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 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?
As the disease 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.
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre had made an effective and best management in a ‘Ringworm Go Kit’, made up of pure and natural herbs having a lot of medicinal properties and is free from side effects. The kit has a total of 6 products named as – Twak premium powder, Jatiyadi lepam, Blood purifier, Panchatikta ghrita guggulu, Sarvin tablet, and Twak churna.
ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:
1. Twak Premium Powder
Twak premium powder is mainly made to detoxify the blood and for maintenance of skin. The powder is composed of pure herbs like Shankh bhasma, Akik pishti, Jahar mohra, Tal sindoor, Kamdudha rasa, Gandhak rasayan, etc. Regular use of this powder is very beneficial in curing the ringworm of its root cause and also prevents it from further spreading.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.
2. Jatyadi Lepam
Jatyadi lepam is considered as the best ayurvedic antiseptic cream having lots of medicinal properties in it. The lepam is composed of Nimba, Patola, Nimba patra, etc. that pacifies the aggravated pitta and provide relieve from redness, dryness, itchiness, swelling, etc.
Method of Application – Apply the Jatyadi Lepam on the affected area.
3. Blood Purifier Syrup
Blood purifier syrup mainly composed of those ingredients which purify the blood naturally and maintain the circulation of blood. The syrup has pure and natural ingredients like Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. Blood purifier works by eliminating the excess amount of toxins from the blood and maintains proper circulation.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.
4. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu
These herbal tablets are prepared from Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), etc. The tablet is the best depurative (blood purifier), anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and prevents the spreading of fungal infection
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
5. Sarvin Tablet
Sarvin tablets are purely herbal-based medicine made up of Shudh gandhak (Purified sulphur), Shudh hartal (Arsenic trioxide), Khair chal (Acacia catechu), etc. The tablet is very beneficial in the management of ringworm as it stops the growth and spreading of the fungus.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
6. Twak Churna
Twak churna has mainly composed a mixture of Yashtimadhu and Manjistha. The ingredients are coolant in nature thus the powder provides a cooling effect and relieves burning sensation, redness, itchiness, etc
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with normal water.
What is the Panchakarma Treatment of Ringworm?
According to Ayurveda, there is no panchakarma recommended in the management of ringworm. Ayurvedic medicines 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.