17 Effective Home Remedies and Treatments for Ringworm

May 28, 2018

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The fungus that causes ringworm, which affects the skin, scalp, or nails, is not a worm, as the name suggests. A red, round rash with scaly or irritating edges is a common symptom of this infection. Ringworm is not fatal but spreads swiftly through contact with contaminated surfaces, animals, or infected people. You must treat it immediately to reduce discomfort and prevent it from spreading.

Due to their efficacy, affordability, and lack of severe side effects, natural treatments for ringworm have grown in popularity. Early treatment is essential since ringworm can worsen, spread to other body parts, or infect others if left untreated.

In this article, we will discuss efficient home-based ringworm treatments.

17 Effective Home Remedies for Ringworm

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Candida is a fungal infection that apple cider vinegar can help prevent. Its acidic nature may kill the fungus. Applying a cotton wool pad soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar to the afflicted area will help cure ringworm. Do this as many as three times every day.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Native Australians have used tea tree oil for centuries to treat a variety of bacterial and fungal skin diseases. Today, tea tree oil is widely used and successful in treating ringworm.

Combine 12 drops of tea tree essential oil with around 1 ounce of cold-pressed carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to create a 2 percent dilution. Apply this to your skin three times a day.

People who don’t have sensitive skin might be able to apply tea tree oil straight to the affected area without first diluting it.

3. Coconut Oil

Certain fatty acids in coconut oil may kill the fungal cells by damaging the cell membrane.

Coconut oil may be a useful treatment for mild to moderate skin infections.

To treat ringworm, apply liquid coconut oil to the skin three times a day. You can also use coconut oil as a moisturizing lotion, which could help avoid getting ringworm again.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities make it a well-known ringworm remedy. It also contains curcumin, which has antibacterial qualities. You can add turmeric to your food or drink it as a tea.

Blend turmeric paste with a tiny amount of water or coconut oil until a paste forms. Apply it to the skin and let it dry before wiping it off.

5. Aloe Vera

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aloe vera is a natural treatment for ringworm and can help with other skin issues. It contains antimicrobial chemicals like lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, phenol, sulfur, and urea nitrogen.

When applied to the skin surface of ringworm, aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties can also produce a cooling and calming effect. These substances can help reduce ringworm-related skin irritation.

Apply the gel of an aloe vera plant three or four times a day to the ringworm spot. Because of its cooling qualities, the gel may help relieve puffy and irritated skin.

6. Garlic

People frequently use garlic as a remedy for infections. It is effective against various fungi, such as Candida, Torulopsis, Trichophyton, and Cryptococcus.

You can use garlic as a remedy by combining crushed garlic cloves with coconut or olive oil to create a paste. After applying a thin coating of paste, cover the afflicted area with gauze, leave it on for two hours, and then rinse. Continue twice a day until the symptoms subside.

7. Raw Honey

Honey is mainly fructose and glucose. Evidence points to its potential antibacterial qualities, which may aid in treating several skin disorders. According to in vivo research, honey plus corticosteroids helped 71% of patients with jock itch and 62% of patients with body ringworm get rid of their symptoms.

According to another in vivo trial, acacia honey was as successful as miconazole at reducing the redness and scaly skin associated with scalp ringworm.

Apply a thin layer, leave on for 1 hour, then rinse off.

8. Soap Water

To prevent ringworm from spreading or infecting other areas of the skin, keep the skin as clean as possible. Rinse the infection once or twice a day with warm water and soap. Because fungus grows best in damp environments, ensure the skin is dehydrated.

Cleanse the skin this way before applying any other natural treatments below.

9. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people may use grapefruit seed extract to treat fungal infections.

Advocates advise applying a solution of one drop of grapefruit seed extract and one tablespoon of water to the skin twice a day to treat ringworm.

10. Powdered Licorice

Licorice, an antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory herb, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It can also be used to treat ringworm and other fungal illnesses at home.

Add three teaspoons of powdered licorice root to a cup of water for optimal effects. This mixture should be brought to a boil and simmered for ten minutes on low heat. After cooling, the liquid should solidify into a paste. Apply this to the ringworm area twice daily and let it sit for at least ten minutes before wiping or rinsing it off.

11. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil may be useful for fungal infections. However, lemongrass oil should not be applied directly to the skin. Before applying it, dilute it with a carrier oil.

Apply a mixture of almond and lemongrass oils to the affected area. It will successfully treat infections and help moisturize skin.

12. Betel Leaf

One natural treatment for ringworms is betel leaf. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the severity of the illness.

To use, grind one piece of turmeric and several betel leaves. After that, massage the turmeric and betel leaf combination onto the affected skin region and let it sit for 20 minutes. Apply this natural cure three times a day until the ringworm goes away.

13. Salt Water

Bathing the affected region in salt water for 10 to 20 minutes can reduce ringworm sores and skin inflammation. Saltwater might prevent the formation of fungi, which helps hasten the healing process of ringworm.

14. Citronella Oil

Citronella oil helps inhibit the action of a few fungi that frequently infect the skin, such as the ringworm-causing fungus.

Combining citronella oil with carrier oil, like coconut, olive, or sunflower oil, is advisable before using it to cure ringworm. Then, twice daily, evenly apply the oil combination to the troubled skin area.

15. Neem & Turmeric Water

Turmeric and neem have numerous therapeutic qualities that promote healthy skin. If you have ringworm, you can try bathing with water infused with turmeric powder and neem leaves.

To make this water, combine two liters of water, a handful of neem leaves, and two to three teaspoons of turmeric powder in a pot. Boil and filter out the components. Add this to your bath, or add the ingredients directly into a warm bath. You should expect positive results within a week.

16. Oregano Oil

Thymol is an antifungal compound found in oregano oil. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it is a potent antifungal drug that works well to treat infection caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Apply a small amount of oregano oil to the troubled area using a cotton ball. The treatment yields notable outcomes and can be useful against such infections. It can also be used on infected fingernails and toes.

17. Baking Soda

Redness and itching are signs of fungal infections, particularly those caused by the Candida species. Baking soda can effectively treat these infections. Apply a solution made of baking soda and water to the affected region.

However, further research is needed to confirm baking soda’s ability to prevent fungal infections.

When to Seek Medical Help

Although home remedies may work well for minor cases of ringworm, some instances require expert medical assistance.

A physician may advise using an over-the-counter topical cream containing terbinafine or clotrimazole, which must be used twice a day. The physician may occasionally prescribe more potent antifungal drugs.

Teachers and athletes, for example, should consult their doctor immediately if they risk spreading ringworms to others through their occupation or way of life.

Conclusion

Early use of ringworm home remedies can help manage the infection, reduce discomfort, and stop it from spreading. Natural remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar can be beneficial when used correctly and often. However, it’s imperative to consult a doctor if the infection doesn’t go away with home remedies or if symptoms like extreme inflammation or fast-spreading worsen.

Speaking with a healthcare professional guarantees accurate diagnosis and treatment, reducing problems and promoting a speedier recovery. Effective ringworm management requires prompt response.

May 2018

Written by Somapika D
Feb 2025

Edited by Ankita Sethy

References