7+1 Amazing Ringworm Treatments For Babies That Will Shock You
For a new mom, suspicious spots on her baby’s skin are a reason for an emergency visit to the doctor. And when the pediatrician says the word “ringworm”, dark thoughts start to run around your head. ”Oh, my God! It’s one of those dangerous worms. What am I going to do?”
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry so much. Ringworm has nothing to do with parasites. It’s a common fungal infection, which is more prevalent in children over two years, but babies and toddlers also could be infected. You start to feel much better, don’t you?
Let’s see why your child got infected with ringworm and what best way to get rid of ringworm is!
How do you get ringworm?
The most common way of getting infected with ringworm is through contact. And one of the most likely culprits is your pet. So, if you notice any bald, crusty patches on your cat’s or dog’s skin, it’s imperative that you go to your veterinarian before your child gets infected.
Also, keep in mind that sometimes animals won’t show any signs of carrying the fungus, so regular check-ups are a must if you want to your pets and baby to be healthy.
Another option is that your baby has had contact with another infected child or has touched a contaminated surface or object. Experts also have concluded that excess sweating increases the chance of ringworm because the fungus thrives in humid climates.
How does ringworm look like?
The good news about ringworm is that it’s not dangerous for your child and it’s not very painful. The bad news is that it’s a stubborn infection and it could take time before it clear ups completely.
If you have suspicions that your child has ringworm, look for one or more red, round patches. They are usually crusty on the outside and smooth in the middle, and they can grow in size up to a few centimeters.
Credit: mommyhood101.com
Credit: mommyhood101.com
For more pictures of ringworm rash,see:http://www.skinsight.com/child/tineaCorporis.htm
There are many different types of ringworm,if you want to know what type of ringworm baby has, you can read from eHome Remedies
Ringworm rash might be itchy, so keep an eye on your baby to see if she is uncomfortable.
So, after your child has been diagnosed with ringworm, what’s your next step? Start treatment, of course.
Here, I’m going to present to you the best ringworm treatments for babies that you can use to get rid of these itchy spots.
Ringworm Treatments For Babies
1. Topical antifungal creams for getting rid of ringworm quickly
The most common ringworm treatment for babies is topical, antifungal creams. They are usually sold over-the-counter but don’t buy one before consulting with your pediatrician. If you misdiagnose ringworm, you might make matters worse.
Common brands of antifungal creams are:
- Lamisil
- Micatin
- Lotrimin
Usually, your doctor will recommend one to you and give you detailed instructions how to apply it. If he had missed to do that, here’s what you have to do:
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
antifungal cream gloves | Put on the gloves to lower the risk of getting infected with ringworm. Squeeze some cream on your finger. Spread the antifungal cream over the rash, at least one inch beyond the edge of the red spot. Apply twice a day. After the rash has disappeared, continue to apply the cream for one more week. |
Notes: If you don’t wear gloves when applying the antifungal cream, wash your hands thoroughly afterward. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks of treatment before everything clears up.
2. Using coconut oil is the best way to get rid of ringworm at home
But is there any natural remedies for ringworm, you ask? Of course, there are such remedies, and you can use them if you are not a fan of antifungal creams. However, always do this with the consent and approval of your pediatrician.
Among the many natural options available to you, coconut oil is the best because it rarely causes any allergic reaction. Moreover, it:
- has anti-viral and anti-fungus properties that stop the growth of ringworm
- soothes and moisturizes your baby’s skin
- penetrates deep into the skin to fight the infection
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
coconut oil (unrefined, organic) cotton wool gloves water | Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Use cotton wool to dab the affected area with coconut oil. Repeat three times a day for at least two weeks. Wash your hands again. |
If your baby has ringworm on the scalp, do the following:
- Take a spray bottle.
- Fill it with coconut oil.
- Spray your baby’s scalp gently with the coconut oil.
- Make sure that you get the oil to the roots.
- Wash your child’s hair next morning
- Repeat until the infection clears up.
Notes: If you don’t see any effect after one week of treatment, don’t continue. And if you notice that the rash is getting worse, stop the treatment immediately.
3. Garlic paste to fight the infection
Garlic is one of those ingredients, which have numerous applications besides spicing up your dish. Treating ringworm is one of them.
Garlic has powerful antifungal abilities that will fight the ringworm infection and will speed up the healing process. Sometimes, people are encouraged to place a sliced garlic clove on the affected area, but for babies, it’s better if you prepare a garlic paste.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
raw garlic cloves pestle and mortar almond oil (or another carrier oil) warm water | Grind two raw garlic cloves using the pestle and the mortar. Add the almond oil. Mix to make a paste. Wash your hands thoroughly. Apply the paste to the affected area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wash it off and then wash your hands well. Repeat two times a day. |
Alternatively, you can use garlic oil.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
garlic oil – 2-3 drops four tablespoons of almond oil warm water a bowl | Mix two/three drops of garlic oil with four tablespoons of almond oil in the bowl. Wash your hands well. Apply the mixture to the rash. Wait 10 minutes. Wash with warm water and then wash your hands again. Repeat two times a day. |
Notes: Be careful when you use garlic on your baby’s skin. Do a patch test on a small area of the skin to determine if it will cause any adverse reaction.
