Ringworm is one of the most common skin infections that affect people. It is contagious and occurs in people of all ages, from babies to adults, and is found even in pets.
It is caused by a fungus known as Trichophyton rubrum. The fungus matures in areas that are warm and moist. This is why the fungus infests specifically the skin on scalp, feet, groin, and areas which are predominantly moist.
The scientific term for ringworm is Dermatophytosis and appears as red, itchy splotched over the body. It is possible to contract ringworm when the skin has lacerations and cuts. The fungus thrives on unhygienic areas.
So, it possible to develop an unwanted red patch on your skin if there are dirty hairbrushes and laundry lying around. Fortunately, ringworms are not fatal and can be cured easily. There are numerous medications to treat the affected skin.
Ringworms can also be safely treated at home using home remedies, which we will discuss later in this article.
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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Ring Worm
Ringworms can easily be prevented by implementing proper hygiene care and incorporating them into your lifestyle. There are numerous home remedies which aid in curing the infected areas. Here are a few:-
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its anti-fungal properties. It is often used to treat infections and diseases. It is a common remedy against acne and dandruff. With regular use, it can give radiant and healthy skin.
How To Use:
Take a few drops of tea tree oil and gently rub it on the ringworm infested area. Let the oil get soaked into the skin before applying anything else in the affected region.
When using essential tea tree oil, ensure that you mix a drop or two of the essential tea tree oil with a teaspoon of another carrier oil such as lavender or jojoba oil.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been a staple in the Indian household since time memorial. It is often advised to use coconut oil to increase the growth of hair and get long, luscious locks.
Coconut oil can also be used as a facial oil to cure acne and is safe to be used on sensitive skin. It locks moisture in the skin with disturbing the sebum production.
How To Use:
- Apply undiluted organic coconut oil on the affected areas of the scalp. Massage gently and let the oil stay on the scalp overnight before washing it off.
- Repeat process for about four times a week. With regular use, the ringworm should subside, and the patient will be cured of the infection.
- The duration of leaving the oil on hair can be reduced from overnight to an hour after the patient is completely cured of the ringworm.
3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has the closest resemblance to the oils secreted by our skin and is considered a favorite by numerous aestheticians. This is extremely light on the skin and is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
How To Use:
Apply jojoba oil to the affected area and repeat process 3-4 times a day. Jojoba oil can also be used to treat infection in children.
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is not only useful for its aromatic properties but can also be used to clear infections.
It is a popular choice for beauty purposes and is often used to get rid of acne. Its anti-fungal properties make it an ideal remedy to heal ringworm.
How To Use:
Apply few drops of lavender oil on the affected area to cure it of ringworm. In case you are using essential oil, make sure you dilute drops of essential lavender oil with a carrier oil.
Do not apply essential directly to the skin as it can have potent effects.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has anti-fungal properties and can effectively eliminate ringworms. It leaves contain numerous compounds such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and phenolic glycosides, among other. These compounds assist in remedying infections.
How To Use:
Oregano oil can be consumed as well as applied to the skin. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with other oils such as lavender and almond oil to increase effectiveness.
To consume oregano oil, simply dilute it with a glass of warm water. Drink this diluted solution three times a day.
6. Camphor
Camphor is one of the most effective remedies against ringworms and skin infections. It is acquired from the bark of camphor tree. Its prominence in the medicinal field can be detected in Chinese medicine as well as Ayurveda.
How To Use:
Rub drops of camphor oil on the affected areas. To increase effectiveness, mix it with sesame oil. However, be cautioned. Never ingest camphor as it is toxic. If your skin reacts badly to camphor, stop using it and seek medical help.
7. Olive
Olive is well known in the field for its therapeutic properties. It is used for both beauty and health benefits. The use of olive oil and extracts can be traced back to ancient Egypt and parts of Greece.
Olive extracts have anti-viral properties and aid in curing infections. Viruses thrive in areas where amino acids are produced, and olive extracts can produce an entire colony of a virus by stemming this process.
Moreover, olive extracts help boosts our immunity system.
How To Use:
Make olive extract paste and apply it to the skin every day. You can use add other soothing ingredients such as witch hazel and rose water to cool the skin.
If an olive extract is not available, you can substitute it with olive oil. Olive oil can be used externally as well as internally. Apply it to the skin multiple times a day.
