Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and causes red, itchy and scaly patches on the skin. The name ‘ringworm’ is a bit of a misnomer, as this infection isn’t really caused by a worm. It is in fact caused by a fungus named Tinea, which feeds off the dead tissues of skin, nails and hair. As the infection progresses, it forms a sort of a ring, which is where it gets its name from. This infection can affect different parts of the body and is most commonly seen on the arms and the scalp, but it can affect any part of the skin. Ringworm affecting different parts of the body is given different names. If it affects the groin for instance, it’s called a jock itch, and if it occurs in the area between your toes, it is called athlete’s foot. Before you plan a visit to your doctor, here are a few effective natural remedies to try.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a great remedy for ringworm as it contains two compounds allicin and ajoene, which are very effective against fungal infections. For the remedy, just crush some garlic cloves and make a paste with some olive oil. Apply the paste onto the skin directly and leave it on for about two hours before rinsing it with warm water. Once you apply the paste cover the affected area with a gauze pad. Repeat this treatment thrice a day for three weeks.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another very effective remedy against fungal infections. In fact, research suggests that lavender oil doesn’t just stop the growth of fungi, it actually helps kill the fungi and stops the infection from spreading. Just apply a few drops of the oil on the affected area with a cotton ball 2-3 times a day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to have strong antifungal properties and needs to be applied topically on the affected area for relief from ringworm. Just soak a cotton ball in organic apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area of skin, thrice a day.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a potent remedy against bacterial and fungal infections. To use it, just warm some coconut oil until it becomes a liquid, and apply it directly on the affected area thrice a day until the itch and the redness subside.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric with its many health benefits, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. For the remedy, make a paste out of turmeric and a little water and apply it on the affected area and leave it on until it dries. You can do it 2-3 times a day until the itch subsides.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a good remedy against many bacterial and fungal infections. It not only treats the infection, but also soothes the skin and prevents the itchiness and discomfort. For the remedy, apply aloe vera gel on the affected area three times a day.
7. Oregano Oil
Oregano essential oil has strong antifungal properties and is very effective against ringworm. For the remedy, mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil and apply it to the affected area three times a day until the rash and the itch subside.
8. Lemongrass Oil Or Tea
Lemongrass has antifungal properties and forms a very effective remedy to treat fungal infections. For this remedy, mix a few drops of lemongrass oil to a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil and apply it on the affected skin twice a day.
9. Licorice
Licorice is known to have strong antimicrobial properties, and research suggests that it is a very effective treatment for fungal infections. For the treatment add 8 teaspoons of licorice powder to a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for ten minutes and stir till it forms a paste. Apply the cooled paste to the affected area twice a day, leaving it on for ten minutes at every application.
