Ringworm is an unsightly and uncomfortable skin condition that is due to a fungal infection. It often shows the symptoms like red, scaly patches on the skin, accompanied by itchiness and sometimes blistering. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help to reduce the symptoms of ringworm and even help to clear it up completely. This post will provide readers with an overview of the most effective home remedies for ringworm. It will explain what causes ringworm and discuss the symptoms associated with the condition. The post will then cover the different types of home remedies that are available and the benefits they offer. Finally, the post will provide readers with tips on how to prevent the spread of ringworm and when to seek medical attention. By the end of this post, readers will have more knowledge about the home remedies that can help to reduce the symptoms of ringworm and eliminate it altogether. They will also have a better understanding of what causes ringworm and how to prevent it from spreading.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is actually a fungal infection of the skin that tends to creep insidiously along the groin, scalp, feet, body, nails and face. The name comes from a characteristic red ring of small scales that appears on the infected person’s skin and has nothing to do with worms, thank goodness. It often starts out as a round, itchy red patch that grows outward. As it expands, the middle area heals, but all around is a red ring where infection continues to spread. If it’s on your scalp, count on some flaky skin and patches of hair loss. Though it is not dangerous, it is contagious. The condition thrives in warm, moist environments, and is often spread when people touch an infected surface such as a shower floor. As a first step, you need to practice excellent hygiene, washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water followed by a dryer cycle. Avoid sharing towels. Next, use these natural cures.
Common Indian Names
Ringworm is also popular as Tinea Corporis (Scientific Binomial Name), Fungal infection of the skin or scalp (Common English), (Unani), Daad / Dadru / Mandal Kushth (Hindi / Urdu), Patartamarai / Patai / Eccirremal (Tamil), Gajakarna / Nayata (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Dad / Kandu / Dadru (Bengali), Ringvarm / Tamara Vyadhi / Ati Durada Jabbu (Telugu), Ringvarm (Kannada), Vira (Malayalam), Xuan / Jinqian Xuan / Xuan (Mandarin / Traditional Chinese / Simplified Chinese), Tina (Spanish), Micose / Tinha / Manchas Circulares / Doenca Da Pele (Portuguese), Strigushchiy Lishay (Russian), Leichin / Leichinas / Leichina (Greek), Alquba Alhalqiat Marad Jalladi (Arabic), Hakusen (Japanese), Capitis Damnare / Lichen (Latin), (Dutch), Tigna (Italian), Stryhuchyy Lyshay (Ukrainian), Ringworm (Punjabi), Scherpilzflechte (German), (Javanese), Kurap / Kadas (Malay / Indonesian), Binh Sai (Vietnamese), Baegseon (Korean), Teigne (French), Sackiran (Turkish), Dadara / Daraja (Gujarati), (Nepali). Ringworm is a contagious itching skin disease occurring in small circular patches, caused by any of a number of fungi and affecting chiefly the scalp or the feet. The most common form is athlete’s foot. Any fungal infection spreads easily, and ringworm once thought to be an actual worm lurking beneath the skin, is no exception. It all begins with prevention. Keep your feet and groin dry and take quick action with an over the counter antifungal medication when you see the first suggestion of an outbreak. Also try the home remedies below.
Ringworm Natural Home Remedies
- Essential Oil: Essential oil gives soothing effect to skin. Apply 3 to 5 drops of essential oils of lavender or tea tree topically to the area. You can also use echinacea tincture, goldenseal tincture, and/or myrrh tincture simply by applying enough to cover the affected area three times daily.
- Neem: An alternative treatment is to wash your body with Neem soap. Then dry thoroughly with soft towel, and apply some Neem oil (about 1/4 teaspoon) mixed with about 10 drops of tea tree oil. Apply that mixture topically to the affected area with a cotton swab. Neem’s most common use in the West is as an oil, which can bring relief to sore and itchy rashes. Apply it safely to fungal problems such as ringworm.
- Oregano: Oregano also known as wild marjoram shows strong antiseptic and anti fungal activity. Apply the infusion or the diluted oil regularly to skin problems such as ringworm and fungal nails. Try diluting oregano oil maximum of 5 % dilution in a carrier oil such as olive oil.
- Coconut Oil: This is an old folk home remedy for warts. African studies show that virgin coconut oil, a folk remedy for treating such fungal skin infections as athlete’s foot and ringworm, has anti-fungal properties. Likewise, turmeric is an anti fungal agent. Over low heat, melt 60 g of coconut oil in a pan. It happens in a matter of seconds. Whisk in 2 g of turmeric root powder. Turn off the heat. Pour the mixture into a clean dish. When cool, spread on the affected area. Allow to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off and dry the area thoroughly. Be careful while using turmeric, as it is traditionally useful to dye fabrics yellow. It will temporarily stain your skin and permanently stain clothing.
