Ringworm

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis or tinea) is a fungal infection that commonly affects, skin, scalp, and nails. It is a contagious infection that causes round scaly patches with a darker border in the shape of a ring.

It causes redness, itching, irritation, and inflammation and if not treated on time, then it results in skin blisters. Remember that the fungus will thrive in warm moist areas of the skin.

Ringworm on the skin is called tinea corporis, on scalp called tinea capitis and on feet called athlete’s foot. Are you one among those people suffering from ringworm? Then stop worrying and start using many natural remedies rather than OTC medication or creams.

Home Remedies for Ringworms:

Here are some natural remedies to treat this ringworm on the skin at home. All you need is to follow these home remedies along with some personal skin hygiene to get rid of ringworm.

Remedy – 1: (Garlic)

The ajoene, an antifungal agent present in garlic helps to treat ringworm effectively. It also exhibits antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve you from pain, itching, and irritation.

Here are some ways of using garlic for treating ringworm.

• Peel a clove of garlic and cut it into slices. Place these garlic slices on the ringworm affected areas. Wrap it using a bandage and leave it for overnight. Repeat it regularly.
• Make a thick paste by grinding few garlic cloves and apply it on the ringworm affected skin area. Repeat it few times daily.
• Crush 2 – 3 garlic cloves and mix 3 tablespoons each of olive oil and raw honey to it. Apply the paste on the ringworm affected area and rinse off with warm water after an hour. Repeat 2 – 3 times daily.

Remedy – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal pain, irritation, and inflammation. It has high acidic nature that makes the fungus can’t thrive into the skin and balances your skin pH levels.

• Clean the ringworm affected area and pat dry it.
• Dip a cotton ball in undiluted ACV and dab it on the ringworm affected area.
• Or you can apply ACV on the affected skin by using gauze or a clean cloth or a towel.
• Let it sit for few minutes and rinse off thoroughly with water.
• Continue doing the same process for 3 – 4 times daily till you get rid of ringworm.

Note: Make sure to do some skin patch test before using ACV to know whether it causes any allergic reaction on the skin.

Remedy – 3: (Tea Tree Oil)

Tea tree oil treats ringworm with its antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to restrict the growth of fungi and penetrates deep into the skin to clear it from inside the skin.

• Clean the ringworm affected area and dry it completely.
• Pour few drops of tea tree oil (or lavender oil) on a cotton swab and dab the swab on the ringworm.
• Be sure that the rash should be completely covered with the oil.
• Let it sit for few minutes and rinse off with water.

Note: If the application of undiluted tea tree oil is causing irritation then dilute 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil in 1/2 cup of warm water (or carrier oil) and apply it on the ringworm using a cotton ball. Repeat it 2 – 3 times daily.

Remedy – 4: (Raw Papaya)

Papain and chymopapain are two enzymes present in raw or green papaya. These enzymes are effective in destroying the defense shields of various types of fungus, yeasts, and virus and thereby clear the old dead cells from the outer surface of the skin.

They also cure inflammation and repairs the skin heal quickly from the damage of fungus.

• Cut a small piece of raw papaya and rub the piece on the ringworm affected areas.
• Or simply apply a paste prepared by grinding raw papaya piece, on the ringworm area.
• Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
• Repeat the same process for 2 – 3 times daily till you get complete relief from the problem.

Note:

• Or grind dried seeds of fresh papaya to make a powder. Mix enough water to make a fine paste and apply it on the infected skin. Rinse off after 15 – 20 minutes with warm water. Repeat 2 – 3 times daily.
• Also, apply juice extracted from fresh papaya leaf on the ringworm infected areas to treat ringworm.

Remedy – 5: (Salt)

Salt has astringent and disinfectant properties that speed up the healing process of ringworm. it dries the skin and makes the fungus unable to survive on the skin’s surface.

Here are few ways of using salt for treating ringworm.

