Home » Skin Conditions & Disorders » Ringworm » Home Remedies for Ringworm: How to treat it at home naturally?

Home Remedies for Ringworm: How to treat it at home naturally?

by

Mild cases of ringworm may be treated with home remedies. However, severe cases, and ringworm of the beard, scalp, and nails will require prescription medication. 

All cases where ringworm involves hair like beard and scalp, will require oral antifungal medications since topical medications do not penetrate the hair shaft.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect skin, hair, and nails. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It is very contagious and can easily spread from one person to another. In addition, one can get it from infected animals or pets, soil, or contaminated surfaces.

Depending on the area involved, ringworm can have different names and symptoms. It can present with red and itchy circular rash, scaliness, patches of hair loss, and discolored and brittle nails.

Below you will find home remedies that are often used for ringworm. Some of these natural treatments have promising studies while some lack sufficient data. Keep reading for more details.

1. Practice good hygiene

The first step towards treating ringworm is keeping the infected area and your surroundings clean. 

If you have ringworm, the fungal spores may get on your clothes, personal items, bedding, etc. Practicing good hygiene will prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body and also to others in the family.

Here are a few things you can do:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after touching any area with ringworm.
  • Keep the infected area clean and dry.
  • Keep a separate towel for drying the infected area and wash it after every use.
  • Shower after excessive sweating or after any contact sports like wrestling.
  • Change your clothes and bedding every day and wash them with detergent and hot water.
  • If you have tinea pedis or athlete’s foot (ringworm on your foot), wear your socks before wearing other clothes.
  • Regularly clean or disinfect your shoes if you have tinea pedis.
  • Wear shoes and clothes made of breathable material.
  • Wear shoes or slippers in public areas, especially pools, showers, gyms, etc.
  • Use a dandruff shampoo if you have scalp ringworm. This will prevent the spread of fungal spores.

2. Over-the-counter antifungals

Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications can effectively treat ringworm of the skin like ringworm of the foot, hand, body, groin, etc. 

These can be in the form of cream, gel, spray, lotion, or powder. Most commonly used antifungal ingredients are miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine and ketoconazole. 

You can find them easily in your local pharmacy stores.

A few over-the-counter options are:

  • Lotrimin AF Antifungal Liquid Spray (2% miconazole nitrate)
  • Lotrimin AF cream (1% clotrimazole)
  • Lamisil AT cream (1% terbinafine)
  • Lotrimin AF Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Powder (2% miconazole nitrate)

Sprays can be a great option to reach areas like the feet or back. 

Many of these products are labeled for use for athlete’s foot; however, they can be used on the body too. Follow the instructions on the packaging for treating the area.

Often it is recommended to use the medication twice daily for 2-4 weeks. Make sure to wash your hands after treating any infected area. 

3. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from Melaleuca alternifolia. It is well known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. 

It has been used for years for acne, eczema, dandruff, and fungal infections. But can it completely cure ringworm?

There are few studies where it has been studied for treating ringworm.

In a 2002 study, 25 to 50% concentration of tea tree oil was used twice daily for tinea pedis or ringworm of foot (4 weeks in this study). It improved the signs and symptoms in around 70% of the patients. However, few patients in this study had to discontinue treatment due to contact dermatitis. 

In an older study from 1992, tea tree oil cream (10%) was compared with 1% tolnaftate (an antifungal) in treating tinea pedis. Both these improved the symptoms of athlete’s foot but tolnaftate was significantly superior in getting rid of the fungus. 

Although these studies show some promise, tea tree oil may not completely get rid of the fungus which causes ringworm or it may take a lot longer.

Tea tree oil should never be used undiluted as it can lead to contact dermatitis or other skin reactions. So, always dilute it with carrier oil. 

4. Garlic extract – Ajoene

Ajoene is an organosulfur compound obtained from garlic that has antifungal properties.  

In one small study of 34 patients (the year 1996), ajoene (0.4% cream) completely cleared ringworm of foot in 79% of patients in 1 week and 100% of patients in 2 weeks.

