Ringworm

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?

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 for treating ringworm 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. Detox Premium Powder:

Detox premium powder is a very effective ayurvedic medicine to cure skin problems as it purifies the whole body by removing excess toxins from the body. The powder is composed of shukta pishti, giloy satv, gandhak rasayan, moti pishti, akik pishti, shankh bhasma, etc. The ingredient reduces all the signs and symptoms associated with Ringworm and provides a healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

2. Twak Tailam:

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification, treats ringworm and blood purification without any side effects. It gives a calming effect on the affected area and reduces swelling, itching, redness, etc.

Method of Application – Apply over the affected area of the skin.

3. Blood Purifier Syrup:

This is the herbal syrup that removes excess toxins from the blood naturally. The syrup is made up of natural herbs like Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. It is very beneficial in the case of ringworm as it restores the skin to its fullest potential and keeps its elasticity while combating infections.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

4. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu:

This is the best medicine in the management of ringworm as it subsides all the symptoms and prevents the skin from further infection also. These herbal tablets are prepared from Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), It detoxifies the blood and rejuvenates the skin, reduces skin rashes, redness, dryness, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

5. Skin care tablet:

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It helps to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

6. Twak Churna

This is the herbal formulation of Manjistha and Yashtimadhu that surely cures the ringworm of its root. The churna has best result in relieving the burning sensation, itchiness, redness, reduce the patch, 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 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.