The 11 Best at Home Remedies for Ringworm

Ringworm Home Remedy
Ringworm is a common and contagious skin infection most commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas and can infect several areas of the skin from the scalp to the feet (where it’s known as athlete’s foot) to the groin (better known as “jock itch”) and everything in between. Ringworm infections generally result in red, itchy, scaly round patches on the skin, which are not only unsightly but can cause great discomfort.

Because ringworm is a particularly contagious and stubborn infection, it can be hard to eliminate (particularly when it has affected the scalp, fingernails, or toenails). But before resorting to harsh chemical treatments, there are several effective natural home remedies for ringworm worth trying. When treating ringworm at home, be sure to keep the affected area clean and dry between treatments, avoid any additional irritants, and be sure to wash all towels, sheets, and items of clothing that have come into contact with the infection. As always, starting any home remedy for ringworm, be sure to consult a physician for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.

The First 5 Home Treatments for Ringworm

Tea Tree Oil For Ringworm Natural Remedy
Ringworm Remedy 1. Garlic

Garlic is a bit of a wonder food. When ingested, garlic is known as a natural remedy for a host of health concerns. Garlic has been known to lessen the severity and duration of the common cold, naturally reduce blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol among many other benefits. But garlic can also be used topically as a natural treatment for ringworm, which makes it the first in our list of home remedies for ringworm. It’s the naturally occurring chemical compounds allicin and ajoene that are found in garlic whose antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it a powerhouse against skin infections like ringworm. In fact, one study found a topical ajoene cream more effective in treating athlete’s foot than a leading over-the-counter medicated cream.1

How to Use Garlic for Ringworm

We recommend starting with fresh garlic cloves. To use, simply make a paste of crushed or mince garlic and apply it to the affected area. You may add olive oil to the crushed garlic to get the desired consistency. With the paste covering the affected area in a thin layer, we suggest covering the area in an adhesive bandage or gauze and medical tape.  Once covered, leave the paste in place for 1-2 hours. Once the treatment time is up, rinse with warm water to remove. For best results, treat the ringworm-affected area with this fresh garlic paste up to two or three times a day for up to two weeks. Limit each treatment to two hours at maximum as longer skin exposure to garlic can result in localized skin irritation similar to that of a burn. Discontinue use if you experience redness, swelling, or discomfort.

For added internal benefit, you can also include more garlic in your regular diet or supplement with a garlic extract or garlic softgel.

Ringworm Remedy 2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Like garlic, apple cider vinegar (now increasingly referred to as ACV and a home remedy powerhouse) is known to have numerous health benefits. It has become a staple in most natural remedy medicine cabinets. We always keep a bottle of organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the mother on hand. Most of the health benefits of ACV are attributed to the acetic acid in the vinegar, which is known to effectively treat a range of skin concerns including ringworm due to its anti-fungal properties.

How to Use ACV for Ringworm

To use ACV to treat mild cases of ringworm, first test the ACV on a small area of your skin that is not infected. The reason for this “patch test” is that ACV is very acidic and has been known to cause redness and irritation in some skin types, but you won’t know if you skin is sensitive to the vinegar unless you’ve tested it.

If you find your skin tolerates the ACV, we suggest applying a damp cloth, cotton ball, or sponge gauze soaked with apple cider vinegar to ringworm-infected skin at least twice a day for 30-minutes each application. While applying ACV to a ringworm infection may cause a slight stinging sensation at first that with dull with time and exposure, if you find that the treatment is too harsh, you can dilute the ACV with some water.

You may begin to see results of your apple cider vinegar ringworm treatment as early as the first two weeks, but we suggest continuing twice daily treatments for at least another week after symptoms have disappeared to protect against reoccurrence.

Ringworm Remedy 3. Tea Tree Oil

As it has been employed for decades by the Australians, this oil is a favorite ingredient for several cosmetics including shampoos and hair oils. In addition, it has a lengthy history of helping to treat cuts, burns, and infections.

You can use this twice per day by making use of a remedy that contains as much as 50% of tea tree oil (dilute the rest with water). An improvement should be seen by you after approximately four weeks.

Ringworm Remedy 4. Turmeric

This seasoning actually has some pretty great natural antibiotic qualities. Making use of a juice extractor, apply fresh turmeric juice onto the areas that are affected until you see the problem go away.

Ringworm Remedy 5. Vinegar and Salt

Form a paste of vinegar and salt and apply it directly onto the ringworm. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Those who have used this approach to handle ringworm say it tends to take about 7 days or so for the illness to dissipate.

The Final 6 Natural Treatments for Ringworm

Aloe Vera for Ringworm
Ringworm Remedy 6. Aloe Vera

Most well-known for managing sunburns, aloe vera is an all natural remedy for ringworm and countless other skin problems. Apply the juice straight to the afflicted skin till the illness disappears.