4. Lavender oil for calming inflamed skin
Another great option available to you is lavender oil. It has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it perfect for ringworm treatment. Moreover, it soothes irritated skin, and it will relieve the discomfort caused by the fungus.
But since lavender oil is strong, it’s recommended that you diluted it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
lavender oil jojoba oil cotton ball bowl gloves | Pour 1-3 drops of lavender oils in the bowl. Add one teaspoon of jojoba oil. Mix well. Soak a cotton ball. Put on the gloves. Apply the cotton ball to the affected area. Don’t cover the area. Let it dry naturally. Repeat regularly. |
In case, you’re battling scalp ringworm you can add a few drops of lavender oil in the shampoo and gently wash the hair and the scalp.
Notes: You can also dilute the lavender oil with coconut oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil. And don’t forget to use it in small amounts.
5. Aloe Vera is a natural remedy for skin problems
Aloe vera is also one of the most common natural remedies that can be used to treat skin rashes and sunburns. I bet that you know this, but you are wondering if aloe vera is safe for your baby. You don’t have to worry.
The general consensus is that you can use aloe vera for babies, but experts recommend that you talk with your pediatrician first.
So, why is aloe vera perfect for treating ringworm? Well, it:
- Soothes itchy and dry skin
- Has anti-fungal properties
- Speeds the healing process
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
aloe vera gel (buy it from the store or extract it by yourself) gloves | Start by washing your hands and then put on the gloves. Squeeze some gel on your finger. Apply it to the affected skin. Let it dry naturally. Wash the gel on the next day. Repeat. |
Notes: Allergic reactions to aloe vera are rare. Nevertheless, watch your baby’s skin for any signs. If the rash doesn’t get better, stop the treatment immediately. Also, don’t give your child any aloe vera orally. It’s not safe and may cause abdominal pains and diarrhea.
6. Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties
Apple cider vinegar is another common ingredient that you can use as a natural remedy for various hair and skin conditions. In fact, many people use it to treat their children and pets for ringworm because it’s very efficient and quick. But why?
Apple cider vinegar has potent anti-fungal properties that kill the fungus responsible for the infection and bring relief from the itchiness.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
apple cider vinegar cotton ball a bowl | Pour some apple cider vinegar in the bowl. Soak a cotton ball in it. Apply the cotton ball to the affected area gently. Repeat several times a day. |
Notes:
- You should be careful when you use apple cider vinegar to treat ringworm. It can cause a stinging sensation, which can upset your baby.
- Do a patch test before applying it to determine if your baby’s skin is sensitive to apple cider vinegar. If you don’t notice any reaction in 24 hours, you can use it.
- For more severe cases of ringworm, apple cider vinegar might not be very effective.
7. Raw papaya is efficient remedy for ringworm
Papaya is not only a tasty fruit that you enjoy from time to time, but you can use it to get rid of ringworm. How is that possible, you ask?
Well, papaya contains enzymes that kill the fungus. Moreover, it will reduce your baby’s skin inflammation. Here’s how to make it work:
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
raw papaya knife | Use the knife to slice the papaya. Take one slice and rub the affected spot for 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to wash your hands beforehand. Repeat. |
Alternatively, you can make a paste from the seeds of the papaya.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
fresh papaya mortar and pestle knife a baking sheet water | Slice the papaya with the knife Remove the seeds. Place the seeds on the sheet. Let them dry in the sun. Crush the seeds, add water and mix well to make a paste. Apply the paste to the rash. Wait 15 minutes and wash with water. Repeat |
8. Mustard seeds reduce inflammation
If you don’t have papaya, then you can use mustard seeds instead. Just like papaya seeds, they reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Necessary ingredients: | Process: |
|---|---|
mustard seeds mortar and pestle water gloves | Use the mortar and the pestle to grind the mustard seeds. Add water. Mix well to make a paste. Wash your hands and put on the gloves. Apply the paste to your baby’s rash. Repeat. |
To lower the chances of your baby ever getting ringworm again:
- Don’t let your children share personal items.
- Wash toys, clothes, towels, other personal items, frequently.
- If you have a pet, go to regular check-ups.
- Keep infected family member away from the baby.
Ringworm infection is usually not a reason for great concern, but if the scalp is affected that could lead to temporal hair loss and slight scarring. Also, if your baby is scratching herself, this could lead to secondary infection so make sure that you cut her nails.
If you don’t see an improvement several days after you start the treatment, you must speak with your doctor. Oral medication might be needed for severe cases of ringworm. Don’t worry, though. Ringworm complications are very rare.
What do you think about these remedies? What is best way to get rid of ringworm that you have used? Tell us your experience with this stubborn infection in the comments and don’t forget to share the articles with your friends and family.
Good luck!