8. Calendula
marigold or calendula as it is known more popularly has been used for centuries to cure numerous conditions including skin diseases.
Calendula has the high content of flavonoids. Flavonoids contain anti-oxidants which aid in diminishing the effects of oxidation. Calendula oil contains wound-healing properties and assists in speeding up the healing process.
How To Use:
Apply calendula oil directly on the affected area. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. There should be a noticeable difference in less than a week. Calendula oil can also be consumed separately or as a decoction
9. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a herbal plant that has been used by Native Americans for centuries. The root and the rhizome and root of the plant have been used to treat numerous skin conditions. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, thus proving its effectiveness against persistent skin conditions such as ringworm.
How To Use:
To make a decoction of goldenseal, take a few tips. Of the herb and mix it with a cup of water. Add the herb and boil it for about 3 minutes. Let it cool down to a tolerable temperature before consuming.
Goldenseal can also be mixed with a drink of your choice. In case you are susceptible to getting the infection on your foot, dust your socks and footwear with the herb.
10. Garlic
Garlic contains ajoene which is an anti-fungal agent. Ajoene aids in getting rid of ringworm effectively. Garlic is also used to treat other conditions and is a popular remedy for hair loss.
How To Use:
To use garlic for treating ringworm, make the decoction of garlic paste, olive oil, and honey. Olive oil and honey both have anti-microbial properties and will help in speeding the healing process.
Apply this paste to the affected area 2-3 times a day for a week to get effective results.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used treating numerous skin conditions for centuries and one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties and is a popular remedy against ringworm.
This household staple effectively eliminates the microbes causing the infection and stops its growth. It is advised to use turmeric on a regular basis as it benefits the skin and keeps blood pressure under control.
How To Use:
Apply the powdered turmeric over the affected region by making a wet paste with water or rosewater. Leave on skin for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
To remove the stain, wash with a gentle soap and warm water. Repeat process twice a day till the ringworm heals completely.
12. Mustard
Mustard seeds are an effective remedy against ringworm. They have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing the itching and rashes caused by ringworm.
How To Use:
Make a paste of the mustard seeds by grinding the seeds and mixing the powder with water. You can also substitute water with olive or coconut oil.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is popularly consumed for increasing metabolism and reducing blood pressure. It has anti-microbial properties which are highly beneficial to the skin. Apple cider vinegar is also used as a remedy for acne and skin conditions, including ringworms.
How To Use:
Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly on the ringworm multiple times a day. Ensure the vinegar is organic as chemical infused vinegar can be potent to the skin and might further irritate it.
14. Myrrh
Myrrh has anti-fungal properties and is used to treat skin conditions.It is extracted from Commiphora Mukul, an ancient medicinal herb extensively used by Egyptians since as long as 1550 BC.
How To Use:
Mix myrrh with goldenseal and use the paste to cure ringworm. Apply over the infection twice a day for visible results.
15. Grapefruit
The white membrane and pulp of grapefruit is used to treat skin conditions and has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The seeds are also used to cure skin diseases and are said to boost the immune system and other infections.
Grapefruit extract also assists in curing rashes and ringworm. It is useful and can be used on sensitive skin.
How To Use:
Mix the grapefruit extract with water and apply directly to the skin. If you are using grapefruit oil, make sure it is a carrier oil. In case the oil at hand is an essential oil, dilute a few drops with another carrier oil.
16. Chamomile
Often dubbed as an immunity booster, chamomile can be used to treat skin conditions as well as internal infections. It has healing properties.
How To Use:
Simply use rub the cooled down chamomile tea on the affected area several times a day for a week.
17. Papaya
Papaya is one of the most popular skin care ingredients. It has been used for decades to achieve flawless skin and still maintains the same prevalence.
Naturally, this tropical fruit can come to your aid when it comes to treating ringworms. It contains enzymes such as papain and chymopapain which assist in treating fungal conditions.
How To Use:
Directly rub slices of raw papaya on the infection to maximize healing.
18. Neem
A well-known medicinal plant, the usage of neem can be traced even before Ayurveda. No part of it is left to waste; it can cure the most stubborn skin conditions.
How To Use:
Chew on some neem leaves to get rid of the ringworm. Neem paste can be applied directly to the affected area. Neem oil also can be used instead of the paste.
