Ringworm is a fungal infection on the superficial layer of the skin but can also develop on any part of the body. It is usually found on the stomach and the lower abdomen as well as on the underarms, groins, scalp and thigh. It can also affect animals such as cats and dogs.
The disease is very contagious and can spread by direct contact with the infected person or animal. This fungus grows well in moist and warm places such as public locker rooms, public showers, swimming pools and gymnasiums.
Ringworm is not a dangerous disease but the circular ring that looks similar to a rash can cause itchiness and discomfort to the affected individual, especially when the ringworm is present on his/her stomach and abdomen.
Lesions of ringworm are ring-shaped or circular with margins that are elevated and with a flattened center. The elevated margin is red and sometimes there are tiny blisters accompanied by severe itchiness and even peeling and scaling of the skin.
In the beginning stage, the lesion appears small but in a few days the ring will expand in size and there are plenty of ring-shaped lesions that will develop on the stomach and the lower abdomen at the same time. Sometimes, the infection is confused with other skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.
Treatment and home remedies of ringworm on the stomach
- Ringworm is a contagious disease and can be spread through touch or contact with personal belongings of the infected individual. It is vital to maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing belongings such as towels, clothes and other personal articles. Keep the affected area clean by washing it daily with warm water and soap.
- Apply diluted tea tree directly on the ringworm. Sometimes, undiluted tea tree oil causes burning pain and irritation for a short period of time. Tea tree oil can be diluted using coconut oil if the affected person experiences a stinging sensation.
- Make a paste from turmeric powder and apply it daily 2-3 times on the ringworm. Turmeric powder has antimicrobial properties that helps in killing the germs and prevents the spread of ringworm to the adjacent skin area of the stomach.
- Wear loose fitting clothes in order to avoid friction on the skin caused by tight clothes.
Other remedies of ringworm on stomach
- Apply clear polish over the affected area. Make sure to cover completely the infectious ring to suffocate the fungi. Leave the nail polish on the ringworm all day.
- Remove the nail polish on ringworm after 8 hours using a nail polish remover. Soak a paper towel in the remover and place it over the affected areas for a few minutes, let it dry out for about 15 minutes.
- Reapply again the clear nail polish to the affected area. Continue doing this procedure until the ringworm disappears.