Ringworm is a common skin infection mainly caused by a fungus. The condition is called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. The fungi that cause ringworm can live on the skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.
The medical terms of ringworm are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” It can affect anyone at any time. The lifetime risk of developing any superficial fungal infection is significant. If the person lives in a warm, humid climate that has direct contact with active fungal infections and the person who has a weak immune system, the risk of developing ringworm is higher.
What are the Causes of Ringworm?
Human dermatophytes, which are mainly transmitted by direct contact with other human ringworm sores, cause most ringworm infections. An individual can also acquire ringworm from the soil or through exposure to animals (commonly the household pet).
The most common causes are
Live in a warm climate
Close contact with an animal or person
Share bedding, towels, clothing with someone who has a fungal infection
Skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
Wear tight or restrictive clothing
Have a weakened immune system
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm?
Symptoms of ringworm typically appear between 4 to 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. The patient suffers from the following symptoms
Itchy skin
Ring-shaped rash
Red, scaly, cracked skin
Hair loss
Irritability
Mild swelling
Sometimes it infects the inner & upper part of the thigh
Dryness, rigidity, & discoloration of nails
What is the Ayurvedic view of Ringworm?
Ringworm is termed as ‘’Dadru’’ in Ayurvedic concept. According to Ayurveda imbalance in three doshas, mainly the aggravation of Pitta and Kapha causes fungal skin disorder. Several things increase the risk of fungal infections, these include – if you have recently taken a course of antibiotics, oral steroids, diabetes, obese, having a weak immune system, moist skin encourages fungal infections. Any damage to the skin surface, such as a cut or graze, can also encourage fungi to grow. Also, there are chances of having ringworm from animals such as cats or dogs.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Ringworm?
Ayurvedic Ringworm Treatment in Pune helps to cure the disease which occurs due to predominant vitiation of kapha and rakta, measures are taken to pacify these two doshas first. Ayurveda has many herbs that act on skin diseases and also very effective in the management of ringworm and also helps to re-occurrence of the diseases.
What is the Panchakarma Treatment of Ringworm?
According to Ayurveda, there is no panchakarma recommended in the management of ringworm. Ayurvedic medicines for ringworm are sufficient to cure this condition of its root cause and also prevent it from re-occurring.
Healthy diet and Lifestyle
Despite medicines, if you take care of yourself by maintaining your hygiene and made some changes in diet and lifestyle, you should prevent the formation of ringworm. Here we described some of the healthy tips that an individual should follow strictly to prevent from having ringworm –
Keep the affected area clean and dry.
To prevent passing on the infection, do not share towels. Wash towels, sheets, and clothes frequently. Clean your shower or bath well after use. Don’t scratch the rash, as this may spread the fungus to other areas of your body.
Vitamin A, vitamin E is a natural immune system enhancer that may help your body fight ringworm-causing fungi. Vitamin E plays an important role in the production of skin tissue, potentially reducing scarring caused by ringworm outbreaks. Sunflower and olive oils, eggs, hazelnuts, lentils, spinach, almonds, sesame seeds, and whole-grain bread are abundant sources of natural vitamin E.
Add fresh garlic to main dishes, such as curries, soups, pasta, and stir fry dishes, or to steamed vegetables or dipping oils for bread. Fresh garlic has an active chemical known as Allicin, which may offer antifungal benefits.
Drink a small glass of warm water with lemon squeezed into it every morning which will help to alkalize your system, making it less habitable for fungi.
