15 Best Home Remedies For Ringworm For Instant Relief.

We all have fungal infections at least once in our life. Unlike the name, ringworm is a condition caused by a fungus called tinea and not a worm per se. Home remedies for ringworm help you treat this skin condition from further spreading, giving you relief.

The dead tissues of your skin, nails, and hair are the places this fungus thrives, affecting those areas predominantly. Ringworm develops a scaly, red rash that is itchy and looks like a worm hence the name.

Read on to know more about how the home remedies help you keep the infection under control and effectively treat the rashes.

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Causes of Ringworm:

Here is a list of things that can cause and spread ringworm.

• The critical cause of ringworm is coming in contact with an animal with this fungal infection. Although it is relatively common in cows, it spreads while petting dogs or cats.
• Coming in touch with a person who is infected with ringworm.
• The fungus that causes ringworm may reside on objects or surfaces touched by an infected person.
• If you contact any object used by an infected person, it can cause and spread ringworm.
• Although it is rare, sometimes infected soil may cause and be the reason to spread of the infection.

15 Best Home Remedies for Ringworm:

Although it may seem like a crisis, by adhering to the home remedies mentioned below regularly, you will be able to treat the symptoms of ringworm effectively.

1. Garlic for Ringworm:

Garlic is a common ingredient found in many households that has many health benefits. It helps treat ringworm with the help of bio-active compounds like allicin. It also treats the infection by exhibiting anti-fungal properties (1).

Ingredients:

1. Three cloves of garlic.
2. Few drops of coconut oil.

Preparation:

• Crush the garlic and make a smooth paste by adding a few drops of coconut oil.
• Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it for 15 minutes.
• Clean your face with lukewarm water.
• You can try this remedy till the rash disappears completely.
• Caution: Stop using garlic if you have any irritation or stinging feeling.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Ringworm Treatment:

Apple cider vinegar helps combat the infection, causing fungus with its anti-fungal properties, enabling you to recover quickly (2). When you apply it topically, you can get rid of the ringworm effectively at home.

Ingredients:

1. One tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
2. One cotton ball.

Preparation:

• Use some water to dilute apple cider vinegar.
• Apply the solution to the affected area by soaking the cotton ball in it.
• Use the band-aid to keep the cotton ball in place.
• Use this remedy thrice a week for effective results.

3. Oregano Essential Oil for Ringworm:

Oregano essential oil inhibits fungus growth, making it one of the best natural remedies for ringworm. It also treats the symptoms, getting rid of infection-causing fungi since it has anti-fungal properties (3).

Ingredients:

1. Carrier oil.
2. Two to three drops of oregano oil.

Preparation:

• Mix the carrier oil and three drops of oregano oil in a bowl.
• Apply the oil to the infected area and let it stay.
• You can use this remedy till the area is healed, once per day.

4. Aloe Vera:

The anti-fungal and wound-healing properties of Aloe Vera make it one of the best home remedies for ringworm (4). It reduces the discomfort, inflammation, and itchiness caused by this condition speeding up the recovery giving you a soothing feel.

Ingredients:

1. Aloe vera extracts.

Preparation:

• Take fresh Aloe Vera gel from the leaf.
• Apply the gel to the infected area and leave it there.
• Following this remedy twice or thrice a day yields desired results.

See Also: Natural Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus

5. Soap and Water:

The areas of skin infected with ringworm need to be kept clean. Before trying any home remedies, washing the infected area with antibacterial soap can be very efficient. This process helps you prevent the spreading of the rash any further.

Make sure not to leave any moisture in the infected area by drying it off thoroughly. Although they may be irritating to sensitive skin, pine and coal-tar soaps might be a good option.

6. Coconut Oil:

The emollient properties of coconut oil help reduce irritation and itching associated with ringworm (5). Coconut oil helps treat fungal infections like Candida, with its anti-fungal properties (6). It works as an ideal treatment for scalp ringworm since coconut oil works as an effective hair conditioner.

Ingredients:

1. Coconut oil.
2. A cotton ball.

Preparation:

• Soak the cotton ball in coconut oil.
• Gently apply the oil to the affected area and let it stay.
• Use this remedy thrice a day until the infection clears up.

7. Lemongrass:

Lemongrass helps treat fungal infections like ringworm since it has anti-fungal properties in abundance (7). Using lemongrass oil in combination with a carrier oil enables you to treat ringworm efficiently.

Ingredients:

1. Few drops of lemongrass oil.
2. One tbsp of coconut oil.
3. A cotton ball.

Preparation:

• Take a bowl and add the coconut oil and lemongrass oil.
• Mix them thoroughly.
• Soak the cotton ball and apply the mixture on the infected site.

8. Licorice:

The antimicrobial properties of licorice make it one of the best home remedies for ringworm. According to research, fungal infections like ringworm are treated efficiently with the help of licorice extracts (8).

Ingredients:

1. Eight tbsp of powdered licorice.
2. One cup of water.

Preparation:

• Add the powdered licorice to water and mix it well.
• Simmer the liquid until it forms a smooth paste.
• Let it cool down.
• Apply the paste to the infected area and let it stay for 10 minutes.
• Use this remedy twice a day for effective results.

