Are you feeling itchy on certain parts of the body? Do you have red circular spots that appear scaly and raised? If the answer to these questions is a “yes”, know that you are suffering from a problem called ringworms (medically known as tinea). Due to its name and appearance, ringworms are often misinterpreted as “parasitic worms.” However, they are entirely different. A highly contagious fungus infects parasitic worms.
Ringworms are not a rare condition. A majority of the population actively suffer from this skin condition and in most cases it isn’t life threatening. Oral medications can easily treat the ailment. But, they might have side effects and after effects. Instead, we would recommend you to apply these ten healing home remedies for ringworms. Besides using these tips, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle and adhere to good hygiene. Before we list the tips, let’s understand its causes and symptoms first.
What Causes Ringworms?
Ringworms can occur anywhere in the body. In fact, you could have then in the several body parts simultaneously. The most vulnerable members are children, athletes, and those working in humid conditions exposed to sweat and dirt. The main cause of ringworms is:
- Fungi – They actively thrive in moist and humid conditions such as swimming pools, skin crevices, locker rooms, tanning beds, etc.
Ringworms spread from one individual to another, especially when you share personal care items like towels and toiletries. The condition is more prominent among children due to body contact and frequent exposure to humid conditions while playing outdoors. If you have an infected pet, take precautions not to allow children engage with them until the skin condition is cured. Cats can easily carry ringworms too. When you socialize with your pet, you could acquire the condition as well.
Types Of Ringworms
Ringworms are classified based on the affected body part. The types are:
- Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) — infection in the feet
- Tinea cruris (jock itch) — infection in the groin
- Tinea caitis – infection in the scalp
- Tinea faciei (face fungus) – infection on the face
- Tinea corporis — infection on the torso
- Tinea unguium — infection on the fingernails and toenails
- Tinea mannum — infection on the hands and palm
- Tinea barbae — infection in the facial hair
Symptoms of Ringworms
These are the commonest symptoms of tinea infection:
- Bumpy and raised skin patches that burst when touched, and in some cases ooze fluids.
- The outer edges of the patches are raised and vaguely circular in shape.
- The name ringworm comes from the shape of the infected patch, where the outer edges appear red, and the center looks normal.
- If you have ringworms in the nails, they could quickly discolor and crumble.
Top 12 Natural Home Remedies For Ringworms
Here are the best ways to treat ringworms at home
12. Oregano Oil
Orgeano oil is the most powerful antifungal that is commercially available in the market. It inhibit the bacteria and also helps to treat all skin conditons including Ringworm.
- Apply few drops of clean oregano oil directly on the ringworm. Leave it on
- Do this thrice daily. You can see good difference in few days.
How Does This Work?
- Oregano oil acts on even adamant ringworm as it has strong antifungal properties due to the presence of Carvacrol bio-component.
Organo Oil Is Not Good, If
Applying organo oil is good in all conditions.
11. Aloe Vera
As aloevera is used to treat the bacteria and anti fungal infections from long time, here the ring worm is not an exception here. It can soothe the irritation, inflamamtion and discomfort.
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and place it straight. Make sure the yellow-gooey liquid oozes out completely from the leaf (have to wait few minutes).
- Now wash the aloe leaf, cut the thorny sides, split open the green and scoop out clean aloe vera (use a spoon to scoop).
- Apply the gel over the rashes and you’ll see immediate relief from burning itchy sensations.
- Aloe vera relieves you from nagging symptoms of ringworm infections effectively.
- Do it twice-thrice daily
How Does This Work?
- Aloe vera is antifungal, antiseptic and very effective for treating ringworm. It fastens healing of skin over the infected area.
Aloevera Is Not Good, If
It is applicable to use for all skin conditions and for everyone.
10. Garlic
- Step 1: Peel one garlic clove and place the sliced pieces on the infected region of the body.
- Step 2: Leave them covered overnight and you will see the blisters heal sooner than you have realized.
How Does This Work?
When garlic is placed as a protective layer over the affected skin, the medicinal components of garlic namely allicin and ajoene (natural antifungal agents) destroy the ringworms and prevent them from spreading to other areas. The moisture environment (suitable for growth of ringworms) is drained, but there can be side effects such as dry skin or peeling of skin.
Garlic Is Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant or if you are allergic to garlic.