• Mix 1/4 – 1/2 cup of salt in a large bowl filled with warm water. Stir well and soak the ringworm affected area in this salt water for 15 – 20 minutes. Repeat regularly.
• Mix enough water in salt till it for like a scrub paste. Use this salt scrub to rub the ringworm infected area using a washcloth. Do the same process 15 – 20 minutes daily.
• The combination of salt and vinegar helps to balance the skin’s pH levels. Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 tablespoon of salt to make a fine paste. Apply it on the ringworm and rinse off after 5 – 10 minutes. Do it once daily till you get complete relief from the problem.

Remedy – 6: (Lemongrass)

Lemongrass has antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that clear ringworm. When taken internally, it flushes out the toxins from your body and heals the problem.

• Crush or grind fresh lemongrass leaves by adding buttermilk to make a paste.
• Apply this lemongrass paste on the ringworm infected areas.
• Let it sit for 20 – 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the same process till you get complete relief from the problem.

Note:

• Or mix 3 – 6 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Stir well and apply it on the ringworm infected area. Rinse off with 4 – 5 times daily till the infection disappears.
• Also, drink lemongrass tea for thrice daily to clear ringworm.

Do’s and Don’ts:

1. Apply virgin coconut oil (or) fresh aloe vera gel (or) licorice tea (or) basil juice (extract juice from crushed basil leaves) (or) colloidal silver gel (or) camphor oil (or) iodine tincture on the ringworm infected area to get rid of the problem.
2. Neem (or Indian Lilac) has an antibacterial and antifungal property that helps to clear ringworm. Mix 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of neem leaf powder in enough water to make a paste. Apply it on the ringworm rashes for 1 – 2 times daily. Or apply neem oil on your ringworm.
3. Drink plenty of water and consume a healthy diet to flush out the toxins from the body and thereby to prevent the recurrence of ringworm.
4. Make sure to rinse your clothes and towels with hot water by adding some antifungal or antiseptic cleaner.
5. Avoid touching or scratching the ringworm area and make sure to rinse your hands before and after touching the ringworm area.
6. Avoid public bathrooms or else wear sandals while using them. Also, don’t share your clothes or brushes or other accessories with others.
7. Always remember to keep your skin dry and cool, as moist will attract and enhance the growth of microbes causing infection.
8. If you’re suffering from ringworm repeatedly then consult your doctor for proper diagnose and treatment.

Try these natural remedies to treat ringworm at home. Do you know any other successful remedies? Then share with us in the below comments box.

Ringworm is a skin fungal infection that affects on all parts of the skin, nails, and scalp. It is not caused by worms but it appears as a red ring on the skin. It isn’t a life threatening disease but a contagious disease that have to be treated immediately without spreading it to other body parts, with many over the counter medications or natural remedies.

People who think wisely will choose the natural remedies for treating this fungal infection rather than damaging their skin with the harsh chemicals that used in over the counter creams. Coconut oil is considered as a most popular home remedy for treating many health and skin problems including nail fungus, ringworm, acne, athlete’s foot, etc.

Is Coconut Oil good for Ringworm?

Many people will wonder that, does coconut oil really works for treating ringworm? But avoid placing those doubts in your mind and it will definitely help to cure this skin fungal infection with its amazing properties.

• Lauric acid in coconut oil exhibits anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that fight against the fungus causing ringworm and inhibits its growth. It also dissolves the outer fatty membranes of the microbes to kill them.
• It has skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin to prevent any pain, redness, itching and irritation caused on the skin.
• When coconut oil is mixed with any essential oil and applied topically on affected area then it provides effective relief from the ringworm and its symptoms like itching and flaking.
• It moisturizes the skin and has essential medium chain fatty acids and other nutrients that terminate this infection and makes the skin healthy and infection free.
• It penetrates deep into the skin and clears the infection from inside out.

So, from all these properties, we came to know that coconut oil can work potentially in fighting against this fungal infection and thus provide quick relief. Now let’s know about how to use coconut oil.

How to use Coconut Oil for Ringworm Removal?

Coconut oil can be used in many ways for treating only mild and moderately affected ringworm infection but make sure to consult your doctor if you’re suffering from severe ringworm infections.

