Ringworm is a fungal infection which occurs on the surface of the skin in the form of red circular patches. While it is usually common in adults, kids can also have this type of infection which often occurs on the hands, nails, scalp, legs, and feet.
Some of the symptoms of ringworms in kids are itching and scaling skin, loss of hair in patches, and pus-filled sores. These usually start showing to 4 to 10 days after initial exposure.
Kids can pick up ringworm infection through spending time with infected pets, direct skin-to-skin contact, use of public pool and showers, and playing on contaminated soil.
To prevent ringworm from spreading, proper hygiene is needed. Keep your child’s skin clean and dry, avoid sharing personal-care items with others, and shampoo their hair regularly.
There are some simple home remedies to get relief from itching and inflammation caused by this infection.
Garlic
Garlic can treat different types of fungal infection because it works as a natural antifungal. It stops the growth of the fungi and provides relief from itching.
Simply apply garlic oil on the affected areas and wash it off after 20 minutes. Repeat once daily for a few weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar help treat skin infections like ringworms due to its natural antifungal components. It also has an acidic property that kills fungus and stops the infection. Moreover, it boosts your child’s immunity thereby speeding up the healing process.
Apply a small amount of undiluted raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar on the patchy areas using a cotton ball. Wait for 30 minutes and rinse the area with cool water and then pat it dry. Do these 2 or 3 times a day to get rid of the problem.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains six antiseptic agents: salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, lupeol, sulfur, phenols, and cinnamomic acid which all have an inhibitory action on fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
It helps fight the cause of the infection and soothes symptoms of inflammation, itchiness, and discomfort.
Cut open a leaf from an aloe vera plant. Scoop out the gel and apply it directly to the infected areas. Wait 30 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. Repeat twice a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the symptoms and kills the fungus that causes this problem.
Extract the juice from grated, raw turmeric root. Apply the juice on the ringworm 2 or 3 times a day until the infection clears. Leave it on your skin for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
You can also add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Give it to your child to drink two times a day.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has fatty acids that help kill fungal cells by damaging their membranes. Similarly, its moisturizing property helps lessen the itchiness on the affected area.
Apply extra-virgin coconut oil directly on the infected areas and then, massage with it for a few minutes. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning. Do this daily before going to bed.
Oregano Oil
Found in oregano oil are potent components of such as carvacrol, which contains impressive antifungal powers.
It can clear up an infection quickly when used topically for ringworm.
Mix 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply it on the infected areas. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need to rinse it off. Do it twice or thrice a day.