Home Remedies for Ringworm

You can get ringworm on any part of your body, from your scalp to your feet. Ringworm infections are unsightly and cause discomfort. This article focuses on effective home remedies for ringworm.

Infections like ringworm are contagious and stubborn. Certain areas of the body are especially difficult to remove, such as the scalp, fingernails, and toenails. Generally, home remedies for ringworm work well on the rest of the body.

Causes and Symptoms

Skin infections caused by ringworm are known as dermatophytosis. This means that the skin fungus that causes the infection can only survive on the top layer of keratin of the skin. Fortunately, it cannot penetrate deeper into the skin. Likewise, it cannot survive on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth and vaginal area.

There are different types of ringworm that affect different parts of the body, including:

• The Groin area is affected by the ringworm called Tinea cruris
• Feet are affected by the ringworm Tinea Pedis.
• The scalp is affected by the ringworm called Tinea Capitis
• Hands are affected by the ringworm called Tinea Manus
• Nails are affected by ringworm called Tinea Unguium
• The face is affected by the ringworm called Tinea Faciei and
• The rest of the body is affected by the ringworm called Tinea corporis

It takes 4-10 days for symptoms to appear after infection. A ring of red, scaly, bumpy, and itchy skin surrounds the clear center of the affected area. Symptoms of ringworms include itchy, red, scaly, and scaly patches of skin.

How to stop ringworm from spreading:

You should know what to do to prevent ringworm from spreading. You can even spread it to others. As previously mentioned, ringworm is contagious. Below are tips for preventing the spread of ringworms that include:

• Start treatment as soon as you spot the ringworm symptoms.
• You must treat all ringworm at the same time
• Before touching another part of the body after touching the ringworm-affected area, wash your hands thoroughly. 
• Infected areas should be kept clean and dry.
• You should trim your fingernails and toenails short and clean them regularly.
• Wear a fresh pair of socks and underwear every day.
• After working out, take a shower
• Do not share towels or personal items with others
• When in the common locker rooms, showers, and pool areas, you should wear shower thongs or waterproof shoes
• Get rid of infected items by disinfecting them or throwing them away
• Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ringworm
• Tell your dermatologist if your treatment does not clear up the rash

5 Home Remedies for Ringworms

Considering ringworm is a fungus infection, it can affect one’s entire body since it is contagious. Proper treatment is therefore important to prevent complications. Home remedies for ringworms are usually effective in treating ringworms. However, some more severe forms may require a doctor’s help.

In the case of diabetes, it is harder to deal with any skin condition. Therefore ensure to get help from your physician. It is still possible to use home remedies but a physician should supervise them.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat most mild ringworm infections. Because it is acidic in nature, some people may experience skin irritation and stinging. It is best to test it on a patch of healthy skin first to make sure it will not irritate your skin. You can dilute apple cider vinegar in water and apply it if your skin is too sensitive.

A study in 2015 on the antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar showed antifungal properties against Candida.

How to use:

• Wash the affected area with water.
• Apply apple cider vinegar to the ringworm with a cotton ball.
• After 30 minutes, wash the area.
• Repeat three to four times a day.

2. Garlic Extract for Ringworm

The most effective remedy for treating ringworm is garlic. Allicin, which is found in garlic, has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Garlic would give a true antidermatophytic activity comparable to standard antifungal drugs

Antidermatophytic activity of garlic (Allium sativum) in vitro

How to use:

• Prepare a thick paste by crushing two garlic cloves.
• Apply a thick layer of the paste to the ringworm.
• Put a surgical bandage over it and leave it until the next application.
• Repeat at least twice a day.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree (melaleuca) oil has become increasingly popular as an alternative and complementary medicine over the past few decades. The oil has been used in Australia for almost 100 years. It is now available worldwide as a neat oil as well as an active component in many other products.

The antifungal and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil are beneficial in treating ringworm and other skin conditions. There is now a need for large randomized clinical trials to confirm tea tree oil as a topical medicinal agent.

How to use:

• Take a cotton ball and soak it in tea tree oil, then apply it to the ringworm.
• Keep it there until the next application.
• Every day, repeat 2-3 times.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric has antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that are effective against ringworm infections. To get the benefits of turmeric internally, you can drink turmeric water or turmeric tea every day.

How to use:

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder with water to make a paste
• apply it to ringworm infections and keep it there for 30-45 minutes
• Repeat 2-3 times a day

Use with caution as turmeric will leave permanent yellow stains on clothing.

5. Aloe Vera

Among the many illnesses that aloe vera can treat, ringworm is no exception. Itchy, inflamed, and uncomfortable symptoms of ringworm may be relieved by aloe vera.

How to use:

• Aloe vera gel or ointments can be found in the market that contains aloe vera. You can use them or apply aloe gel also works.
• Repeat at least three times a day.

Takeaway

Remember that ringworm shows up on the skin only after 4 to 10 days. Be quick to spot the ringworm symptoms quickly otherwise, it can spread faster all over your body.

Home remedies for ringworm are handy. These home remedies can help heal ringworms effectively. Severe cases may need help from your physician. Those with diabetes also should consult a doctor to treat ringworms.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions: