8 Natural Ways To Treat Ringworm

The name, ringworm would make most people think the rash caused by the condition is caused by worms or a parasite. In fact, it’s caused by a fungus called tinea. It lives on dead skin tissue and causes a red, itchy patch of skin which eventually takes the form of several rings – hence the term, ringworm. Ringworm can develop on your skin or nails but is most common on your arms or scalp. Luckily, home remedies for ringworm are easy to use and quick to work!

One important thing to remember is that both animals and humans can be carriers of the condition, without displaying symptoms so even non-symptom carrying individuals can be contagious. Stay away from non-infected people until the home remedies for ringworm have completed healed you.

# Garlic

Garlic can be made into a paste by crushing a fresh clove and mixing it with a little water. Apply this paste to the area of skin with your ringworm infection and it should help the infection clear up. Leave the bandage in place for around two hours and repeat twice a day. If you start to feel any stinging or swelling, rinse the garlic paste off and don’t reapply.

# Soapy Water

To prevent ringworm from spreading to more people, practicing good personal hygiene is key. It’ll also help keep your skin clean and help clear up any existing infection. After washing with warm soapy water, make sure you dry your skin thoroughly as the fungus will always grow best in moist conditions. Remember to wash your towel after drying too.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another great home remedy for ringworm because of its antifungal properties. Soak a cotton pad or ball in some apple cider vinegar and dab it over the infected skin. Apply the vinegar three times a day to see a result.

# Aloe Vera

According to research, aloe vera contains six antiseptic agents. These give it antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your skin and let it sink in. It’ll help treat the infection and will help to soothe the itchy and swollen skin.

# Coconut Oil

Some of the fatty acids in coconut oil have the ability to kill fungus cells by damaging their membranes. In fact, many studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to calm a number of skin infections – ringworm included.

Apply a little liquid coconut oil to the affected area, use it like you would a moisturizer or lotion. This can help to quell existing infections and preventing future infections from developing if used regularly.

# Grapefruit Seed Extract

Evidence suggests that grapefruit seed extracts can be used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Mix a drop of the extract with a tablespoon of water and wash it over the infected skin twice a day. Over time, this should help to clear your infection.

# Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice which has featured in a number of our home remedy lists thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This is thanks to a particular compound in turmeric called curcumin.

You can add turmeric to a number of recipes or use it to create a tea which can be drunk to help your body fight fungal infections.

You can also mix it with some water or coconut oil. This should form a paste with can be applied directly to the infected skin. The yellow color of the turmeric may stain your skin a little, but it should go down after a few days.

# Powdered Licorice

You can mix powdered licorice with a little water to make a paste. This paste makes a great home remedy for ringworm. Thanks to the antifungal properties of licorice it can be applied directly to the skin where your ringworm infection is present to relieve symptoms and banish the infection. Once applied, let the paste sit on your skin for ten minutes before wiping it off. Repeat once a day until your infection has cleared.