- Garlic: Garlic is very effective to treat fungal infection. You can also rub a crushed garlic clove briefly over the area several times daily, but don’t leave the garlic clove on the skin as it can burn. Take garlic oil, a major anti-fungal agent, internally in dose 3 capsules daily. In addition, take one dropper of black walnut tincture which is a powerful anti-fungal agent, three times daily and a probiotic supplement three times daily to help the body better resist fungal overgrowth.
- Basil: A basil poultice is useful to treat ringworm infections.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe is an effective antifungal natural ointment. Apply aloe gel on ring worms. Here is how to use and store aloe leaf for further use. Wash the leaves. Cut into 5 cm lengths. Slice each piece in half, to expose the largest amount of gel. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and date. To use, remove plastic and apply the gel side of the leaf to the skin; smear over the affected area, or hold in place with a bandage.
- Keep It Dry: Be sure you keep the affected patch clean and dry. If the infection starts to ooze or blister over, apply cool or warm moist compresses. Or soak in water with dissolved Epsom salt or Domeboro powder to help dry the oozing rash. Take care not to break the blisters, and make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
- Black Walnut: Try green or immature black walnut externally. If ringworm strikes in the fall, you might be able to resolve the problem with a green hulled harvest from a nearby black walnut tree. Black walnuts have a distinctive smelling thick green rind. Crush the rind into a pulp and apply it to ringworm up to four times a day until the condition clears up. It works magically on skin blemishes, ringworm and even warts. OR Just make a couple of incisions into its outer shell and rub the juice on whatever you want cleared up. At first there may be a slight burning sensation, but don’t worry. At other times, the juice could turn the skin where it’s applied a little brown, but this will eventually wear off. Practically all kinds of warts, dark, ugly age spots and ringworm have been successfully eliminated with this treatment. But black walnut pulp is toxic if you eat it, so make sure it just goes on your skin.
- Pineapple Leaves: Put fresh pineapple or powdered guava leaves on ringworm for good results.
- Turmeric: It is a traditional Indian treatment for warts. Turn ringworm away with turmeric. The main ingredient in curry powder, turmeric contains curcumin, which has helped many people who have inflammatory conditions like arthritis. It’s not clear why turmeric should work so well on a fungal skin problem, but Asians have long used this spice to fight ringworm. In India and China, turmeric is popular to give excellent results. Take a little turmeric and mix with the juice from half a lime and a little water to make a smooth, even paste. Put this paste directly onto ringworm. OR Stir enough water into a teaspoon or two of powdered turmeric to make a paste. Smear it on the affected area and cover it with a bandage or piece of gauze. After 20 minutes to an hour, remove it. You can repeat this three or four times a day, but stop the treatment if turmeric irritates your skin.
- Licorice: Licorice shows anti fungal action. This antifungal action lends credence to the Chinese practice of using it to treat ringworm. Simply brew a strong decoction using about five to seven teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Bring it to a boil, simmer for 20 minutes, then let it cool. Apply the decoction directly to the affected areas using a cotton ball or clean cloth.
- Chaste: Five leaved chaste tree also known as VUex negundo. The leaves of this Chinese shrub have a long history of folk use as a poultice for treating scabies, eczema and ringworm. Five leaved chaste tree is available in the United States as an ornamental plant. You can mash the leaves and apply them directly to the affected areas of skin.
Tips To Prevent Ringworm Spreading
- Don’t share shoes or used towels with other people, they can spread an infection.
- Cut out sugars, alcohol, and fruit juices when you have ringworm as all of these foods nourish fungi.
- If family members have ringworm, make sure that no one shares clothing or grooming items, such as hairbrushes.
- Wear loose fitting natural clothing and use natural fibers in bedding so the skin can breathe and fungal infections will not thrive.
- Wash in hot water any clothes, towels, washcloths, and bedclothes that may have come in touch with the infected area.
- Add 1 cup (235 ml) of apple cider vinegar to the final rinse water of your laundry.
- Be sure to dry your feet completely soon after swimming or bathing, using a hair dryer whenever possible. The area between the toes is the most common place for fungus to start growing.
- Instead of going barefoot at a public swimming pool, wear flip-flops or sandals to avoid picking up fungus.
- Use a powder such as Zeasorb-AF in your shoes or your groin area to absorb excess moisture. The powder contains an antifungal ingredient for extra protection.
- Pets can carry ringworm that can be transferred to humans. If you see a hairless spot on your dog or cat, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible for a ringworm treatment.
Caution: If your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks of self-care treatments, or the ringworm continues to spread, talk to your doctor. If you have ringworm in the groin area, the doctor might prescribe an antifungal powder such as Nystatin. For ringworm of the scalp, you’ll need to get a prescription drug that’s taken orally. And if you have diabetes, it’s essential to get ringworm treated by a doctor as soon as possible. It can cause skin cracking, and if bacteria enter the skin, you could end up with a serious infection.