Ringworm Remedy 7. Colloidal Silver

An antibiotic that is completely natural and destroys hundreds of dangerous microorganisms, colloidal silver could be used topically to eliminate ringworm. Basically spray or rub (depending on whether you have a gel or a liquid) colloidal silver onto the fungal infection twice a day until it is completely gone.

Ringworm Remedy 8. Lavender Oil

Moving down the list of available home treatments for ringworm, lavender oil is yet another compound with powerful anti-fungal effects. Studies have shown how the oil doesn’t simply stop fungi from developing, but it actually kills fungal infections including ringworm, athlete’s foot, and Candidiasis.

Ringworm Remedy 9. Lemongrass Tea

Drink a glass of lemongrass tea 3 times per day. You should also apply the used tea bags directly to the areas that are affected while you’re drinking your delicious tea.

Ringworm Remedy 10. Myrrh

Myrrh is a great antifungal treatment. Create a paste by mixing equal components of myrrh and goldenseal with a small amount of water, and use it 3 times daily.

Ringworm Remedy 11. Olive Leaf

As the last home remedy on our list olive-leaf infusion has antifungal qualities and aids to boost the body’s immune system. Take this one 3 times per day (250 mg) until the problem subsides.

Sources

  1. Ledezma E, Marcano K, Jorquera A, et al. Efficacy of ajoene in the treatment of tinea pedis: A double-blind and comparative study with terbinafine. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:829-32.

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31 thoughts on “The 11 Best at Home Remedies for Ringworm”

  1. Long-term ringworm causes greyhair and hair loss on the scalp I treated both internal and external I used garlic water and cider vinegar in a month hair was restored and color Edgar Cayce reading worked I visited my dermatologist and completely healed of ringworm and no recurrence it’s been a year and free the problem was used resale articles and hats that have to be washed with parasital wash that of a shampoo consistancy

  2. Hey Darin,

    Thanks for sharing your story. We’re glad to hear that your natural mix of garlic, apple cider vinegar, and water worked to treat your ringworm. Success stories are always our favorite. It’s also always great to learn some preventative measures. We’ll definitely be cleaning our hats and thrift store purchases well!

    Live well,
    The NAR Team

  3. After having ringworm twice now I wanted to share a holistic cure that has worked on me. The first time I tried OTC and it didn’t work for weeks, then a holistic doctor had me try Olive Leaf Extract Pills (6 – 8 a day) + 100% tea tree oil directly on the spots and it was gone in a day! The most recent time I got it I tried the same method and it wasn’t working. I bought a different Olive Leaf Extract brand from CVS and took 6 – 8 pills a day and it was gone within two days without tea tree oil. I just wanted to share this with others because I know how horrible it can be and Olive Leaf Extract is natural, good for you and cures ringworm!

  4. Hey Holistic Diva (awesome comment name, by the way!),

    Thanks for sharing your story! We always love to hear natural remedy success stories and learning more about how the remedies are working for our readers. It’s great that you were able to treat your ringworm from the inside and out naturally – and with an awesome holistic doctor, no less!

    Live Well,
    The NAR Team

  5. I have a question!
    I have ringworm all over my scalp and was wondering how to mix the ACV and how to use it. Do I let it soak? How long?
    Also I have it on my inner thighs, any suggestions? :/

  6. Hi Kay,

    Thanks for your question. When it comes to treating mild ringworm infections (or any skin concern for that matter) with ACV, it is always best to first test the ACV on a small area of your skin that is not infected. The reason being is that ACV is very acidic, and has been known to cause redness and irritation on some skin types. You won’t know if you skin is sensitive to the vinegar unless you’ve tested it.

    If you find your skin tolerates the ACV, we suggest applying a damp cloth, cotton ball, or sponge gauze soaked with apple cider vinegar to ringworm-infected skin at least twice a day for 30-minute periods each application for up to four weeks. While applying ACV to a ringworm infection may cause a slight stinging sensation at first, if you find that the treatment is a bit too harsh, you can dilute the ACV with some water.

    You may begin to see results as early as the first two weeks, but we always suggest continuing twice daily treatments for at least another week after symptoms have disappeared to protect against reoccurrence. You can use the ACV for your scalp and inner thighs, simply be careful not to get too close to sensitive areas like the eyes and genitals.

    Keep us updated on your progress!

    Until then, be well
    The NAR Team

  7. I have what I believe is ringworm, but instead of the normal “ring”, I have itchy blister looking bumps. Not in clusters, just bumps. Is this ringworm or something else?

