Ringworm – A very common skin infection caused due to fungus. Well, that’s right! As the name suggests this infection is caused by a worm, but it’s actually not so. The fungus named as Tinea is the cause of the ringworm infection. This infection was more prevalent in the old days due to limited medical facilities and more agricultural work, it still prevails. So, talking of ringworm, it’s an infection caused due to the fungus that looks like mold. It can occur on any external part of the body.
So we are here going to discuss ringworm, what it is, how it happens and the ways to cure it. It is very important to get the infection cured within time. The reason is that it spreads very quickly to other people. And more persons in the same family can catch the infection. It’s irritating and ugly-looking. We shall also be discussing several creams to choose from, as the best ringworm cream is available in the market. So let us go through detailed information about the same. These details will help you remain away from the ringworm problem.
What are the causes of ringworm?
As said, ringworm is a highly contagious infection. It spreads very quickly and easily. When someone comes in contact with several objects that can transfer the fungi to your skin then the chances of getting the infection increase. It happens if the skin is in contact with the fungus for a long time. There are several other ways in which it can happen. Some of these are discussed below:
1. Through pets
We normally touch our pets and play with the fur of their skin. It can be soothing for your lovely pet, but unhealthy for you. It is very common with cows.
2. Through soil
3. Through infected people
Already mentioned, fungus transfers from
4. Through infected objects
Hence it is important to get rid of ringworm
Symptoms of ringworm
How to know if it is ringworm? So we shall now be discussing its symptoms. Ringworm takes different forms at different stages. It is better to detect it as early as possible. It helps in earlier and more effective ringworm treatment. Ringworm is a red-colored scaly patch that occurs on the skin. It is, in fact, a bump that is bigger than some normal mosquito bump. Following are some important points to know if it is ringworm spoiling your skin:
1. Itchy red scaly patch or bump
The patch is generally clear in the inner part of the circle of the patch. And the outer portion is bumpy, showing the signs of the infection.
2. The patch turning into several rings in some time
The first stage can be the bump. But later it can transform into a ring. This is why it is called so. Afterward, there can be several rings showing the formation of the ringworm on your skin, nails or hair.
3. Hair falling in patches due to sore on the head
If you develop ringworm on your head that has hair growth, you may find some hair falling in patches from that region.
The infection on the head can soon turn to be flaky as well as scaly like in the beginning. It is sore and tender. The infection of ringworm is very unpleasant as it looks bad. It is also irritating because of being itchy. So it is necessary to get ringworm treatment
Treatments of ringworm
So what are the ways through which one can treat the infection? The symptoms as well as, the causes of the infection show how important it is to treat ringworm
1. Use of antifungal cream
There are several antifungal creams available in the market that can be bought without the doctor’s prescription. These are generally applied for treating ringworm. Besides this, one also may use powder or certain lotions. Lotions cool the surface and give relief to the patient.
2. Using home remedies
We shall be discussing several home remedies that one can easily apply for ringworm treatment at home. But that should be done at the early stage of the infection.
3. Going to a doctor
If you are unable to detect the type of infection, going to a doctor is a must. It is also important if the problem is severe. One cannot just keep applying any lotion or cream if results are not there for a long time.
Top 10 best ringworm creams in India
Several creams can be found these days in the market, but they should be used with precautions. Consulting a doctor is a good option in many cases. So following are some of the widely used creams for curing ringworm for the best possible results:
1. Phytozine
Phytozine is a topical ointment. It is one of the best ringworm creams in the market. It quickly cures the ringworm infection. As per the manufacturers, it is the best cream for the purpose of the market. It can be applied to all types of fungal infections. It contains Tolnaftate and several organic elements as well as minerals. Phytozine Antifungal ringworm cream has been scientifically approved for use by the person having such skin problems. It is recommended to use it for at least two weeks for the best results. It can be safely used twice a day.
2. Baza Antifungal cream
Like the other creams that are antifungal, this too is. Baza Antifungal cream helps in curing ringworms of all types. The active ingredient contained in Baza Antifungal cream is Miconazole Nitrate. This ingredient is also a common ingredient that can be found in most of such creams. Like the above product, this is also used two times a day. But while using any such cream, it is very important to read all the instructions before usage. Do contact a doctor before the usage in case of pregnancy or allergies.
3. Puriya antifungal balm
Puriya antifungal balm contain tea tree, eucalyptus, rose geranium, lavender along with macadamia and olive oils too. It also contains vitamin C. If the skin of yours is very sensitive, then you should use the product along with a carrier oil for avoiding various kinds of complications. The ingredients of Puriya antifungal creams mostly are natural and botanical ones. This is the reason why Puriya antifungal cream is so natural. These constituents are known to all commonly. So people find it more trustworthy to use the cream.
