Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin that causes red, itchy, scaly rashes in ring-like shapes. Though uncomfortable, ringworm can be treated with simple home remedies that have antifungal properties. Pets like dogs or cats could potentially spread the illness to people. Even though ringworms are frequently found in children, anyone can get them. In this write-up, we will discuss the top 13 home remedy for ringworm.
Home Remedy For Ringworm
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant and contains terpinen-4-ol that gives it strong antifungal abilities.
Steps:
- Dilute 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
- You need to use a cotton ball to use this solution on the area that was affected.
- Do it several times a day.
2. Apple cider vinegar
If you are looking for the best home remedy for ringworm, Apple cider vinegar is recommended by most experts. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar creates unfavourable conditions for fungus to multiply.
Steps:
- Take some apple cider vinegar and water.
- Add them in equal amounts.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on the ringworm.
- Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
- Follow this remedy 2 times a day.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has lauric and caprylic acids that exhibit antifungal properties.
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of extra virgin coconut oil on the infected skin.
- Keep it as it is for half an hour.
- Then proceed to clean.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily.
4. Garlic
Garlic has ajoene and allicin compounds that can inhibit fungal growth.
Steps:
- To use garlic as home remedy for ringworm, first you need to crush 2-3 garlic cloves to extract the juice.
- Apply the garlic juice on ringworm with a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Use this remedy once daily.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric has antifungal and anti-inflammatory abilities.
Steps:
- Make a thick paste using 1 tsp turmeric powder and water.
- Apply the paste on ringworm and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Then you need to clean it with cool water and let it dry.
- Follow this routine 2 times a day.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel helps soothe skin inflammation and contains anthraquinones that combat fungus.
Steps:
- First take an aloe vera leaf and cut it to extract the gel.
- Apply the gel directly on the infected skin.
- You need to give it twenty minutes to dry and then proceed for rinsing.
- Repeat 3 times daily.
7. Oregano oil
Oregano oil is another great home remedy for ringworm that has thymol and carvacrol.
Steps:
- Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with 1 tsp coconut oil.
- Apply the diluted oil on ringworm with a cotton swab.
- Use this 2 times a day until fully healed.
8. Baking soda
The antiseptic properties of baking soda help balance skin pH to inhibit fungal overgrowth.
Steps:
- First take some baking soda and some water.
- Then mix the water and soda in a 1:3 ratio.
- Gently rub the paste on the infected skin.
- Keep it for five to ten minutes and then wash.
- Use this once daily.
9. Salt water
Salt acts as a natural cleanser and disinfectant for ringworm infection.
Steps:
- First step is to add one teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
- Dip a clean cloth in this and apply on ringworm.
- Rinse after 5-10 minutes with plain water.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily.
10. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil is considered to be one of the most effective home remedy for ringworm as it contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds to destroy fungus.
Steps:
- Dilute 2-3 drops of lemongrass oil in 1 tsp of carrier oil.
- Dab it gently on the ringworm patches.
- Keep it for twenty minutes to half an hour before cleaning.
- Use this remedy 2 times a day.
11. Cloves
Clove oil has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities that can help treat ringworm.
Steps:
- Grind 5-6 cloves into a coarse powder.
- Add water to make a thick paste.
- Apply this on the ringworm patches.
- You need to keep it for 10-15 minutes before proceeding for wash.
- Use this once daily.
12. Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal relieves ringworm itching and soothes inflamed skin.
Steps:
- Make a fine powder of uncooked oatmeal.
- The next step is to create a paste by adding water to that powder.
- Apply it on the infected skin and let it dry.
- Rinse off after 20 minutes.
- Follow this remedy twice daily.
13. Mustard seed powder
Mustard seeds have antifungal and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Steps:
- Make a thick paste using mustard seed powder and water.
- Apply the paste on ringworm and leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Use this once daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for home remedies to cure ringworm?
A: It can take 2-4 weeks of consistent application of antifungal home remedies to fully cure ringworm.
Q: When should I see a doctor for ringworm treatment?
A: See your doctor if the rash worsens or does not improve within 2-4 weeks of dedicated home treatment.
Q: Is ringworm contagious?
A: Yes, ringworm is highly contagious and can spread from person to person or animal to person through direct skin contact or by sharing combs, clothes, towels etc.
Q: Where on the body does ringworm appear?
A: Ringworm can appear on the arms, legs, face, scalp, groin, feet (athlete’s foot) or nails.
Q: What are the symptoms of ringworm?
A: Symptoms include severe itching, red rashes with well-defined edges forming ring-shaped patches, scaliness, bumps, cracked skin, hair loss on scalp, etc.
Q: How is ringworm treated?
A: Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal creams like terbinafine, butenafine, miconazole etc.
Overview
You can try any of the above-mentioned home remedy for ringworm for better results. Leaving ringworm untreated allows the fungal infection to proliferate, leading to worsening symptoms, skin damage, and potential hair loss. Prompt treatment also prevents spreading ringworm to others at home, work or school.
