Did you know you can treat ringworms at home? Read more here to find out how to get rid of ringworm with bleach and other supplies available at your home.
What Are Ringworms?
Before you begin treating ringworm, it is vital to learn more about them. The word ‘ringworm’ is a misnomer as ringworms are neither a type nor a worm nor a disease caused by them. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a type of skin infection mainly caused by three types of fungi Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. This fungal infection gets its name due to its resemblance with a worm in the shape of a ring.
The fungal group that causes ringworm lives inside the soil as spores for long periods. These spores are mold-like parasites that come in contact with human or animal bodies and inhabit their outer layer skin cells.
The most common methods by which ringworm can be contracted are infected persons, animals, objects, or soil.
Identifying a Ringworm
The symptoms of ringworm are usually dependant on the location of the infection. Following are some of the common symptoms:
- Red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin
- Unusually raised patches on the skin
- Patches that have developed blisters/pustules
- Patches on the skin resembling a ring
- Thicker, discolored or cracked nails
- Bald patches on the scalp and hair loss
Symptoms that are specific to the location of the ringworm include:
- Athlete’s Foot (On feet): Red, swollen, and itchy skin between the toes and blistering of sole and heel of the feet.
- Jock Itch (In groin area): Red, itchy and scaly spots on the inner thighs.
- On the scalp: Breaking and falling of hairs with inflamed and itchy bald spots.
How to Prevent Ringworms from Spreading?
Prevention is always better than cure, therefore, to save yourself from contracting this skin infection, you must remember the following:
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animals.
- Prefer to wear flip flops or waterproof shoes in public pools, restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms.
- Avoid having contact with infected clothing, bed linens, towels, brushes, and toilets.
- Even though the chances are slim, do not expose yourself to contaminated soil.
- Maintain distance with your pet dogs and cats if they show any signs of ringworm and immediately consult a vet.
- Thoroughly wash your hands after touching the infected body part.
- All the infected areas should be kept clean and dry at all times.
How to Get Rid of Ringworms with Bleach?
Bleach is considered among the few products that effectively kill ringworm spores. Bleach efficiently kills the fungal group that causes ringworm. A diluted mixture made with one part bleach for every ten parts of water should do the trick. Since ringworms are highly contagious, they can quickly spread in children, the elderly, people with weak immunity, and pets. And to combat any such swarm of infections into your house, you should make sure all the surfaces in your home are thoroughly cleaned and bleached.
What You Need:
- Bleach
- Spray bottles
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask (optional)
Quick Advice: Do NOT mix the bleach with any other cleaning supplies. Wear face mask and gloves to prevent your skin in case of any spilling. Open doors and windows to allow the fumes to pass and increase ventilation.
How To Get Rid of Ringworm Spores With Bleach?
- Cover any furniture if the bleach is likely to cause damage to them.
- Prepare a bleach solution by diluting it with water in the ratio of 1:10 (1 being bleach and 10 being water).
- Wash all the bedding and towels to get rid of any lingering fungus that may cause the infection to grow again.
- Spray and clean your pet’s bedding, toys, and carriers to eliminate any risk of contracting the infection through them.
Important Word of Advice
It is essential to note that bleach should never be used topically (on the skin) or ingested under any circumstances. Using a bleach solution on the skin to kill any kind of fungal infection is not approved by the EPA.
Also, you should consult a dermatologist or your regular doctor for the proper treatment of the ringworm. Use your oral and topical medicines as directed by your doctor. So now that you know how to get rid of ringworm with bleach, get rid of the earliest possible to prevent further infection to other family members.