Ringworm is a type of fungus infection on skin characterized by ring shaped raised itchy lesion. It is caused by mold -like fungi called dermatophytes. In medical parlance ringworm is called tinea. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, but it is commonly found on areas which remain moist and sweaty such as groin, neck, chest, back and arms.
Ringworm is a contagious disease and it spreads by direct contact with an infected person or an animal. It can also spread by sharing contaminated articles such as clothes and towels. Ringworm on neck usually spreads due to sharing shirts of an infected person. Dermatologists generally recommend anti fungal local application to treat the condition. For those who want an option, there are several home remedies to treat the condition.
What Causes Ringworm On Neck?
Ringworm on neck is caused by dermatophytes, a type of mold- like fungi which lives on the dead skin cells. Once the fungus enters the body, it begins to spread forming ring like lesion.
Anyone can suffer from ringworm, but people whose immune level is low or people suffering from diabetes are more susceptible to this infection. The fungus prefers to live and grow in moist areas. Therefore it is more common in areas which remain moist due to perspiration.
Since neck area remains moist due to perspiration, it is more prone to ringworm infection. Poor personal hygiene is also a triggering factor for development of ringworm. Ringworm can spread through contact with an infected pet.
Symptoms Of Ringworm On Neck
Ringworm can occur in adults as well as children. The most classical symptom of ringworm on neck is formation of circular spot which is red and raised. This lesion may be small or medium in size.
Gradually it becomes larger from the periphery giving a shape of ring on the outer border while the inner skin becomes clear. The ring is raised with crust and scaling of skin. There may be tiny blisters on the border. The lesions are itchy. Single or multiple lesions may be seen on the neck region.
Diagnosis: Ringworm is diagnosed by a physician on clinical examination. In rare cases skin scraping may be taken from the ring border with the help of medical instruments. After taking the scraping, dermatologist will send the sample for histopathological examination. The sample is checked under microscope. In most cases this is not needed as the diagnosis is clear after examining the lesion.
Natural Remedies To Treat Ringworm On Neck
Ringworm is sometimes difficult to cure. It may persist for a long period and become chronic infection if not treated. Treatment consists of topical application of an anti-fungal cream. Topical application of miconazole, clotrimazole, etc may be useful. In some cases oral use of anti fungal remedy may be necessary.
Home remedies are effective in treating ringworm on neck. Treatment should be started soon after the diagnosis because as the disease becomes chronic, it is difficult to treat the condition.
- Raw papaya: Rub the juice extracted from raw papaya over the lesion. Papaya fruit is easily available in tropical countries. The fruit contain an enzyme which is effective in killing the fungi.
- Castor oil: It is a time tested home remedy for treating ringworm on neck as well as on other parts of body. Rub castor oil with a cotton swab on ringworm. After few days of its application the lesion reduces in size.
- Apply apple cider vinegar to treat ringworm on neck. The dermatophyte does not live long in acidic atmosphere. Applying regularly for over a period of time will eventually treat the condition.
- Applying garlic juice is also found to be an effective cure of ringworm. However, some patients may find it discomforting because of burning sensation. It remains for few applications, but gradually burning becomes less.
- Maintaining personal hygiene is essential part of treatment.