Fungal Infections: Causes, Types, Symptoms of Ringworm (Tinea) and its Homeopathic Treatment 

   

Ringworm, medically known as ‘Tinea’ is a fungal infection of the skin (dermatophyte) that can affect any part of the body. It is called, "ringworm" because of the circular and ring-like appearance of rashes on the skin's surface. 

In layman's language, it is also as known as “Daad.” Ringworm is a very common skin problem now a day and cases of Ringworm are increasing. It is a contagious skin disease and may spread through contact with the infected person. 

Symptoms of Ringworm/Tinea/Fungal Infections

Symptoms of tinea or ringworm depend on the type of fungi and the location of the affected part. 

• Ring-shaped skin rashes
• Red, Scaly patches that may expand nearby
• Itching of skin
• Rashes with pus, in some cases
• Darkening of the skin of the affected part 
• Tenderness or pain in the affected area
• Itching and burning in the infected area

Causes of Ringworm/Tinea/Fungal Infections

Ringworm is mainly caused by a particular fungus that rapidly grows in a moist area, perspired parts of the body, and on any injured site of the body like nails, scalp, or skin.

Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton are three different types of fungi that can cause this fungal infection. The fungi which infect the skin in this way are known as 'Dermatophytes'.

One can also get the infection by contact with an infected person or by using his/her belongings like towels, combs, clothing, shoes, etc. 

Types of Ringworm/Tinea

The word 'Tinea' is used to describe a group of skin infections caused by different types of fungi. Depending on the location of infection and types of fungus, they have different names.

Tinea capitis (scalp) – 

In Latin, the meaning of 'capitis' is head. Ringworm or fungal infection of the scalp is called Tinea Capitis. 

It is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. Children are mostly affected by this type. Infection is characterized by scaly, irregular, or well-marked areas of rashes and areas of hair loss.

Tinea faciei (face) – 

Fungal infection of the face.

Tinea barbae (beard) - 

Fungal infection of the area of the beard. This type of ringworm mainly spread from pets to humans. It is an infection of the hairs and skin of the beard and mustache area. 

These lesions may have pus and scaling. Tinea corporis (body) - Ringworm of the body (Corporis means body in Latin). Infections mostly occur on the trunk, hands, and feet. In wrestlers, this is often called 'Tinea gladiatorum'.

Tinea manuum (hand) - 

Ringworm infection of the hand. Tinea manuum is seen in one hand, or at times both hands are involved. There is dryness, redness, and scale formation of the skin of the palms.

Tinea unguium (nails) - 

Ringworm infection of nails. It is characterized by thickened, opaque, discolored, broken, and deformed nails. Nails of Toes are more commonly affected than fingernails.

Tinea cruris (groin) – 

Tinea cruris, also known as jock itch, is a common fungal skin infection. Warm, damp, and moist areas of the body such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs provide favorable environments to grow fungus. 

There is burning, itching, and redness with scales. Pus-filled lesions are also seen. Skin becomes Hyper-pigmented (which means darkening of the skin).

Tinea pedis (foot) - 

Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is an infection that occurs on the feet, particularly between the toes ('pedis' is the Latin word for the foot), and is characterized by dryness, fissures, and scale formation in the web of fingers of feet. 

Tinea versicolor - 

Tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a common skin infection caused by a slow-growing fungus (Pityrosporum orbiculare) that is a type of yeast. 

This infection is caused by the yeasts Pityrosporum orbiculare and Pityrosporum ovale. They grow in the outer layer of skin and hair follicles. Generally, it is harmless. 

Tinea incognito (disguised) - 

It is a type of Ringworm infection (mycosis) of the skin caused by the application of a topical immunosuppressive agent like a topical corticosteroid (topical steroid).

Risk factors Ringworm/Tinea/F

Many factors are there which increase the risk of developing tinea. These include:

• Contact with contaminated objects and surfaces
• Moist areas on the skin (excessive sweating)
• Obesity
• a humid, warm climate
• a weak immune system

Complications of Ringworm/Tinea

Untreated or poorly controlled tinea can produce serious complications. By following the proper treatment plan, you can reduce the risk of complications. Complications of tinea include:

• Bacterial infection.
• Skin disorders like contact dermatitis.
• Infection can spread to other areas of the body.

