Ringworm Home Remedies

How to treat ringworm? Try these ringworm home remedies and ringworm treatments which include the use of antifungal herbs.

What is ringworm? What are the common ringworm symptoms? What causes ringworm? How to get rid of ringworm? Is there a cure for ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungus infection and it is contagious. Ringworm or also called tinea has nothing to do with worms except that the red patch on the skin is usually but not always, round or circular like a ring and has a "worm-like" appearance. It can affect different parts of the body such as the feet, fingers, scalp, skin and nails and are known by different names. Among the common ones are tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, tinea cruris and tinea barbae.

Ringworm of the body is called tinea corporis and it affects the arms, legs, face or other exposed body areas.
Tinea pedis is foot ringworm or better known as athlete's foot. The common symptoms include cracked, flaking and peeling skin between the toes.
Tinea capitis is scalp ringworm and the symptoms include itching of the scalp and bald patches.
Tinea cruris is known as jock itch or groin ringworm because the symptoms appear at the groin area. It mostly affects boys and men.
Tinea barbae is beard ringworm or barber's itch because it affects the bearded areas of the face and neck.

Ringworm is caused by parasitic fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi that inhabit the human body don't normally attack and cause an infection. But when they are able to find a warm and moist area, they begin to grow and multiply rapidly and feed on the skin for nutrients.

Fungi thrive on frequent wetness on the skin. Since it is contagious, wearing under garments and socks that are contaminated, sharing personal care items or skin to skin contact with an infected person and walking barefoot on public places such as the locker room and pool area are some of the ways the fungi are passed on. You can also get infected by touching pets and animals with ringworm.

The common ringworm symptoms include itchy skin which will become red patches and scaly. The skin may blister and weep. In many instances the patches will appear circular or like a ring and the edges are raised and look worm-like. The color of the skin within the circle is usually normal. The appearance of scalp ringworm and beard ringworm is more like bald patches.

Ringworm is curable. It may take between 2 to 4 weeks if you are consistent. Home treatments for ringworm include using antifungal cream or antifungal herbs and self-care such as emphasizing on cleanliness and personal hygiene. Treating the early signs and symptoms of ringworm is one of the best things to do because it will prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body and to another person.

Ringworm home remedies No. 1 - Herbal remedies

Fresh garlic is the most common herb used for ringworm home remedies because it has antifungal activity. Cut the garlic into half and rub it on the ringworm patches several times a day. You may also want to consider eating a fresh clove of garlic or taking garlic supplement everyday to speed up the healing process.
Pure tea tree oil is another one of the popular and effective ringworm home remedies because it has antifungal activity and is a natural antiseptic. Wet a cotton ball with tea tree oil and rub it on the affected areas. Do this several times a day.
Oil of oregano contains carvacrol which has antifungal activity and is a strong antiseptic. You can use it as a skin wash and for topical application. Taking oil of oregano as a supplement helps boost your immune system.
Another herbal extract that contains carvacrol is thyme essential oil. Thyme also contains thymol which is a natural antiseptic.
Pau d'arco contains lapachol which has shown to prevent the growth of fungus on the tree. Studies indicate that the pau d'arco extract has antifungal and immune strengthening activities in humans. It is one of the herbal extracts that you can use both internally and topically as ringworm home remedies.
Making a compress out of herbs that contain tannic acid can also help to get rid of ringworm because it helps kill the fungus. Walnut leaves, guava leaves and bark and black tea leaves are some of the popular ones. What you need to do is soak, boil or steep the leaves, bark or tea bags. Then soak a clean cloth or towel in the herbal tea, wring it and place it on the skin. You can also use the herbal tea as a skin wash or to soak your skin.

Ringworm home remedies No. 2 - Use items from your kitchen and bathroom

The mouthwash Listerine contains menthol and thymol and it may help reduce itching and also prevent the growth of an infection. You can use it as a skin wash and also rub it gently on the ringworm patches.
Some studies found that Manuka honey inhibited the growth of fungi. You may want to try applying honey one the affected skin to get rid of the ringworm.
Another one of ringworm home remedies that you may want to try is using a 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide. If you fear that it will sting, dilute it with water. Soak a cotton ball into the solution and apply it on the infected skin. Do this several times a day.
You can also use apple cider vinegar. But it may sting and burn your skin. Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar and gently rub it on your skin. Once it is dried apply tea tree oil for its antifungal effect or lavender oil to soothe the irritation. A drying powder will also help.
If you have scalp ringworm, try using dandruff medicated shampoo to get rid of the fungus. You may have to wash your hair thoroughly everyday and ensure that your comb is sanitized after each use.

Ringworm home remedies No. 3 - Self-care

Keep your skin dry all the time especially between the toes, fingers and the groin area. If you are prone to sweat, carry a clean towel, drying powder or any antifungal cream or essential oil with you.
Do not share your personal care items such as combs, brushes, towels and so on. Wash them after use.
If you have scalp ringworm, use a shower cap when you sleep and wash the cap daily.
Wash your hand after you have touched the infected area.
Wear thongs or sandals in public areas such as the locker room, shower and the public pool. Fungus infection that starts on the feet can spread to other parts of your body.
Take antifungal supplements and dietary supplement that help boost your immune system.
If you body is infected with ringworm, wash your bed linen daily or cover it with plastic sheet which is easier to clean.
If you have groin ringworm, avoid wearing tight underwear on any clothing that causes friction.
Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact.
Treat your pet at the same time especially if it has bald spots on the skin.
Try not to scratch because it will cause the infection to weep and become more infectious.