19. Holy Basil
A sacred plant in the Hindu traditions, basil, which is otherwise known as Tulsi, has been used for centuries to treat numerous conditions. It has excellent medicinal properties.
How To Use:
Simply rub the tulsi paste on the affected area. The leaves can be consumed directly from the plant as well.
20. Aloe vera
It is near impossible to meet someone who does not know the medicinal value of aloe vera. This herb is a staple in many households and can be numerous skin care products try to replicate its healing and soothing properties.
How To Use:
Cut open an aloe vera leaf and place the saponin- the gel-like substance- on the ringworm. Leave for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with water.
21. Licorice
Licorice has about twenty-five anti-fungal substances. It is highly effective in curing ringworms.
How To Use:
Make tea using powdered roots of licorice and rub over the infection using a cotton ball.
22. Ginger
Ginger is one of the core ingredients in preparing powerful decoctions for healing purposes. With about twenty anti-fungal substances, ginger is an ideal remedy for treating ringworms.
How To Use:
Prepare a paste of ginger and rub it over the affected area. Roots of ginger can also be used for this purpose.
23. Vegetable Extract
Vegetables are stapled in our diet and with their anti-bacterial and immunity boosting properties, it is no wonder that vegetables often used to cure infections.
How To Use:
Mix carrot juice and spinach juice in the ratio of 1:1 and drink it regularly for a week. Not only will the ringworm get cured, but you will also notice radiance in your skin that was not there before this.
24. Black Walnut
A black walnut extract is used to treat numerous skin infections and is often used to prepare skin products.
How To Use:
Prepare a tincture of black walnut and directly apply on the skin. Apply it twice a day.
25. Salt
Salt is an excellent astringent and is often used to clean and heal wounds.
How To Use:
Mix a tablespoon of salt with water till you get the desired texture. Gently rub it into the skin. Take care not the scrub rigorously and irritate the skin. Repeat twice a day.
26. Lemongrass
Aside from its soothing and calming fragrance, lemongrass is used for numerous purposes. It has been used in oriental and South Asian medicine for centuries. It has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, making it an excellent remedy for ringworms.
How to use: Rub either lemongrass paste or oil into the skin multiple times a day for a. week. Take precaution if using essential lemongrass oil.
27. Nutmeg
Grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and West Indies, nutmeg is packed with medicinal properties. It is used in culinary not only for its health benefits but as a tonic and spice.
How To Use:
Prepare a paste by mixing crushed nutmeg powder with water or rose water and apply it on the skin.
28. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is effective in treating skin infections. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. It is an excellent insect repellent and is often used to treat lice and other parasites.
How To Use:
Directly apply peppermint oil on to the affected area. In case you are using the oil in its concentrated form, take caution. You can also incorporate other oils with peppermint oil.
29. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is known to have anti-microbial properties and is used to treat numerous skin conditions. It is a fully natural compound. It is a suspension of submicroscopic metallic silver particles in a colloidal base, and it delays the growth of infection-causing microbes.
How To Use:
Procure the gel or the cream form of colloidal silver and apply it to the skin to cure the ringworm.
30. Honey
Honey is a great remedy for anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It has been used for centuries for preservation and to fight off any unwanted microbes.
How To Use:
Honey can be directly consumed in its raw and unprocessed form. It can also be mixed with tea concoctions to sweeten them and fasten the healing process.
If you are planning on applying honey to the skin, make sure you dilute it with water as honey can be potent and cause the skin to react.
31. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular acne treatment, but it can be used to treat other skin conditions as well. It has astringent and anti-fungal properties which aid in curing ringworms.
How To Use:
Mix cinnamon with honey and make a paste as desired. Apply on the infection and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Repeat process twice a day for the week for visible results.
32. Avocado Oil
Avocado has anti-inflammatory [properties which assist in alleviating the irritation caused by ringworms.
How To Use:
Make avocado paste or use avocado oil directly on the affected area. You can mix it with coconut oil or other essential oils.
There are numerous ways to treat ringworms naturally. It is always advised to try out natural, harmless and useful home remedies before seeking medical help.
The ingredients used to treat the ringworms should, however, be organic or unprocessed. This is because chemically processed products can cause or skin to react badly.
Seek medical help if the ringworm persists for a long time or is deterring you from carrying out normal, everyday activities by causing discomfort.