Method – 1: (Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil along is enough to get rid of this skin fungal infection successfully from the skin. This process is used to ringworm on the scalp, on baby’s skin and any other areas including Athlete’s foot.

Steps to be followed…

• Wash the affected area and your hands thoroughly with warm water.
• Dry your skin and apply enough of coconut oil on the ringworm affected areas.
• Massage it gently for few minutes and leave it on for few minutes.
• For quick results, apply this virgin coconut oil for 4 times a day to get rid of the ringworm.

Note:

• If you don’t have to apply coconut oil too often on the skin then simply apply it on the ringworm affected areas at night before bed time and leave it on for overnight.
• Or else you can prepare coconut oil bandage which is available in health stores and place it on the fungus infected areas to get similar benefits.
• In case, you’re suffering from ringworm on the scalp then apply coconut oil at night before bed time on affected areas of the scalp and rinse the hair in the morning to remove all the buildup and residue caused by this infection.

Method – 2: (Coconut Oil with Tea Tree Oil)

Both tea tree oil and coconut oil have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that give you relief from ringworm and its symptoms.

Steps to be followed…

• Add few drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Stir well and apply this mix on the ringworm infected skin areas.
• Massage it gently for a minute or two and leave it on for few minutes.
• Repeat the same process regularly for getting speed recovery from this skin condition.

Note: Use Oregano oil instead of tea tree oil.

Method – 3: (Coconut Oil with Camphor)

Both coconut oil and camphor has effective antifungal and antiseptic properties that cure the ringworm along with soothing the skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Crush camphor to make it as 5 grams powder.
• In that, add 20 grams of organic coconut oil and stir well.
• Apply this mix on the affected areas at night time and leave it on for overnight.
• Do the same process for a week to get complete relief from the ringworms.

Tips and Precautions:

1. The longer the coconut oil application or its contact with the skin then the shorter will be the life of this fungal infection, as you should not give the fungi breathing space to recover and continue its growth on the skin.
2. This natural oil is able to prevent the ringworm infection within 1 week but you have to follow it for another week to ensure that the fungus has been killed and also to prevent its recurrence.
3. However, there is no scientific research done to prove that coconut oil is used for ringworm treatment. So, the results might differ for different people. But it is wise to consult your doctor immediately if you didn’t find any relief from the problem.
4. It’s always best to use coconut oil that is unrefined, cold pressed and organic which has all the nutrients preserved and will provide you with the maximum healing.
5. There are many natural remedies for treating ringworm. So, if you didn’t find any relief from this infection within 1 week or if it’s spreading to other body parts then choose another best remedy or seek for health care provider.
6. Although it is considered as the safest natural home remedy that not even cause any allergic reaction on any skin type, so you can try this oil for treating ringworm.
7. For grabbing best results, buy or use coconut oil in a glass jar rather than in a plastic container. Also, make sure to dry your skin why because ringworm thrives on the warm and moist skin.
8. Avoid sharing your personal things and certain objects like towels, clothes, pets, etc. as it caught through direct skin contact. Expose your infected skin to sunlight for not less than 30 minutes daily.

This is all about Coconut Oil for Ringworms. Hope you’ll get rid of this infection using coconut oil and don’t forget to share your experience with us.

As the name says, it is not caused by worms but it is a fungal infection that affects in any area of the skin in the form of a ring. Ringworm on the feet is termed as athlete’s foot and in groin areas, it is called jock itch and in any other parts including nails and scalp is simply referred as ringworm.

It is not a life-threatening skin problem but it is a contagious one which frequently affects others through skin contact with an infected person or pet. It appears in circular, reddish patches with raised borders and if these patches grow larger, then the center turns clear to give it a ring-like appearance.

However, it can be easily treated with some natural remedies at home but if didn’t get any relief then go for over the counter treatments. Tea tree oil is the best and effective remedy for treating many skin infections like ringworm, nail fungus, acne, warts, etc. It clears this skin fungus in less than 4 weeks.

