My question is about ringworm that keeps coming back. I have had ringworm for a long time, and it never clears completely.
As long as I take medicine, the itching stops and the ringworm seems quiet. But as soon as I stop the medicine, within a few days the itching starts again and the ringworm reappears. This cycle keeps repeating, and now I am tired of it.
Because of the itching, my sleep and daily work are sometimes disturbed, and I feel embarrassed scratching in front of people. I wonder whether my medicine is not right, or whether I am making some mistake that brings the ringworm back.
I want to understand these things:
– Why does ringworm come back as soon as I stop the medicine?
– What are the common reasons for ringworm recurring again and again?
– What should be kept in mind about clothes, towels, sweat and hygiene?
– What should be done so that it does not spread to other family members?
– What remedy does Ayurveda have to cure ringworm for good?
– Is any dietary restriction needed?
– When does a skin doctor’s examination become necessary?
I want to get out of this repeated cycle, and I am ready to make the necessary changes in my habits along with medicine. Your practical advice will be very useful. Thank you.
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Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: The main reasons ringworm (fungal infection) keeps coming back are: stopping treatment midway as soon as the itching stops, moisture, tight clothes, fungus remaining in clothes and towels, and others at home also being infected. With complete treatment, hygiene and Ayurvedic blood-purifying care, many people get long relief.
Understanding the problem
Even when the itching stops, fungus can remain in the skin. So the full course the doctor advises is needed, often for a few weeks even after the patches have gone. Some people apply steroid creams on their own, which give relief for a while but spread the fungus further.
The Ayurvedic view
In Ayurveda, ringworm is called Dadru, which arises from disturbance of Kapha-Pitta and Rakta. Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food), too much salty, sour and fermented food, daytime sleep and poor hygiene are considered its causes. In treatment, along with external hygiene, internal Rakta Shodhana (blood purification) and, if needed, Shodhana (Panchakarma) are important.
Practical steps
- After bathing, dry the body completely, especially the folds and groin.
- Cotton, loose clothes; change them daily.
- Wash clothes, towels and bedsheets in hot water and dry them in the sun.
- If others at home have symptoms, they should be treated too.
- Do not scratch; do not apply steroid creams on your own.
Diet
- Avoid incompatible foods with milk, such as sour, salty or fish.
- Less sweets, fermented food, curd (especially at night) and fried food.
- Bitter vegetables, moong, turmeric, tender neem leaves (on a vaidya’s advice).
Medicine and Panchakarma
In Ayurveda, substances such as neem, turmeric, Chakramarda, Khadira, Manjishtha and Gandhak Rasayan are considered useful in Dadru. For recurring ringworm, the vaidya may suggest Shodhana such as Virechana. The right medicine, dose and timing will be decided by the vaidya after examining your condition.
When to see a doctor?
- Ringworm spreads over the whole body
- Pus, fever, swelling
- Diabetes, with ringworm recurring often
- Infection in the nails or scalp
Related Questions
How long should ringworm medicine be taken?
As long as the doctor says; often for a few weeks even after the patches have gone.
Why does steroid cream make ringworm worse?
It suppresses itching, but gives the fungus a chance to grow.
What is Dadru?
In Ayurveda, a condition of round, itchy ringworm, arising from disturbance of Kapha-Pitta and Rakta.
In short: If ringworm keeps recurring, incomplete treatment, moisture, fungus left in clothes and steroid creams are the main causes. A full course, keeping skin dry, washing clothes in hot water, avoiding incompatible food and Ayurvedic blood purification help.
You can consult in person or online.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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