  8. Hi Tonya,

    First and foremost, you are certainly not alone in your concerns! While most ringworm skin infections appear in the common ring formation, the fungal infection doesn’t always manifest itself in the typical ring-like pattern. In fact, some ringworm infections look more like bumpy red patches around your skin. On your scalp, ringworm may even look more like a flaky red pimple than a ring. Without being able to examine your skin, we are not able to provide any additional information regarding your specific condition, but we can say that in most cases, if the rash does not go away within 4 weeks of ringworm treatment, it probably isn’t ringworm. Given that there are many other skin conditions and reactions that are regularly confused with ringworm, we would suggest that you make an appointment with a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (and who hopefully is open to taking a natural approach to treatment as the first line of defense!).

    In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye on the rash. Make note of any changes like where it is, its appearance, how it feels, and any other symptoms that might be helpful in examination and diagnosis. While we rely on the experience and medical training of our doctors, it is just as important that we take an active role in our healthcare. We wish you the best of luck. Keep us updated with your progress.

    Be Well,
    The NAR Team

  9. am going to try garlic n acv n turmeric as my hubby has it from last 4 month . when ever we treated wit medicine it came back when we stop the treatment

  10. I have a ring worm for almost a year now. It started like a small letter “C” and now it is heart shaoed. I have tried OTC blue star ointment but it has not worked. I am willing to try the suggested ones that has been posted. Thanks for the advice and will keep you updated.

  11. Hi to every body this is hong kong person thanks to this remedy of garlic in one day i found changes and i tried so many cream it not work but garlic is the best remedy for me it start going

  12. We passed ringworm around our house for over 6 months my sons doctor gave him the antibiotic because he got it in his hair.. My doctor said use this cream that cream this conjunction of cream and it never helped after being to the doctor 5 times and 3 doctors I finally was able to get the antibiotic but KRAZY part is I put clear nail polish on it and removed it at the end of the day and reapplied for several days and yes nail polish remover is the only thing that worked believe me u name it I tried it from the home remedies above to bleach apple cider vinegar to iodine and all that did was scar my skin so if you get this nasty fungus that we caught from a children’s museum then I suggest stocking up on clear nail polish and remover cotton balls and q tips so u don’t contaminate the nail polish !!!!! It works wonder for mosquito bites as well!!!!

  13. Yes the bleach iodine and apple cider vinegar worked but it did NOT stay gone it reapers and spreads… Don’t itch because it spreads even more and wash your bedsheets and clothes in detergent and add some apple cider vinegar !!!

  14. thanks for advice im using garlic now… after two days ringworm slowly gone.. im from Philippines… thanks all of you..

  15. I used the olive leaf extract and tea tree oil because I already had them and could see definite improvement in 2 days. When itching was bad I applied decolorized iodine and continued using all three until discoloration of skin was gone..

  16. i am having that problem.. it is very itchy and from small 1 inch circle now its almost 3.. i dont know how to stop it but im currently using nizoral cream as my friends told me. ill test it for a week if not ill try the garlic..
    thanks by the way for the information.

  17. I’ve had ringworm on top of my foot for 6 months it was 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 big did not start treating it till 4 th month that was a mistake hard to get rid of I tried everything cream nail polish I remember when I was a kid used green walnut it work then this July 3rd 2016 so a week ago I look around town for green walnut I got lucky found some my ringworm was bad so I started using it it burns for 30 minutes or so when put it on your skin but it’s worth the pain I used it 3 Times it started scabbing up and my skin is looking better skin is looking pink again if u want to kill it fast green walnut is the way to go mine is still healing it’s looking good now is the time of year to get green walnut up till September when they start falling on the ground David

  18. I have been using the salt and finger on my daughter ringworm for the last three days and it is helping a lot. Thanks for the help

  19. I made a poultice by grinding in a mortar and pestle: 4 cloves garlic, coarse Himalayan sea salt, 3″ leaf of aloe vera gel, 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder, 3 drops lavendar oil. I put a bit of this poultice on the ringworm at night and cover with a cloth bandage. Remove it and rinse in the morning. Two nights of this and it’s almost gone. Everything else I’ve tried including OTC cream and 100% tea tree oil gave me very bad dermatitis….red itching blisters. I do not recommend using a plastic bandage over the poultice because trapping heat and moisture is a condition that can cause the ringworm to grow. This poultice seems to dry out the skin and kill the fungus.

  20. I am from Africa and I just discovered I have scalp ring worm and I have just applied apple cider vinger on my bald head. My head is terribly bold and I haven’t seen a doctor so this is great.

  21. I have ringworm on the tops of my feet and 4 one inch circles on my body, I have tried every thing for the last 4 weeks including doctors creams and no joy, I have used crushed garlic cloves now for 2 days and Presto feet are now dry and not itching and healing well, the rings on my torso are fading fast and not itching, the only down side is the smell :~)

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