The Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Ringworm 2022

Home remedies to get rid of ringworm are Early interventions to avoid transmitting the infection to others. Thankfully, ringworms can respond well to home treatments.

Let's know about ringworm at first,

What is ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm or any other parasite. But it’s a skin condition that’s caused by a type of fungi.

What are the causes of ringworm?

Three different types of fungi can cause ringworm: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.

What are the types of ringworm?

Doctors call ringworm different names depending on where it affects the body:

• Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) often starts as isolated scaling in the scalp that develops into itchy, scaly bald patches. It’s most common among children.

• Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape.

• Jock itch (tinea cruris) refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.

• The athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the common name for ringworm infection of the foot. It’s frequently seen in people who go barefoot in public places where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas of the skin and later may spread to other parts of the body. It may affect the scalp, feet, nails, groin, beard, or other areas.

These fungi may live for an extended period as spores in the soil. Humans and animals can get ringworm after direct contact with the soil.

The infection can also spread through contact with infected animals or humans. The infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items harboring the fungus.

Risk factors of ringworm:

Additionally, both external and internal factors could increase your risk of getting ringworm. These include:

• Living in a warm area

• Participating in contact sports

• Wearing tight clothes frequently

• A weak or compromised immune system

• Close contact with someone who has ringworm

Home remedies to get rid of ringworm:

People have used home remedies for ringworm for many years before researchers invented antifungal treatments. Support for use of these remedies is mostly anecdotal. There is no scientific data to support their use over OTC antifungals.

All the home remedies to get rid of ringworm we are going to mention have been considered effective in treating ringworm fungal infections.

However, you must be careful about allergies and reactions to your skin. All of these are natural products but some people have certain allergies in which case they should avoid that remedy and consult a doctor.

Here are some of the best home remedies to get rid of ringworm:

1. Apple cider vinegar:

Some people apply apple cider vinegar-soaked cotton balls over affected areas of skin three times a day to treat ringworm.

2. Coconut oil:

Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking — people apply it to their skin to reduce the incidence of ringworm infections. If you want to try this remedy, apply coconut oil one to three times a day.

There are both antifungal and microbial properties in coconut oil that can help cure ringworm infection. It’s one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of ringworm and infections with other fungi.

Coconut oil could be an ideal treatment for scalp ringworm as it’s easy to apply to the scalp and an effective hair conditioner.

3. Tea tree oil:

Earlier tea tree oil was used as an antifungal and antibacterial, and even today it’s used for the same purposes. so we can consider it one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of ringworm. 

4. Turmeric:

Turmeric is a spice you can mix with water to make an antifungal paste. Apply the paste directly to your skin and allow it to dry.

5. Oregano oil:

Oregano oil may be a more powerful antifungal than other products that are available and can inhibit and treat fungal skin infections.

6. Licorice:

Licorice has significant antimicrobial properties, and research has shown that licorice extracts could be used to treat fungal infections in an altered manner

7. Aloe vera:

Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies to get rid of ringworm, it has long been used both for bacterial and fungal infections as a natural treatment, and ringworm is no exception.

Aloe vera may cure the ringworm and can soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort.

8. Lemongrass oil: 

Lemongrass oil extract has antifungal properties that can help treat fungus-induced skin infections.

While all-natural home remedies to get rid of ringworm are great, sometimes you need something a little stronger. 

OTC antifungal topical remedies are available and effective for mild cases of ringworm. 

Look for the active ingredients clotrimazole and terbinafine. 

You can apply these ointments twice per day.

When to see your doctor?

If we use home remedies to get rid of ringworm with no response, you should see your doctor if your symptoms don’t clear up or don’t respond to treatment within two weeks.

You should also go to the doctor if you’re in a position that could likely spread it to others, such as if you’re a teacher.

In some cases, ringworm won’t respond to home remedies or OTC treatments. Your doctor will write you a prescription for an antifungal topical ointment or an oral medication.

What happens if you don't cure ringworm?

If not treated, ringworm can spread and the skin can become irritated and painful. Skin blisters and cracks can become infected with bacteria. If this happens, you may need to take antibiotics.

After we covered the best home remedies to get rid of ringworm, Here are ways to keep things clean when you have a ringworm infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after you touch a ringworm-affected area

• Shower directly after working out or participating in sports

• Wear flip flops in public showers

• Wash bedding, clothes, and towels used by anyone with ringworm in hot water

• Clean the affected area with soap, and dry with a different towel from the rest of your body

• Wear fresh clothes — especially undergarments — every day

• Wash your clothes regularly and keep them dry when not in use

• Throw out or disinfect shoes in the case of athlete's foot

We must know that anyone can develop ringworm. 

However, the infection is very common among children and people who own cats or dogs.

 Both cats and dogs can catch ringworm, and then pass it on to humans who touch them.

Signs to be aware of in pets include:

Hairless patches of skin that appear circular crusty or scaly patches.

Patches that may not be completely hairless but have brittle or broken hairs, opaque or whitish areas around the claws.

If you suspect your pet has ringworm, bring them to your veterinarian to have them looked at.

Summary 

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be treated with effective home remedies.