Another study from 1999 compared ajoene (0.6% gel) with terbinafine ((1% cream) for the treatment of tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) and tinea cruris (jock itch). Both were equally effective in treating ringworm when used for 30 days. 

These studies show benefits; however, we need more quality studies to evaluate garlic and its extract for treating ringworm. 

Fresh crushed garlic is a potent irritant and can lead to contact dermatitis and rarely skin burns, so use extreme caution.

5. Honey

Honey is one of the natural remedies which is often found in our kitchen cabinet. It has moisturizing, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. 

No wonder, it makes us think if we can use it to treat ringworm.

One study done on children with tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) suggests that acacia honey, Brazilian green propolis extract, and 2% miconazole – all were equally effective in improving symptoms which include redness, scaliness, and itching. However, we don’t know if it can completely get rid of the fungus.

Another study used a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax in a ratio of 1:1:1 for tinea cruris (jock itch or ringworm of groin), tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), and tinea faciei (ringworm of face) in 37 patients. The mixture was applied to the lesions three times daily for a maximum of 4 weeks. 

Mycological cure means the fungus was not seen on culture or microscopy in 71% of patients with tinea cruris, 62% of tinea corporis, and the patient with ringworm of the face (there was only one patient).

These studies show it may improve ringworm; however, the studies are very limited.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

One study suggests that turmeric oil has antifungal activity against dermatophytes (a fungus that causes ringworm). In particular, this study used creams with 6% and 10% turmeric oil and both were effective against the fungus.

This study also suggests that Ar-turmerone, a major component that was separated from turmeric oil, was more effective than ketoconazole against this fungus 

Another older study from 1995 also suggests that turmeric oil can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes.

Turmeric oil can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes but we do not know if it can completely cure ringworm. We need more quality studies where turmeric oil is used for ringworm in humans.

If you use turmeric oil, make sure to dilute it. If used undiluted, it can irritate the skin leading to contact dermatitis.

7. Aloe vera

Aloe vera has multiple benefits for the skin. It has been used for years to soothe sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, and redness. It also has antimicrobial properties.

There are limited studies that suggest that it may inhibit the growth of fungus that causes ringworm (dermatophytes). However, we don’t have any quality data to suggest that it will get rid of ringworm.

8. Sosa

Sosa (Solanum chrysotrichum) is commonly used in Mexico as a remedy for fungal skin infections. In one study, it was compared to 2% ketoconazole for treating tinea pedis. 

Both were effective in clearing the fungus and improving the signs and symptoms when used for 4 weeks. 

The data supporting its benefit is very limited and it may be hard to obtain.

9. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is used as a natural remedy for a number of skin ailments. The healing properties are attributed to medium-chain fatty acids which include lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

There is very limited research that suggests that the extract of coconut shell could inhibit the growth of dermatophytes, the fungus that causes ringworm. 

We don’t have any strong evidence to suggest that coconut oil can effectively treat ringworm infection.

10. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It is one of the most popular remedies for ringworm. However, we don’t have quality studies that show that it will cure ringworm.

Applying concentrated ACV on the skin can lead to contact dermatitis and burns (especially under occlusion). This can lead to permanent scars on the skin.

Precautions

You can find numerous natural home remedies that have antifungal properties. However, all of them are not studied for treating ringworm. 

Some natural remedies do have promising data although it is limited. There is no guarantee that they will cure ringworm.

In addition, it may be hard to find some natural extracts in pure form.

When choosing any essential oils, make sure to dilute them to avoid irritation and other side effects. Some raw ingredients when used in concentrated form can lead to burns and open sores, so use caution. 

It’s best to talk to your doctor about these remedies.

When to see a doctor

One should visit a doctor if:

  • The rash does not improve within 2 weeks of starting treatment.
  • If you have ringworm of the scalp, beard, or nails. Over-the-counter medications and natural remedies are unlikely to clear the infection. You will need oral antifungal medication.
  • If the rash is spreading.
  • If there is a foul-smelling discharge or pus.
  • If you have other symptoms like fever with chills.
  • If you have a suppressed immune system.

Further reading

References

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Share this article