4. Itch Guard Plus
The product is actually called Reckitt Benckiser Itch Guard Ointment. Itch Guard Plus is a greatly popular cream in the country. It is free from paraben. Itch Guard Plus is used basically to sooth the skin that has been infected from the infection. It relieves the person from pain due to ringworm. Itch Guard Plus is an anti-fungal cream that can be used to treat athlete’s foot and jock itch also. Ringworm is one of its reasons for use, though it is also used for several other kinds of skin infections. This shows the effectiveness and efficiency it works with. Itch Guard Plus is the best ringworm cream to use for good results.
5. Ring Guard
The Ring Guard is again an antifungal cream for ringworm. It also treats various infections related to skin. Ringworm is the most common skin infection treated by the same. It contains several active ingredients; Miconazole and Neomycin sulfate. They are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial respectively. It also contains Chlorocresol as a preservative. Ring Guard works on both athlete’s foot as well as jock itch. It also works on eczema and burning and cracked skin in case of toes and between them. It should be applied only in the dry area that has been affected by the infection. Ring Guard is also one of the best ringworm creams for quick results.
6. Lotrimin AF For Ringworm
It can provide immediate relief to the infected part of your skin. Lotrimin AF Ringworm Cream is effective for the treatment of different types of prevalent ringworm infections. It is a proven remedy and advised by many physicians for the cure of tinea corporis infection. You can use this cream on the soft skin of kids also who are over 2 years. It is an odorless cream that ensures quick relief.
7. Lamisil
It is an excellent quality cream that works well on ringworm. It has especially been made for athlete’s foot. We have already discussed what the infection is. There are many creams for athlete’s foot in the market. And there are some which work on all sorts of ringworms. Itch Guard is one of them. Lamisil Cream fights the infection and works on the symptoms of the infection. It can also be used for other types of infection of ringworm like jock itch. It relieves itching, redness as well as scaling. Its use provides comfort to the user.
8. 3M Cavilon
If you use 3M Cavilon Antifungal cream you should consult the doctor beforehand. Again, if you face any further issues on usage, then also consulting a good doctor is a must. Because it has miconazole nitrate, so take care of allergies. You should be careful with the product in pregnancy. Those who breastfeed can have bad effects on the babies as well. 3M Cavilom Antifungal cream is very effective and contains water-repelling constituents. It can be harmful only if care is not taken. It can also cure Candida Albicans.
9. Clotrimazole
It is another of the creams that are used to get rid of the infection of ringworm.
10. Conazol cream
If you use Conazol cream for ringworm, you need to use it twice daily. This is the same as in many other creams that are used for the purpose. The antifungal cream works on several other kinds of serious skin infections also other than ringworm. It should be noted that Conazol cream is not for infections in the nails or for the same on the scalp. So it can only be used to treat ringworm present on the skin. Conazol cream cures burning, cracking, and itching.
How to treat ringworm at home (DIY)?
Skin infections at their early stages can be cured at home as well. Certain natural products are mostly used for the purpose. Following are three types of remedies to cure ringworm at home before searching for the best ringworm cream:
1. Coconut oil
Pure coconut oil is very effective in curing skin infections. It works sometimes when even creams stop responding. It provides great relief from itching. Scientifically, it has certain fatty acids that work on the cell membranes of the fungi cells. It can be used for mild infections. It prevents future infections.
2. Aloe vera
3. Apple cider vinegar
You may use a cotton wool pad. Soak it in the undiluted solution of apple cider vinegar. Then apply to the affected area. This too should be done three to four times a day for better results. It can work on candida as well.
What does ringworm look like when it starts?
Ringworm looks like a red, scaly patch in the starting. It is itchy obviously. There can also be a bump. But it is only slightly raised in the initial stages. It can also be pinkish in color. The sore can be moist or they are mostly dry spots that create the tendency of itching in the affected area. The ringworm can take different forms at different stages. As the name suggests, it looks like a ring only due to being a circle in shape.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
With the use of proper treatment, it takes just several days to clear up. But a complete cure takes some more time. If not treated in time, it can remain for months and even get more severe. Even after the rashes are gone after the treatment, some care has to be taken. Some treatment also continues to make sure the ringworm completely vanished from the skin. The infection should be totally gone or removed from the affected area.
How do I stop ringworm from coming back?
It is important to get to the root of the problem to stop it from coming back. Complete treatment is a must. Go for the best ringworm cream. One cannot leave taking care and cure if there is some relief. Otherwise, it may come back. So to prevent ringworm from coming back, one must make sure that a doctor is consulted before stopping the application of the treatment. Keeping away from the agents causing the infection is another must to be followed. Cleanliness can be a great help.
Ringworm – Curable but wide-spread
Ringworm is treatable but can be really problematic at times. There are so many creams found to cure it, but precautions must be taken to avoid side-effects from them. Choose the most reliable ringworm cream that suits you most. Keep the surroundings clean to reduce the chances of skin infections. Children are usually affected by it, so keep a watch on them. Take care of being at a distance from affected people and animals. Precaution is best, but if you have caught it once, do not delay in getting treated with the best ringworm cream.
Disclaimer: It is advisable that patients should consult a qualified doctor before using any of the above-mentioned creams or lotions for ringworm.
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