- In diabetes patients, garlic can lower the blood sugar levels. In case you are taking medications for herbal preparation or dietary supplements, and you have taken the mixture, call for medical care if experienced the following symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, face, and tongue.
- If you already have peeling or dry skin.
9. Turmeric and its Oil
- Step 1: Crush the turmeric root and mix water to make it a fine paste.
- Step 2: Apply the mix on the affected region and allow it to remain for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Wash the paste off the body as it can stain the skin surface. Use mild soap or body wash to wash the turmeric.
Note: if you are using the turmeric oil, apply it on the affected region directly.
How Does This Work?
Turmeric oil has turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberene. These components give the root and its oil the teeth to fight the ringworm due to rich anti-microbial behavior. You will get relief from the discomfort.
Turmeric Is Not Good, If:
- Although turmeric is a natural resource, some individuals might experience nausea, diarrhea or dizziness.
- You have a gall bladder problem. The situation might turn worse if you have a bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
- You have a bleeding disorder. Turmeric might slow down the clotting of blood. If you are scheduled for surgery, avoid consumption of turmeric before two weeks.
- You are diabetic. The blood sugar level will be reduced.
8. Raw Papaya For Ringworms
- Step 1: Slice pieces of raw papaya and gently rub them on the affected region in a circular motion.
- Alternative: Make a paste of papaya by grinding them, leave it over the infected patch for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat the process for three times a day for best results.
How Does This Work?
The critical enzymes in papaya responsible for the curing of ringworms are papain and chymopapain. It immediately acts on the infected area by destroying the defense shields of ringworms. They work by gradually destroying the infected cells from the surface, layer after layer. It also demolishes/eliminates the external layers of old dead cells where the breeding of ringworms starts. Also, it also cures burns and inflammation.
Papaya Is Not Good, If:
- Your skin is sensitive. You will suffer from allergic reactions and irritation.
- You are pregnant. Having papaya in diet might lead to abortion.
- You are opting for surgery or have a history of low blood sugar. Refrain from having fermented papaya because this papaya can make the sugar level low.
7. Massage With Coconut Oil
- Step 1: Take a small quantity of coconut oil and gently massage on the surface of the ringworm infection.
- Step 2: Massage the area with oil for a few minutes and allow it to remain on the skin. Repeat the same four times a day and you will see positive results.
Note: If you plan to use coconut oil, use the unrefined and non-hydrogenated variety. Once you start the coconut therapy, do not stop the application till you ensure all the ringworm infection is contained. Else, the ringworms can reoccur.
How Does This Work?
The disease combating essence is the Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) such as Lauric acid. Lauric acid converts into monoglycerides called as Monolaurin and can eliminate virus, bacteria, ringworm and yeast infections. The lipid membranes of the infectious organisms are disrupted leading to their ouster.
Coconut Oil Is Not Good, If:
- Your metabolism rate is high. Coconut oil has high caloric density. The fat can cause an increase in blood pressure and increase your level of high cholesterol.
- You do not like the odor of coconut oil. It can easily solidify below 24°C (76 °F).
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Step 1: Take 2 teaspoons of ACV in a bowl and a cotton ball. Dilute the vinegar with an equal quantity of water.
- Step 2: After dipping the cotton ball in the liquid apply on the affected parts.
- Step 3: Follow this procedure for a week till you see positive results.
How Does This Work?
The liquid has in abundance organic acids which are antimicrobial in nature such as lactic, ascorbic, malic, succinic, propionic and tartaric acids.
ACV Is Not Good, If:
- It is better to choose unfiltered organic vinegar for availing of the maximum benefits.
- Your skin is sensitive. It is advisable to try on a small uninfected part to check for any allergic reactions before going for the ultimatum.
- Beware, that when you apply on the affected area, you can get a stinging sensation.
5.Olive Leaves
- Step 1: Take three leaves of olive.
- Step 2: Chew them twice a day.
How Does This Work?
The immune system of the human body gets a boost. However, before using any home remedies, it is essential that you wash the infected areas with warm pure water. The phytochemical, oleuropein is one of the main ingredient responsible for the health benefits.
Olive Leaves Are Not Good, If:
- You are allergic to it.
- You are suffering from a headache.
