Also known as Dermatophytosis, ringworm is a sort of fungal infection on the skin. You may confuse it with some worms causing it. That is not the case. The lesion caused due to the infection supports, becomes the shape of a ring on your skin. And that’s why the name.
This infection is infectious to both humans and animals. Though it is often discolored or leaves a patch on the affected areas, the patches tend to be red on lighter skin tones while brown-gray on darker skin tones.
Ringworms tend to be itchy on the skin. If that itchiness persists longer than usual, you know what could be the cause. You may never know when the irritation could turn into the infection you want to avoid. According to famous dermatologists, the infection usually occurs when the fungus roots into the upper layer of the skin.
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In this article, we will delve into the details of ringworm on black skin. Let’s know it in detail below.
Ringworm symptoms on black skin
The symptoms of ringworm infection completely vary depending on the location of the infection in the body. When you are suffering from such a skin infection, here are some of the things that you will come across –
Scaly patches. For black skin, it will be brown or gray in color.
Itchiness
- Patches that further develop into blisters
- Patches that form like a ring but are deeper in color
- Defined and raise patches right on the edges
- Ring-shaped infections overlap each other
Hair loss
Ringworms look different on different parts of the body where it is affected. Doctors even name it differently depending upon which part of the body it is affected too.
Body
Also known as tinea corporis, this ringworm occurs in the body. It forms patches-like characteristics, having a round ring shape right on your torso or limbs.
Scalp
Known as tinea capitis, ringworm on the scalp commences as isolated scaling in the scalp. It develops into this itchy scalp forming bald patches. This is visible mostly in children. Hair around the infected area might break or fall off.
Beard
This is known as tinea barbae. It mainly affects your cheeks, upper neck as well as chin area. It might even cause bald patches. This might look like acne but is mainly a fungal infection. Some people tend to offer swollen faces or lymph nodes.
Hands
Known as tinea manuum, this infection is caused when you are touching another affected area. This could be mainly your groin or foot. The infection caused in the hand may look like how sky skin looks like. There will be cracks on the palm. It spreads and turns into ring-shaped patches on the back of your hand.
Groin
This is known as tinea cruris, a kind of ringworm infection that occurs around the groin, inner thighs or might as well buttocks. It is widespread in men and teenage boys.
For black skin, it seems to have a brown or grey ring-like patch on your leg. The itching might rise longer after you exercise. It might not improve even after using anti-itch cream.
Feet
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is the common name for ringworm infection of the foot. It’s frequently seen in people who walk barefoot in public places where the infection can spread, such as in locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
Nails
Also known as tinea unguium, it is the infection of the nails. Affecting the toenails, this mainly happens when the footwear worn is moist and warm. Your nails may be discolored or become thicker. It may begin to crack or live away from your nail bed.
Ringworm on dark skin pictures
Ringworm on dark skin
Ringworm on black skin causes
Being a contagious fungal infection, ringworm is mainly caused by common mold-like parasites. These survive on the outer layer of your skin. It spreads to your skin in the following ways –
Person to Person
It often spreads when you are in direct, mainly skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Animal to People
If you touch an animal suffering from ringworm, you may get affected by the same. It will mainly spread if you are grooming or petting any dogs or cats. It is also common in cows.
Object to people
There are objects or surfaces that might be infected. If you are touching the same or there is friction against the same, you might come in contact and be infected.
Earth to human
This happens in rare situations. Ringworms are spreading to humans when they come in contact with infected soil. The infection is most likely to happen due to prolonged contact in infected soil.
Ringworm on black skin treatment
We have jotted down some home remedies for treating ringworm on black skin. Here are some of the ones that you may try –
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Garlic
Used for treating infection, studies have showcased the effects of garlic for treating ringworm. Make a thorough paste of crushed garlic with some coconut oil. Now apply a thin layer of the same on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Leave it for 2 hours or so. Repeat it daily.
Soapy Water
To restrict the spread of ringworm, you should keep your skin as clean as possible. You may use soap water or warm water in soap twice a day. Seek an allergy test before going through the process.
Apple cider vinegar
Having antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy for treating any form of fungal infection. When it comes to ringworm, you may soak in some cotton wool with ACV and apply it on the affected areas, 3 times a day.
Aloe vera
Acts as an antiseptic agent, aloe vera also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Applying the gel on the infected area will help prevent itchiness. Try applying it 3 to 4 times a day for faster results.
Grapefruit seed extract
The seed extract may help in treating different fungal infections, as per research and study. You need to mix 1 drop of grapefruit seed extract with 1 tsp. of water. Apply to the affected area twice a day to see the results.
Coconut oil
Some sorts of fatty acid in coconut oil helps in killing fungal cells. It further helps in destroying their cell membranes. If you are suffering from mild to moderate infection, you may try this home remedy. Apply virgin coconut oil 3 times a day for the best results.
Turmeric
It has had so much importance since the historical era. Having anti-inflammatory properties, you may even use it for retaining its antimicrobial abilities. You may apply the raw form to the infected area and let it sit for some time before wiping it off.
Powdered Licorice
The paste of the powder has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. When it comes for treating ringworm, you may make a thick paste of it and apply it to the infected area. Try doing this twice a day.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has been an active agent for treating different bacterial as well as fungal skin conditions for years now. It is highly effective for treating ringworm infections. All you need to do is mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the skin three times a day. Make sure that you are diluting the tea tree oil before application.
Oil of oregano
Made from mild oregano, this oil is rich in two antifungals – thymol and carvacrol. It prevents the growth of fungus. While using it for treating ringworm, make sure that you are diluting it with a carrier oil to the affected area, three times a day.
Conclusion
If constant use of home remedies does not show signs of repair or healing, it is time to visit the doctor. If you are suffering from the infection for more than 2 weeks or so, you should consult your doctor. They might give you the anti-fungal creams that you may need to apply twice a day. They may even prescribe you strong medications for the same.
FAQs –
How deep is ringworm in the skin?
Appearing as red ring-shaped patches, ringworm tends to have a scaly-like border. It ranges between 1 to 10 cm. The main or the center of the infection will be clear. The border is mainly infected. You will even come across blisters, bumps or scabs.
Does ringworm cause dark spots?
The answer is a NO! But in rare cases, the infected person might develop permanent brown or discolored scars on their skin. These scars may look or have the same pattern as the infection started off on the skin.
Can ringworm be skin colored?
Ringworm may come in red, silver or darker than your skin tone. The rash may be itchy, dry or even swollen. Ringworm is mainly in the shape of a ring and looks different in different areas of your body.
Does ringworm discolor skin?
In rare cases of people suffering from ringworm, the infected person might acquire permanent brown or discolored scars on their skin. The pattern of the scar is the same as that of the rash. They are round and end up having a patch on clear skin.
What kills ringworm on the skin fast?
We have already discussed the home remedies above. If you follow the pattern well, you may come across the best results. There are different antifungal creams too that you may apply to promote healing.
