Home Remedies for Ringworms 10 Ways to Treat The Symptoms

Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and specializes in writing on Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s ... more

Contrary to what its name suggests, ringworm is not a worm. It is a skin condition caused by a fungus called tinea. This fungus lives on the dead tissues of your skin, nails, and hair.

Ringworm causes your skin to develop circular, red, scaly, and itchy rashes. It affects the scalp, legs, toenails, and fingernails. People who share locker rooms or swimming pools or have pets stand a greater risk of contracting the infection. This infection is contagious and can easily spread from person to person. Hence, it is important to treat the rash(es) and keep the infection under control.

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Ringworms

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties (1). These may help in combating the infection-causing fungus and aid recovery from the infection.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this about 3-4 times a day for a week.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains bioactive compounds that possess antifungal properties. It was found to be effective in treating tine pedis (2). Hence, it may also help in treating the symptoms of ringworm.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this a few times during the day for 7-10 days.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antifungal properties and can help in treating fungal infections like Candida (3). Its emollient properties may also soothe the irritation and itching that often accompanies ringworm (4).

What You Have To Do

Take some coconut oil on your fingertips and massage it gently over the affected area and leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this oil 3-4 times a day until it heals.

4. Garlic

Garlic is rich in bioactive compounds like allicin and can be used for treating ringworm. The compounds exhibit antifungal properties that can help soothe the infection and heal it (5).

5. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil exhibits antifungal activity (5). Hence, it can help in getting rid of the infection-causing fungi and treat the symptoms.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least once a day until it is healed.

6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil exhibits fungistatic effects (6). Its topical application may help treat the infection and soothe the affected area.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat it every night until the affected area is healed.

7. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has antifungal properties (7). Hence, it can prove to be an effective option to treat ringworm and stop it from spreading.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least two times a day.

8. Neem Oil

The topical application of neem oil can help treat ringworm. Neem oil is enriched with phytochemicals that exhibit fungicidal properties (8).

What You Have To Do

Dab a few drops of neem oil on a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area.

How Often You Should Do This

You must apply this oil two times a day for about 7-10 days.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric exhibits antifungal activity against different strains of dermatophytes (9). This can help alleviate the symptoms of ringworm infection and also prevent further infection.

10. Aloe Vera Gel

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Aloe vera is well known for its wound-healing and antifungal properties (10). This makes it the perfect natural remedy to eliminate ringworm infection and speed up recovery.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2-3 times a day.

These methods can help you manage and treat ringworm infection at home. However, if your condition persists or you experience pain, consult your doctor to uncover any underlying dermatological issues.

Did you find any of these remedies helpful in alleviating the symptoms of ringworm? Do share your experiences with us by leaving a comment in the box below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get rid of ringworm?

It usually takes about 2-4 weeks to treat a ringworm infection completely.

How can you stop ringworm from spreading?

You can stop the infection from spreading by applying an antifungal ointment or using any of the natural remedies listed above.

Is ringworm always itchy?

Ringworm can have a red and crusted appearance. An itchy sensation can accompany this scaly rash.

Is ringworm contagious by touch?

Ringworm is quite contagious and can spread very easily by touch. It can also spread to resources shared by people like towels, locker rooms, accessories, etc.

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