9. Holy Basil:

We all know the medicinal benefits basil offers us, and it is a herb that is readily available in every house. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal compounds present in basil leaves relieve ringworm symptoms and prevent infection (9).

Ingredients:

1. Half a cup of basil leaves.
2. Two cups of water.

Preparation:

• Place water and basil leaves in a bowl.
• Simmer the water until it reduces to half.
• Take a cotton ball and apply the mixture to the infected area.

See Also: How to Prevent Yeast Infection

10. Tea Tree Oil and Ringworm:

The bio-active compounds and anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil work efficiently in treating ringworm (10). It helps treat ringworm symptoms and use a carrier oil like coconut oil if you have sensitive skin since it has its anti-fungal features.

Ingredients:

1. Few drops of tea tree oil.
2. One tbsp of coconut oil.
3. Cotton pad.

Preparation:

• Take a bowl and add the coconut oil and tea tree oil.
• Mix them thoroughly.
• Soak a cotton ball and apply the oil on the infected area.
• Using this remedy for seven to ten days a few times a day for effective results.

11. Papaya:

Papaya is one of the best fruits that helps treat ringworm by destroying the old dead cells where the fungus grows. Papain and chymopapain are the enzymes present in raw papaya that fight various fungus types by forming a defense shield (11). It also gives you a soothing feel.

Ingredients:

1. One cup of diced papaya.
2. Few drops of water.

Preparation:

• Mash the diced papaya forming a smooth paste by adding some water.
• Apply the paste to the infected area and let it stay for 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.

12. Turmeric:

Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that work as a perfect natural treatment for ringworm (12). It inhibits the growth of fungus and reducing the itching, and stop the spread of infection further.

Ingredients:

1. One tbsp of turmeric powder.
2. Few drops of water.

Preparation:

• Add the water drops to turmeric, forming a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste over the infected area.
• Leave it there for at least 15 minutes.
• Use water to wash it off.

13. Mustard Seeds:

Mustard seeds reduce the inflammation, itchiness, and redness on your skin, working as a perfect home treatment for ringworm. It has anti-inflammatory effects on your body because of the presence of a nutrient called selenium. It also stops the spreading of ringworm when you apply this paste topically (13).

Ingredients:

1. One tbsp of mustard seeds.

Preparation:

• Soak the mustard seeds overnight.
• Blend the soaked mustard seeds by adding water as required.
• Apply the paste to the infected area.
• Leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with water.

14. Chamomile Tea:

If you are a fan of chamomile tea, you must already know the numerous benefits it offers. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help reduce the redness, itching, and inflammation associated with ringworm (14).

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile tea bag.
2. One cup of water.

Preparation:

• Boil the cup of water and place the teabag in it.
• Let it steep for a few minutes.
• Remove the tea bag and let it cool down.
• Apply the liquid to your infected area with a cotton ball.
• Let it stay for at least 15 minutes and wash it off.

15. Lavender Oil:

The anti-fungal properties of lavender oil can stop the spread of fungal infections, making it one of the best home remedies to treat ringworm infection (15). Make sure to add a carrier oil such as coconut oil for effective results.

Ingredients:

1. One tbsp of coconut oil.
2. Four drops of lavender essential oil.

Preparation:

• Dilute the lavender essential oil by mixing coconut oil in it.
• Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the affected area.
• Following this remedy, twice a day gives effective results.

When to Consult a Doctor:

If the ringworm symptoms persist after two weeks of using the home remedies, then it is time to consult your doctor.

The doctor may prescribe you an over-the-counter lotion to be applied topically or stronger antifungal medications depending upon the severity. These lotions should be applied twice daily for substantial results.

The people who have a high chance of spreading the condition to others who need to promptly see their doctor are teachers and athletes.

Since ringworm is a fungal infection that spreads quickly from person to person, it is necessary to treat the rash quickly. The people who are at higher risk of contracting this infection are the ones who share a locker room, swimming pools, or who have pets. With the home remedies for ringworm mentioned in this article, you will treat the condition from escalating further. Don’t forget to let us know how this article has helped you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for medical advice. Seek the guidance of a medical professional to clarify any doubts you have regarding your health status.

FAQ:

1. How Can You Prevent the Formation of Ringworm on Your Body?

Ans: By following these simple steps, you can avoid ringworm:

• Do not touch the lesions you find suspicious.
• Try to wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Dry off completely after showering.
• As there is a chance of reinfection, keep an eye for tinea signs in family members.
• Avoid using the bedding, towels, or clothing of a ringworm infected person.
• Take your pet to a veterinarian if your pet is suspected of symptoms of ringworm.
• Once you handle the pet, disinfect the areas where your pet spends time and wash your hands.

2. Can Ringworm Pass on to Others through Touch?

Ans: Ringworm is a fungal infection that can quickly spread from person to person by touch. When the outer layer of your skin has mold-like parasites living on them, it causes ringworm. It usually spreads by skin contact with an infected person or the use of towels or locker room shared by an infected person.

3. How Can You Stop the Spreading of the Ringworm?

Ans: Ringworm gives the infected area an itchy sensation combined with a crusted and red appearance. Using the home remedies mentioned in this article or an anti-fungal ointment can help stop the spreading of this infection.