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:
- 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.
- If you’re experiencing any redness, pain or soreness while applying tea tree oil then discontinue using it and consult your health care provider.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pregnant or nursing women and children below 7 years should not use tea tree oil (especially undiluted) without any advice from their doctors.
- 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.
- 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.
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