Home Remedies for Ringworm
Article Sources
- 1. Team, Family Health. 'How to Cure Ringworm.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 1 Oct. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-ringworm/
- 2. 'How to Treat Ringworm.' MyHealthKC, myhealthkc.com/blog/how-to-treat-ringworm
- 3. 'Treatment & Outcomes of Dermatophytes.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html
- 4. El-Gohary M;van Zuuren EJ;Fedorowicz Z;Burgess H;Doney L;Stuart B;Moore M;Little P; Topical Antifungal Treatments for Tinea Cruris and Tinea Corporis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25090020/
- 5. 'Ringworm (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.' Edited by Michelle P. Tellado, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Sept. 2019, kidshealth.org/en/parents/fungal-ringworm.html
- 6. 'Ringworm.' The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, July 2020, www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact/sheets/Ringworm/
- 7. Ledezma E;Marcano K;Jorquera A;De Sousa L None;Padilla M;Pulgar M;Apitz-Castro R; ‘Efficacy of Ajoene in the Treatment of Tinea Pedis: a Double-Blind and Comparative Study with Terbinafine.’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11050588/
- 8. 'Tinea Infections (Ringworm).' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tinea-infections-ringworm
Ringworm is the name for a fungal infection known medically as tinea that causes raised, scaly, circular spots on the skin that are shaped like a ring. However, there are no worms involved. There are several symptoms that can manifest, and the presence of the spots themselves, along with itchiness, pain and swelling, is usually cause for people to seek treatment.
There are a variety of methods available to manage ringworm, with many home remedies existing that claim to soothe the symptoms. However, not all home remedies will actually help with the condition, so it is best to seek medical advice.1Team, Family Health. ‘How to Cure Ringworm.’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 1 Oct. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-ringworm/
Recognizing Ringworm
Ringworm can sometimes be hard to distinguish from other skin conditions, as many conditions cause raised scabs and dry skin that can resemble ringworm. What characterizes the condition are the red ring-shaped patches of raised skin that feature rough, uneven borders. Ringworm can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet, scalp and groin.
Since ringworm can usually be cleared up with over-the-counter medications that don't require a prescription, many people can check with a pharmacist before buying the medication. However, ringworm can sometimes resist treatment and require stronger medications, so any tough case warrants a doctor's visit.2‘How to Treat Ringworm.’ MyHealthKC, myhealthkc.com/blog/how-to-treat-ringworm
Preventing Ringworm
Since ringworm spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, it can easily infect someone playing contact sports like wrestling or football. It can also spread through wearing the clothes of someone with ringworm, sleeping in their bed, or using their towel or blanket.
If a person lives with a person or animal that may have ringworm, clothing and bedding, including shoes and hats, should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. Physical contact should also be avoided.2‘How to Treat Ringworm.’ MyHealthKC, myhealthkc.com/blog/how-to-treat-ringworm
Ringworm on the Skin
Ringworm on the skin refers to ringworm that occurs on the hands, legs, arms, feet, torso and groin area. It's usually easy to treat with over-the-counter medications and often clears up within a few weeks. Treatment should be applied once or twice a day or according to the instructions on the label.
Ringworm on the feet is called athlete's foot or tinea pedis, while ringworm on the groin is called jock itch or tinea cruris. Both can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal ointments.3‘Treatment & Outcomes of Dermatophytes.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html
Ringworm on the Scalp
Ringworm on the scalp cannot usually be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. While some cases may clear up without professional medical care, typically doctors prescribe more powerful antifungal medications taken by mouth.3‘Treatment & Outcomes of Dermatophytes.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html
Normal ointments and lotions won't usually work on ringworm that has infected the scalp, which can cause pus-filled bumps, swollen lymph nodes. Those who believe they have ringworm on their scalp should seek the advice of a doctor.5‘Ringworm (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.’ Edited by Michelle P. Tellado, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Sept. 2019, kidshealth.org/en/parents/fungal-ringworm.html
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that has a long history of being used in medicine and is often used to treat minor burns, cuts, sores, sunburn and infections.
Aloe vera is also occasionally used to manage symptoms of fungal infections such as ringworm. It has been found to have positive effects on managing the infection's symptoms. Aloe vera is a commonly used in over-the-counter ointments used for fungal infections.4El-Gohary M;van Zuuren EJ;Fedorowicz Z;Burgess H;Doney L;Stuart B;Moore M;Little P; Topical Antifungal Treatments for Tinea Cruris and Tinea Corporis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25090020/
Apple Cider Vinegar: Yea or Nay?
One commonly suggested home treatment for ringworm is apple cider vinegar. While apple cider vinegar has many practical uses for treating minor illnesses and medical conditions, the jury is still out on whether it's safe to use undiluted apple cider vinegar to treat ringworm.
Some people will swear by the usage of apple cider vinegar, and it's true that it may help manage the condition.2‘How to Treat Ringworm.’ MyHealthKC, myhealthkc.com/blog/how-to-treat-ringworm However, some medical professionals warn that it's too strong and can irritate if used excessively.1Team, Family Health. ‘How to Cure Ringworm.’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 1 Oct. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-ringworm/
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another home remedy that has been used many times for small infections and cuts, such as ringworm. However, medical experts advise against using undiluted tea tree oil to manage ringworm and other fungal infections. Instead, use diluted tea tree oil. Mix five drops of the tea tree oil with one teaspoon of oil and apply it on the skin. Rinse off with water after 15 minutes.
Does Garlic Work?
Garlic has long been known to have medicinal and antifungal properties, and to this day, it remains a popular home remedy for a myriad of conditions, including the common cold. Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is another condition that garlic has shown to help.
One study in 2000 found that an anti-fungal solution comprising just one percent ajoene, an active ingredient in garlic, helped 100 percent of athlete's foot cases it was tested on.7Ledezma E;Marcano K;Jorquera A;De Sousa L None;Padilla M;Pulgar M;Apitz-Castro R; ‘Efficacy of Ajoene in the Treatment of Tinea Pedis: a Double-Blind and Comparative Study with Terbinafine.’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11050588/
How to Use Garlic to Treat Ringworm Infections
Garlic can be utilized as a home remedy by making a garlic paste out of raw, chopped or crushed garlic cloves. However, medical experts will tell you to avoid excess raw garlic, as it can irritate the skin, especially sensitive skin already covered in a rash or blisters. Salves can be made of garlic and olive or coconut oils.2‘How to Treat Ringworm.’ MyHealthKC, myhealthkc.com/blog/how-to-treat-ringworm
A 20- to 30-minute foot bath is another commonly used method of managing athlete's foot.7Ledezma E;Marcano K;Jorquera A;De Sousa L None;Padilla M;Pulgar M;Apitz-Castro R; ‘Efficacy of Ajoene in the Treatment of Tinea Pedis: a Double-Blind and Comparative Study with Terbinafine.’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11050588/
Untreated Ringworm
If ringworm is left untreated, the condition can last for years. Ringworm can lead to scarring, as patients may scratch at itchy or painful blisters and inflamed areas of the skin. Luckily, it is fairly easy to treat, with even stubborn cases usually succumbing to oral medication. Ringworm typically affects the skin and rarely causes serious illnesses.
The fungus that causes ringworm can sometimes remain on the skin and cause recurring cases, so further treatment may be needed.8‘Tinea Infections (Ringworm).’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tinea-infections-ringworm