FAQs
Q. What cures ringworm fast?
The fastest and most effective way to cure ringworm is to apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole or terbinafine. Be sure to apply the cream as directed on the package and for the full duration of treatment. Additionally, keep the affected area clean and dry, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing.
Q. What home remedy kills ringworm?
One home remedy for killing ringworm is to apply a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to the affected area two to three times per day. This helps to kill the fungus causing the infection. You can also use over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or sprays.
Q. Can ringworm be cured naturally?
Yes, ringworm can be cured naturally. Natural treatments for ringworm include essential oils such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. These remedies can help to soothe the itching and burning caused by ringworm and also help to kill the fungus that causes it.
Q. Can turmeric cure ringworm?
Yes, make a paste with turmeric powder and water. Apply the paste directly to the affected area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for best results. Additionally, you can also consume turmeric in your diet to help fight off the infection from the inside.
Q. What kills ringworm on people?
The most common treatment for ringworm in people is to apply an antifungal cream or ointment to the affected area. An antifungal shampoo may also be helpful for scalp ringworm. Oral antifungal medications may also be prescribed in more severe cases.
Q. Could ringworm go away by itself?
Yes, ringworm can go away by itself in some cases. However, it is good to seek medical advice and/or treatment if the infection is severe or not improving.
Q. Can ringworm make you sick?
No, ringworm is not contagious and it does not make you sick.
Q. Can you get rabies if a dog lick your ringworm? Is ringworm an open wound?
No, you cannot get rabies from a dog licking your ringworm. Ringworm is not an open wound, it is an infection of the skin due to a fungus.
Q. How do cats pass ringworm to humans?
Cats can pass ringworm to humans through direct contact with an infected cat or contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, or furniture. Cats can also spread ringworm to humans through their saliva, urine, and feces.
Q. Is ringworm worse in the heat?
No, ringworm is not worse in the heat. In fact, heat and humidity can help to speed up the healing process. However, heat and humidity can also cause the ringworm to spread more quickly, so it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection.
Q. What kills ringworm naturally? How do I get rid of ringworm?
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply a cloth soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar to the affected area for 10 minutes several times a day.
- Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves and mix with a little olive oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat this three times a day.
- Coconut Oil: Apply coconut oil to the affected area three times a day.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and apply it to the affected area twice a day.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which has antifungal properties. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of olive oil to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Q. What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes. It can be spread through contact with an infected person or animal, contact with contaminated items, or contact with the soil.
Q. What is a suitable treatment for recurring ringworm?
The most suitable treatment for recurring ringworm is antifungal medications. These medications can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected area. You should also keep the affected area clean and dry and avoid contact with other people and animals until the infection has cleared up.
Q .Does hot water kill ringworm on skin?
No, hot water does not kill ringworm on skin. In order to kill ringworm, you should use antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos.
Q. How to stop ringworm from spreading?
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Avoid sharing items such as towels, clothing, and bedding with others.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the affected area.
- Wear loose fitting clothing and avoid tight-fitting clothing that may cause irritation.
- Use an antifungal cream or ointment to treat the affected area.
- Throw away any items that may have come into contact with the affected area, such as combs, brushes, and towels.
- See a doctor if the condition does not improve after several weeks of self-treatment.
Q. What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection caused by a group of mold-like parasites called dermatophytes. It is characterized by a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash that may or may not be itchy. It is contagious and can spread from person to person or from animal to person.
Q. How do you treat ringworm in babies?
Ringworm in babies can usually be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment. These should be applied to the affected area for at least two weeks. It is important to wash your hands after applying the cream and to avoid contact with other people until the infection has cleared up. If the ringworm does not improve after two weeks of treatment, speak to your doctor. Treatment with oral antifungal medication may be needed.
Q. How or why does ringworm have that specific almost perfect circular pattern on skin?
Ringworm on the skin is caused by a fungus, not a worm. The fungus grows in a circular pattern because it feeds on the oils and proteins in the top layer of skin, forming a distinct ring shape. The center of the ring may appear red and scaly, and the edges will be more raised and redder. The circular pattern of ringworm is a result of the fungus’s growth and the body’s immune response to it.
Q. How do I kill ringworm at its root?
The best way to kill ringworm at its root is to use an antifungal cream, lotion, or ointment. These medications can be found over-the-counter or by prescription. It is important to follow the directions of the medication specifically, as this will help ensure the ringworm is completely eliminated. Additionally, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry, as this can help prevent the spread of the infection.
Q. How do I get rid of ringworm on the head?
Treatment for ringworm on the head usually involves antifungal medications. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best option for you. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, lotion, or shampoo to apply to the affected area. You should also keep the affected area clean and dry, and avoid scratching.
Q. Does hand sanitizer kill ringworm?
No, hand sanitizer does not kill ringworm. Ringworm is caused by a fungus, and hand sanitizer is not effective against killing fungus. To treat ringworm, you should see a doctor who can prescribe an antifungal medication.