Here are some of the tea tree oil properties that make you understand why it is used as a best remedy for ringworm.

• It has antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that inhibit the growth of fungi and fight off to eliminate it from the skin.
• It has anti-inflammatory property that soothes the irritated skin and relieves you from the pain and itching caused on the ringworm affected skin areas.
• It has natural germicide property that helps to prevent the fungal infection now and then if used regularly.
• It penetrates deep into the skin and clears the infection from inside out without its recurrence.

How to use Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm:

While over the counter antifungal medicines and creams which have proved to be effective but it often results in some side effects. So, give a trial to the natural tea tree oil for ringworm at your home.

Method – 1: (Tea Tree Oil)

Direct application of tea tree oil alone is an effective method that gives quick relief from the ringworm.

Steps to be followed…

• Cleanse and dry the affected area thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Take a sterile cotton swab and pour few drops of tea tree oil to one end.
• Apply the oil soaked swab directly to the ringworm.
• Make sure to cover all the ringworm affected areas with this oil.
• Leave it like that for minutes and rinse off with water.
• Dry the skin and repeat the same process for 2 – 4 times daily.

Method – 2: (Tea Tree Oil with Warm Water)

Direct application of tea tree oil might irritate the sensitive or dry skin people. For those, this process is used to treat ringworm but not that much effective as applying directly on the skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 ½ tablespoon of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water.
• Stir well and apply it on the ringworm affected areas using a cotton ball.
• Leave it on for few minutes and if it’s not irritating your skin then you can leave it like that.
• Continue applying tea tree oil for up to 4 weeks to get rid of the ringworm.

Note: you can use a carrier oil (like olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil) or aloe vera gel instead of water in the above process.

Method – 3: (Tea Tree Oil Compress)

Tea tree oil compress is another effective method for treating ringworm. This compress should be warm and has to sink with your body temperature for getting quick relief from this skin infection.

Steps to be followed…

• Use any compress that was soaked in tea tree oil.
• Place this compress in between two pieces of warm clean cloth.
• Apply it on the infected and leave it on for few minutes till it gets dried.
• Repeat the same process for thrice daily until you get complete relief from the problem.

Note: Avoid using plastic as a cover for this compress.

Method – 4: (Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm of Scalp)

This process is used to treat ringworm on the scalp areas or tinea capititis.

Steps to be followed…

• Add few drops of tea tree oil in jojoba shampoo.
• Stir well and wet your hair to apply this mix on all over the infected scalp areas.
• Let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.
• Repeat it daily until you got complete relief from the ringworm of the scalp.

Note:

• In case, if you don’t have jojoba shampoo then mix few drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil in your regular shampoo and use it.
• This process is also used to treat ringworm on the beard.

Tips and Precautions:

1. If you didn’t find any relief from ringworm after 4 weeks of tea tree oil application then immediately consult your doctor to get proper diagnose and treatment to get relief from ringworm.
2. If you’re experiencing any redness, pain or soreness while applying tea tree oil then discontinue using it and consult your health care provider.
3. Always use 100% pure tea tree oil that is available in health food stores and choose the one which is not diluted with other oils for preventing ringworm or else it causes skin irritation and worse the problem.
4. You can also use tea tree essential oil based creams, ointments, soap, shampoos and lotions which are meant for curing ringworm rather than using pure over the counter things.
5. Remember that the essential oils should not be consumed, as it results in some serious side effects like rashes, memory loss, nausea and even coma. So, it should be used topically.
6. Pregnant or nursing women and children below 7 years should not use tea tree oil (especially undiluted) without any advice from their doctors.
7. It is essential to disinfect combs, towels, scissors and other personal items to prevent the spread of this fungal infection and also avoid sharing your personal items with others.
8. Follow these steps like dry yourself after shower, drink plenty of water, eat more of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid sugar and white grains, apply tea tree oil regularly, etc. to get relief from the ringworm completely.

That’s all for now about Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm, stop itching and start using tea tree oil methods for getting rid of ringworm. Let me know which method works well for curing your ringworm by sharing your experience with us.