Ringworm refers to ring-shaped red patchy lesions on the skin. Ringworm is not caused by any worm but from a fungal infection. This infection is also called dermatophytosis or Tinea. Ringworm is a common fungal infection which is very contagious (spreads via direct skin-to-skin contact with a person suffering from this infection).
Ringworm or Tinea infection has been given many names in medical terminology according to the part of the body involved:
1. Tinea Capitis : Ringworm infection on the scalp
2. Tinea Corporis: Ringworm on trunk
3. Tinea Pedis / Athlete’s foot: Ringworm on feet
4. Tinea Cruris/ Jock itch: Ringworm infection on the groin
5. Tinea Barbae: Ringworm of beard area
6. Tinea Unguium: Ringworm of nail bed
Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathy for ringworm provides a complete cure for ringworm infection. Homeopathic medicines for ringworm help clear the infection completely. Natural medicines help in healing the rash and providing relief from the symptoms of itching and burning and also eradicating the disease in its entirety. Best results are incurred through properly selected homeopathic remedies that stimulate natural healing mechanism of the body to fight the infection naturally. With these medicines, there is no chance of suppression of ringworm infection and it is cured in the most gentle and efficient way. The remedies for ringworm not only help in providing relief from acute ringworm symptoms but also work to eradicate the tendency to suffer recurrent ringworm infection by strengthening the immune system.
Homeopathic Medicines For Ringworm
Sepia, Tellurium, Sulphur, Antimonium Crudum, Silicea and Mezereum are the top remedies for ringworm treatment.
1. Sepia – Top Most Remedy
Sepia tops the chart of homeopathic medicines to treat ringworm infection. The most characteristic feature to use it is ring-shaped patches on the skin appearing in isolated spots (two different ring lesions have no contact with each other). This medicine can be given for ringworm appearing on any body part. Although the ringworm lesion for using Sepia can be noticed on any part of the body, the common location is the bends of the knee and elbow where it gives wonderful results.
The eruptions are accompanied by itching and scratching, though scratching does not provide any relief. Increased sweating with or without bad smell may be noticed in persons requiring Sepia. Another peculiar symptom for using Sepia is the recurrence of ringworm infection every spring season. Sepia can help in eradicating the tendency to contract a ringworm infection every time the spring season approaches.
When and How to use Sepia?
In any case diagnosed with ringworm, this medicine can be used as a first remedy. It can be used in 30C potency once or twice a day. It can be taken in high potencies only after consulting a homeopathic physician.
2. Tellurium – For Multiple Ringworm Lesions Joined Together
Tellurium has shown great clinical improvement in cases presenting multiple ringworm lesions joined together to form rings that crowd over each other. The lesions tend to cover a large part of the body and sometimes the entire body.
The lesions may be elevated and covered with mild scales. The eruptions are marked by excessive itching and stinging sensation. The itching can occur day and night. Cold air seems to worsen itching. Sometimes vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) may be present on the affected ring-shaped lesions.
When and How to use Tellurium?
In cases of ringworm infection, where multiple ring lesions connected to each other form on the skin, Tellurium should be the first choice of medicine. It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day as per severity of the complaint.
3. Sulphur – To Manage Intense Itching and Burning
Sulphur is a highly effective medicine to manage intense itching and burning in ringworm rash. The person requiring this medicine goes on scratching the lesions but it does not seem to provide any relief. Only the intense burning sensation follows scratching. Itching gets worse at night. Sulphur helps to soothen itching and burning, followed by the disappearance of eruptions.
When and How to use Sulphur?
To control itching and burning in ringworm lesions, Sulphur should be highly considered. Sulphur 30C can be used once a day or in cases of less severity once/twice a week. Do not use its high potencies without physician’s advice.
4. Antimonium Crudum – To Treat Nail Fungus
Antimonium Crudum is the best choice of medicine to help cases of nail fungus. It can be given in cases where nails have become discolored. Additionally, the nails become brittle and chip off easily. The skin under nails may be painful. Deformed, misshaped nails from fungal infection is yet another indication to use this medicine.
When and How to use Antimonium Crudum?
For thick discolored or brittle crumbling distorted nails from ringworm infection, Antimonium Crudum should be used primarily. The usually recommended dose is Antimonium Crudum 30C once or twice a day.
5. Silicea – For Ringworm Infection On Feet
Silicea is a leading medicine to manage cases of ringworm of feet. The key feature to use this medicine here is soreness and cracks in between toes. There is intense itching, the skin may peel off as well. There is excessive sweating on feet with foul smell.
When and How to use Silicea?
Silicea should be taken in cases of ringworm of feet with cracks between toes. The most commonly used potency of Silicea is 6X. Silicea 6X can be taken three to four times a day, four tablets at a time.
6. Mezereum – For Ringworm Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
Mezereum is a beneficial medicine to help cases of scalp ringworm. This medicine is used when eruptions that are covered with thick crusts appear on scalp. Pus is present under these crusts. It is attended by glueing (sticking) of hair together.
When and How to use Mezereum?
For scalp ringworm with crusty eruptions having pus beneath, Mezereum is the best medicine. Mezereum can be taken once a day in 30C potency.
What Is The Cause And Mode Of Spread Of Ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by fungus named dermatophytes. It can spread via following routes:
1. ringworm can spread by coming in direct skin-to-skin contact with a person having this infection
2. Secondly, it may spread by sharing personal objects like towels, socks, shaving razor of a person having ringworm
3. The Third mode of spread is via contact with some surface carrying ringworm infection like bed, floor of bathroom,etc.
4. Lastly, it may spread from touching an infected animal or from direct contact with fungus-infected soil.
What Are The Risk Factors For Ringworm?
No doubt ringworm can affect anyone but some factors put a person at more risk, like
– Sharing person items like towels, combs with someone having ringworm infection
– Using public showers barefoot
– Living in warm, humid environment
– Sweating heavily
– Wearing tight clothes or shoes
– Having weak immune system
– Being overweight
– Having diabetes
What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?
1. Ring-shaped patchy lesions with raised edges and a clear center. It may be covered with scales. The rings may overlap each other.
2. Itching, burning and pain accompany the lesions.
3. In Tinea Capitis, eruptions may also form that ooze pus. Hair loss may occur in the affected area.
4. In case of Tenia Pedis, small itchy blisters (fluid-filled bumps) may form between toes, cracks may also be develop.
5. In case of fungal infection of nails, nails gets thickened and discolored, nails start to crumble and consequently may detach completely from the nail bed
Preventive Measures For Ringworm Infection
1. Keep skin dry and clean
2. Do not use public showers barefoot
3. Wash hands properly after handling pets or working in soil
4. Avoid sharing personal things like clothes, towels, combs with others
5. Change clothes daily
6. Avoid wearing tight clothes and tight shoes
