Ringworm is a common contagious fungal skin infection that is caused by fungi that live on the top layer of the skin, survive on keratin present in the skin, while thriving in warm, moist areas. The infection manifests as a ring-like structure on the skin that has a defined border with intact skin in the middle of the scaly ring. Ringworm is scientifically called Tinea, which in Latin means growing worm.
If the infection is on your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot; in the groin, it’s called jock itch; on the scalp, it’s called a scalp ringworm. The fungal infection is often accompanied by itching, inflammation, and redness. If the infection is left untreated, it could even cause your skin to blister.
Suggested read: 15 amazingly effective home remedies for hoarseness of voice
Home remedies for ringworm
Before going to the dermatologist, you can try some of these easy, simple yet effective home remedies for ringworm that actually work. Take a look:
1. Aloe vera
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Aloe vera contains anti-fungal properties along with antiseptic ones that help in treating ringworm infections successfully.
Remedy
- Slice open an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the fresh gel into a clean bowl. Apply this directly on the affected area thrice a day for a few days till the infection clears away.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Apple cider vinegar is superbly effective in treating skin infections thanks to its anti-microbial and astringent properties.
Remedy
- Dip a Q-tip in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the infection site. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for a few days to see visible improvement in the condition.
3. Camphor
Camphor has been used in Chinese medicine to treat many a skin condition, including ringworm infection. It possesses anti-fungal properties that help in getting rid of ringworm infection.
Remedies
- Crush a camphor tablet and apply the resulting powder on the infection site. Repeat this twice a day for a few days to get rid of the infection.
- Mix a pinch of camphor powder in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and mix well. Apply this on the affected area twice a day for best results.
Tip: Camphor is poisonous when ingested. NEVER ingest it.
4. Coconut oil
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Coconut oil is one of the safest, most effective home remedies for ringworm infection. It contains lauric acid, which helps in killing off many species of fungi, thus clearing away the infection. Additionally, this acid also contains anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that help combat the microbes that cause the infection.
Remedy
- Apply some unrefined coconut oil on the infection site and massage gently for a few minutes. Repeat this thrice a day for best results.
5. Garlic
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Garlic possesses amazing anti-fungal properties that help in treating ringworm effectively.
Remedy
- Take 2 cloves of fresh garlic and crush them both. Rub them on the infection site several times a day. Repeat this remedy for a week or so to get rid of the infection.
6. Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract helps in boosting your immune system, while also helping treat the infection.
Remedy
- Add 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract to 3 tablespoons of lukewarm water. Apply this on the infection site with a Q-tip. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for at least a couple of weeks to get rid of the infection completely.
7. Iodine
Iodine possesses antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that help in eliminating a ringworm infection. A 2 percent iodine solution from a drug store should suffice as a tincture.
Remedy
- Clean the infection site with an anti-bacterial soap and pat it dry with a soft towel. Dip a Q-tip in the store-bought tincture and dab it gently on the infection site. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for about a month to see the infection clear completely.
8. Lavender oil
Lavender oil possesses powerful anti-fungal properties that help in clearing away the ringworm infection.
Remedy
- Dip a Q-tip in lavender oil and apply it gently on the affected area twice a day for a couple of weeks to help get rid of the fungal infection successfully.
Suggested read: Here are the top remedies for gastritis
9. Lemongrass
Lemongrass possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help in clearing away the ringworm infection, while also helping relieve the itching. Additionally, when ingested, lemongrass helps flush out toxins from the body too.
Remedies
- Sip lemongrass tea thrice every day to help relieve the symptoms as well as boost healing.
- Dip a Q-tip in lemongrass essential oil and apply it on the infection site twice a day for best results.
- Make a paste in the food processor with a handful of lemongrass leaves and a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk. Apply this on the affected area twice a day for a few days till the infection clears away.
10. Licorice root
Licorice root is known to contain fungicidal properties that help in treating fungal infections, including ringworm infections.
Remedy
- Add 5 teaspoons of licorice root powder to 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain and cool the solution. Now dip a clean cotton ball in this and dab it on the infection site. Repeat this remedy thrice a day till you see visible improvement.
11. Neem
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Neem contains anti-microbial and antiseptic properties that help in treating ringworm, scabies, as well as any other skin infections.
Remedies
- Take a handful of fresh neem leaves and make a paste in a food processor. Scoop it out into a clean bowl and stir in 1 teaspoon each of turmeric powder and sesame oil. Apply this paste on the affected area twice a day for a few days till you see the infection disappear.
- Apply a drop or two of neem essential oil on the infection site once every day for a few days till the infection clears.
- Mix half a teaspoon of neem oil with 1 cup of aloe vera gel. Apply this on the infection site once a day for a few days to treat the ringworm infection effectively.
12. Olive leaf
Olive leaf has anti-fungal properties that help in treating the ringworm infection successfully. Additionally, it also helps in boosting the body’s immune system.
Remedies
- Ingest the store-bought olive leaf infusion thrice a day till the infection clears.
- Take a handful of olive leaves and make a paste in the food processor. Apply this paste on the infection site thrice a day for a few days till the infection clears.
13. Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains many compounds that are therapeutic in nature, which help in effectively treating fungal infections, including ringworm infections.
Remedy
- Add 3 drops each of oregano oil and rosemary oil, along with 2 drops of wild thyme oil and 3 tablespoons of sweet almond oil to a clean bowl. Mix all the oils and use a Q-tip to apply it on the infected area. Repeat this thrice a day for a few weeks to get rid of the ringworm infection.
14. Papaya
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Papaya, which is raw, is helpful in killing off fungi that cause ringworm, thanks to its anti-fungal properties.
Remedies
- Extract fresh papaya leaf juice in a food processor. Dip a Q-tip in this juice and apply it on the infection site thrice a day for a couple of weeks for best results.
- Rub a slice of raw papaya on the affected area. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this twice a day for a few days to see visible results.
15. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil possesses antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that help in treating ringworm infection effectively.
Remedies
- Dip a Q-tip in tea tree oil and dab it on the infection site thrice a day for about a week or so to treat the infection effectively.
- Take equal amounts of tea tree oil and a carrier oil like olive oil in a clean bowl. Apply this on the infection site twice a day for a couple of weeks or till the infection clears fully.
16. Turmeric
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Turmeric has been used since long in traditional medicine to treat many a skin condition, thanks to its antibiotic, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties. Additionally, it soothes the skin while also facilitating the healing process.
Remedies
- Put a 2-inch fresh turmeric root in the food processor to extract its juice. Apply this on the infection site thrice a day till the infection clears.
- Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric to half a cup of warm milk and drink it. Ingestion of turmeric helps in clearing away the infection too.
Suggested read: 13 highly effective home remedies to get rid of unattractive moles
17. Vinegar and salt
Vinegar and salt are both highly effective in treating fungal infections. They help dry out the infection, thus promoting healing.
Remedy
- In a clean bowl, make a paste using salt and white vinegar. Apply this gently on the affected area, letting it sit for about 10 minutes, before rinsing it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy thrice a day for a week or so to get rid of the infection.
These are all the amazingly effective home remedies that help get rid of a ringworm infection. For more updates on skin care, health tips, and fitness secrets, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Featured image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Facebook
Disqus
Google + 
