, a doctor is your best option to control it and then get rid of it for good. Changing bedding every other day is also one way to control ringworm. Pillows, sheets, and blankets that have been exposed to ringworm should be washed in very hot water with a small amount of bleach. When drying your bedding, use the hottest setting on your machine to help kill fungus. This includes washing the mattress cover and it is difficult to wash the duvet.
You will also want to cleanse your body and hair with medicinal, antibacterial, or antifungal soaps that contain tea tree oil that will help you get rid of ringworm. Ringworm on the scalp is usually treated with shampoos containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione, these are used two to three times a week. You can use home remedies and medical medications in conjunction with topical treatments for the scalp, skin, or feet.
Ringworm is a disease that you must aggressively pursue and treat until it clears up. It’s sometimes annoying and time-consuming to care for bedding and other steps to get rid of worms, but it’s worth the effort.