The term ringworm refers to fungal infections, a skin disease that occurs on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief that it has worm associated with it, but this is not correct. So it has nothing to do with the word ‘worm’. In a broader prospective, ringworm can be defined as a fungal disease of the skin. Some of these fungal diseases may produce round spots on the skin or even patches around the skin. But, on the other hand, these round spots on the skin may not be due to fungal infection; rather may be due to other diseases too. So it is important for the doctor to conduct a physical examination of the patient, in order to diagnose the exact cause of the spots or patches. It may affect all age group people, but kids or children are mostly prone to it. So let’s see some of the symptoms of ringworm. 

Broadly speaking, the symptoms of ringworm are itchy, raised and red patches, which oozes and cause blisters. The patches have often sharply defined edges, and redness around the skin. It also looks discolored, thick, and even crumbled. Ringworm is usually seen on some parts of the body such as scalp, skin, groin, nail and foot. Some of the symptoms are common, but there are some differences in those. Symptoms of scalp ringworm include: a rash, patchy hair loss, an itchy scalp, crusting on the scalp, small pustules on the scalp, small patches of scaly skin on the scalp, etc. 

Recommended Five Natural Treatments For Ringworm: 

1) Papaya

Papaya is known to provide natural infection fighting properties. It can be eaten to find relief of ringworm or applied to the skin. If applying to the skin, use the fruit twice every day until the ring is gone. However, you can eat as much papaya as you like to cure the condition.

2) Lemon and Salt

To cure ringworm, you can use a half lemon dipped in salt. Take the lemon and salt, and use it to scrub or exfoliate the infected area. If you have an open cut or break in the skin, this method could cause the skin to burn. Once you have scrubbed the area it will need to be rinsed with soap and water. This method will dry out the ringworm and cause it to go away.

3) Mustard Seed and Water

To cure ringworm, you can mix together a paste of water and mustard seed. Once the paste is applied to the spot, let it dry. After the solution has completely dried, the excess can be rinsed away. This cure usually works within a few days.

4) Garlic Cloves

Garlic cloves or crushed garlic can be applied directly to the infected area, to provide relief. If you use a whole clove, make sure you cut it in half so that the essential oil comes into direct contact with the ringworm. Garlic is known to include antifungal properties that can kill of the infection. Apply the garlic oil to the spot twice every day.

5) Aloe Vera

Fresh Aloe Vera or an Aloe Vera cream can be applied to the ringworm spot to combat the infection. If you are using fresh Aloe Vera you will want to break or cut open the leaf so that the juices inside are applied directly to the skin [Aloe Vera skin care]. Thoroughly rub the substance into the skin using a circular motion. Aloe Vera can be applied to the spot as often as you like.