Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm. It is highly contagious and can affect the skin on the body, scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin (jock itch).
Causes
- Fungi: The infection is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
- Contagious spread: Ringworm can be spread through:
- Direct contact: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
- Object contact: Sharing contaminated items like towels, bedding, clothing, or sports equipment.
- Soil: In rare cases, by coming into contact with infected soil.
- Environment: The fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools.
Symptoms
- Circular rash: The most common symptom is a red, scaly, and itchy rash that forms a ring shape with a raised, active border and a clear or scaly center.
- Itching and irritation: The rash can be intensely itchy and may cause a burning sensation.
- Change in skin appearance: The affected skin may be flaky, swollen, or blistered.
- Location-specific symptoms:
- Scalp ringworm: Can cause scaly, itchy patches and hair loss.
- Athlete’s foot: Causes red, peeling skin between the toes, sometimes with blisters.
- Jock itch: Causes a red, itchy rash in the groin and thigh area.
- Visual exam: A doctor can often diagnose ringworm by looking at the characteristic rash.
- Skin scraping: A small scraping of the affected skin may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the fungus.
- Fungal culture: In some cases, a sample may be sent to a lab to grow the fungus and identify the specific type, which can help in guiding treatment.
Herbal Remedies
- Tea Tree Oil
- Use: Has strong antifungal properties.
- How to prepare: Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply to the affected area.
- Caution: Perform a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity.
- Coconut Oil
- Use: Contains fatty acids that can break down the cell walls of fungi.
- How to prepare: Apply virgin coconut oil directly to the ringworm rash multiple times a day.
- Caution: Make sure to use pure, unrefined coconut oil.
- Garlic
- Use: Known for its potent antifungal properties.
- How to prepare: Crush a few garlic cloves to form a paste, mix with a little olive oil, and apply a thin layer to the rash for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
- Caution: Do not leave on for too long as it can cause skin irritation or a burning sensation.
- Turmeric
- Use: The active compound, curcumin, has strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects.
- How to prepare: Mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water or coconut oil to create a paste and apply it to the rash.
- Caution: Turmeric can temporarily stain the skin yellow.
When to See a Doctor
- If the rash does not improve after two weeks of using over-the-counter or herbal remedies.
- If the infection is on your scalp, as it often requires prescription oral antifungal medication.
- If the rash is widespread, severe, or you have symptoms like fever or pus-filled sores.
- If you have a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or a pre-existing condition like diabetes.