4. Tea Tree Oil
- Step 1: Take three teaspoons of tea tree oil with equal amount of water in a bowl.
- Step 2: Apply on the affected areas using a cotton ball.
How Does This Work?
This remedy is useful if you have been affected by ringworms on the feet. The components exhibit anti-fungal as well as antiseptic agents and can treat various types of skin diseases. The medicinal properties are believed to be caused due to the presence of terpenes. The main antimicrobial component is believed to be terpinen-4-ol which can give you relief from symptoms of ringworm infection.
Tea Tree Oil Is Not Good, If:
- Your skin is sensitive. It is better to test on an uninfected area before applying on the infected spots.
- You should avoid getting tea tree oil into the eyes.
- Always remember, tea tree oil is for external uses only.
3. Paste of Mustard Seeds
- Step 1: You can soak the seeds in cold water for half an hour.
- Step 2: Then grind them to make a fine thick paste.
- Step 3: Apply the paste on the infected areas to get relief from irritation and itching.
How Does This Work?
The main component is allyl isothiocyanate which is responsible for its anti-fungal properties. The other acids present are linoleic acid, erucic acid, oleic acid. The fungus is eliminated, and the infection is prevented further from occurring.
Mustard Seeds Are Not Good, If:
- Your skin problem is edema. Never apply mustard oil or paste on them. It can worsen the condition.
- You are allergic to mustard seeds. It can cause skin blisters.
2.Neem Leaves (or Indian Lilac)
- Step 1: Make a paste of half tablespoon neem powder and water.
- Step 2: Apply the mix on the ringworm patch five times a day and you will see the fungi receding.
How Does This Work?
Neem or commonly called the Indian lilac leaves are famous for their antimicrobial, antiseptic properties and can treat various infections such as scabies, ringworms, etc. The major important compounds in neem oil for ringworm infection are Gedunin and Nimbidol. They are classified as anti-fungal agents that can easily provide relief against fungi and yeast infections.
Neem Is Not Good, If:
- You have children at home. Accidental ingestion by children can have serious side effects such as blood disorders, coma, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and loss of consciousness.
- You are pregnant. Neem products can cause a miscarriage.
- You had an organ transplant. Refrain from using neem as medicines can lose their effectivity.
- You are planning a baby. Neem oil has been used since ancient ages for birth control.
1. Lavender Oil
- Step 1: Take five drops of lavender oil in a bowl.
- Step 2: Dip a cotton ball and apply on the affected areas.
How Does This Work?
The components of the lavender oil are camphor, linalyl acetate, linalool, and terpinen-4-ol. These oils as well as other components such as lavandulyl acetate, cis-ocimene and 1,8-cineole account for the healing properties.
Lavender Oil Is Not Good, If:
- You have sun sensitivity. Don’t apply and step out. The condition may worsen.
- You are allergic to lavender oil.
- You have headache. The smell might worsen it.
How To Prevent Ringworm?
- Ensure that the fabrics you wear are dry and clean.
- Avoid wearing friction–inducing clothes. It can irritate the skin when the skin rubs against each other.
- Use disinfecting detergents to wash the clothes you have been wearing during the ringworm episode.
- Your feet and skin must remain dry during the humid conditions.
- After haircuts, shampoo the hair to prevent acquiring stray scabs from the infected member.
- Prevent sharing your personal healthcare and toiletries with others.
- When you use a towel, always clean them thoroughly and dry them before use.
- Do not walk barefoot; always protect the feet by wearing perfectly fitting shoes and sandals.
- Do not fraternize with pets on bald spots; else you could acquire the symptoms too.
When To See A Doctor?
Not always can you prevent ringworm manifestations with natural remedies. Under extreme conditions of the infection, you must consult or seek medical attention to prevent the infection from spreading to more members. Look for signs like swelling, skin color (skin will turn red when the infection is intense), pus, fever, and red streaking.
Also, if the infection does not recede beyond 4 weeks at a stretch despite the self-care consult a doctor. If you are a diabetic and have weaker immune system, do not refrain from consulting a doctor.
Natural Remedy vs. Pharmacy
The most popular medicine for ringworm infection are griseofulvin (pills), creams such as Lotrisone and Micatin (for skin). In case of ringworm infection on the scalp and beard, ketoconazole shampoo and azole pills can be prescribed for effective treatment.