Diagnosis of Ringworm/Tinea

Diagnosis depends on the following factors:

• Proper patient history and physical examination
• Fungal culture
• Wood’s lamp examination

Prevention of Ringworm/Tinea

To prevent Tinea infections, one has to maintain proper hygiene. Follow these simple steps, and you can prevent fungal infection or Ringworm or Tinea - 

• Avoiding direct physical contact with the infected person.
• Avoid sharing the personal belonging of infected persons or avoid touching them.
• Never sharing combs or hats.
• Avoid touching the pet of an infected individual or any pet with a bald spot.
• Infected pets should be treated promptly.
• If you need to share any objects such as remotes, computers, keyboards, cell phones, etc., used by an infected person then always use sanitizing wipes.
• Whenever you use public facilities (e.g., gyms, public restrooms, phones, etc.), wash your hands always.
• While using a public gym or locker room, always wears shower shoes or sandals.

Homeopathic Management of Ringworm (Tinea)

Homeopathic treatment is a great alternative and natural therapy for Ringworm. Homeopathic treatment of Ringworm (Tinea) or Fungal infection is very safe & effective and totally side effect free. Long-term uses of these Homeopathic medicines for Ringworm do not lead to any damage to the body.

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Ringworm (Tinea) but also to ensure stop the recurrence of this infection. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several homeopathic medicines are available for treatment that can be chosen on the basis of the cause of location, type, condition of the skin, and modalities of the complaints. 

There are many homeopathic medicines that have the potential to cure Ringworm (Tinea). Proper case-taking and detailed analysis of symptoms can cure Ringworm permanently, with a well-selected homeopathic medicine.

ARSENIC ALBUM

Arsenic album is a beneficial homeopathic remedy for Tinea Capitis. There is intense burning & intolerable itching with bald spots on the scalp. The symptoms are usually worse at night. 

Use of this remedy will help you in reducing itching and burning of ringworm eruption and also helps to re-growth hair on bald spots.

BACILLINUM

It is a very useful and most indicated Homeopathic remedy for ringworm. Useful for pityriasis infection and eczema of eyelids. Complaints become worse at night, early morning, and cold air.

PSORINUM

Psorinum is one of the most indicated remedies for skin infections especially for ringworm. Useful to cure fungal infections with intense and intolerable itching, mainly of the scalp and bends of joints. Itching worse due to the warmth of the bed. 

Indicated in tinea capitis. The hair appears dry, rough, and lusterless. There is an offensive body odor with profuse sweating in the body.

SEPIA

There is itching of the affected part of the body, which is not relieved by scratching. The fungal infection becomes worse in the bends of elbows and knees. The ringworm-like eruption appears every spring. Foot's sweat, worse on toes, intolerable odor. Tinea infection on the scalp. Hair falls out with pain in the roots of the hair.

Itching increase in forenoons and evenings, by washing, laundry work, in dampness, after the sweat, and by cold air. Itching relieved after cold bathing.

SILICEA

Silicea is an effective homeopathic medicine indicated for ringworm and dermatophytosis in pale, waxy, and weak patients. Eruptions are painful and itch throughout the day. Crippled nails. 

Helpful in treating the cases of Tinea Pedis, where there is offensive sweat with intense itching and burning. Deep cracks between toes with painful foul-smelling ulcers of the foot.

SULPHUR

Skin becomes dry, scaly, and unhealthy. There is itching and burning in Ringworm affected part of the body. Ringworm of the scalp with hair loss and pus in the lesions. Sulfur helps to remove the ringworm and thus providing relief from all the itching and irritation on the scalp. 

Useful for ringworm and other skin problems caused by local medication. Itching becomes worst from warmth, in the evening and recurs in spring and damp weather. 

TELLURIUM

There is itching of hands and feet with ringworm-like eruptions on the body. Ring-shaped lesions on the skin give offensive odors. Stinging in the skin. There is offensive foot sweat. 

Eczema, behind the ears and on the occiput. Coins like circular patches of eczema.

THUJA

Thuja is a very effective medicine for skin problems. It is indicated in the case of dermatophytic infections like ringworm which appears only on covered parts. 

The itching becomes worse after scratching. Very sensitive to touch. Scratching and cold bathing makes the condition worse.

"YOU CAN FIGHT WITH RINGWORM BY KEEPING PROPER HYGIENE" 

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.