Ringworm is a fairly common skin infection, both in humans and animals. This disease, caused by fungi dermatophytes, is very infectious. Fortunately for us, ringworm treatments are conveniently available in our local stores and pharmacies.

There are several types of ringworm. You can have ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), body (tinea corporis), nails (tinea unguium), feet (commonly known as athlete's feet) and crotch or groin (called jock itch). You can get ringworm through direct contact with people or animals that are infected or though the use of the things that an infected person or pet has used. Sometimes, people and animals also get ringworm from the soil.

People suffering from certain diseases or condition, such as diabetes milletus, are sometimes more susceptible to ringworm. If this is your case, you need to seek the advise of a doctor for the best ringworm treatment for you. You might require a stronger medication or something that will not affect whatever drugs you are already taking.

Symptoms of ringworm

Itching, flaking and noticeable red patches in the skin are the most common symptoms of ringworm. Even if some ringworm infections clear out on its own, people often seek ringworm treatment because of the itching. In fact, the more you scratch the infected surface, the more it will itch.

The symptom of ringworm of the scalp is very similar to dandruff. In fact, some people think that what they have is dandruff, when in fact they are already suffering from ringworm. Flaking is common for this type of ringworm. Sometimes, hair loss in the affected area is also inevitable.

If you have ringworm of the nails, you will notice the thickening of your nail. You will also see whitish substance developing in your nail bed. If you do not buy a ringworm treatment for your nail at the first sight of infection, you nail can be really damaged by the infection.

Common Ringworm Treatment

The best ringworm treatment in the market is the topical anti-fungal treatment. You will find such cure in the form of ointment, lotion, cream, gel, powder and even spray. Topical medication is effective on both eliminating the source of the problem, which is the fungus, and minimizing the symptoms, especially the itching and redness.

Another ringworm treatment that is available in the market is in tablet or liquid form. This is usually used for ringworm of the scalp. If ointments do not work, you can also just take oral ringworm cure. However, oral medications are usually reserved for long-term treatment.

For faster result, you can probably take both the oral and topical ringworm treatments, just make sure that you see your doctor and ask for his advice.

Some people who are into natural and organic prefer homeopathic ringworm treatment. Many attest to its effectiveness too. One of the highly recommended topical treatments for ringworm is tea tree oil. Use this as you would use the commercially bought anti-fungal cream and lotion. Other effective topical oils for ringworm are lavender and thuja. Before using these oils as ringworm treatment, however, make sure that you ask a homeopathic practitioner first.

For homeopathic ringworm treatment that can be taken orally, you can rely on the anti-fungal properties of garlic. You can either eat two to three cloves of garlic or just buy garlic in tablet or capsule form. In order to boost your immune system while taking fungal infection medication, you can take Echinacea and astragalus as supplements.