How to Cure Ringworm

Prevention is Better than Cure

Home Remedies for Ringworm

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t actually caused by a worm or any type of living parasite. Instead, it’s a skin condition that’s caused by a type of fungus called tinea. It lives on the dead tissues of skin, including your nails and hair.

Ringworm causes a red, scaly, itchy patch on your skin. Over time, it takes the shape of a circle or a ring (or several rings). This is where the name “ringworm” comes from.

You can get ringworm on your skin and nails. It’s most common on the arms and the scalp, but you can get it anywhere on your skin, including your face. If ringworm develops in different areas, it may be called by a different name. For example, when it affects the groin area, it’s referred to as jock itch. When it affects the area between your toes, it’s called athlete’s foot.

Fortunately, ringworm can respond well to home treatments.

A note about essential oils

Several essential oils, listed below, can help treat ringworm. When using essential oils, test that you’re not allergic to them first. Dilute the essential oil by adding three to five drops per ounce of a carrier oil such as olive or mineral oil. Then, rub it onto healthy skin in an area the size of a dime. If you have no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it should be safe to use on your infection.

When you have ringworm, you need to keep the area as clean as possible. This helps prevent the further spread of the rash and helps keep the affected area under control.

Wash the affected area with water and antibacterial soap daily before applying other home remedies on top of it. Dry the area thoroughly after showering, as moisture makes it easier for the fungus to spread.

Pine and coal-tar soap are older home remedies that might be an option, but they can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it may help treat ringworm when applied topically to the affected area. To use it, soak a cotton ball in undiluted apple cider vinegar and brush the cotton ball over your skin. Do this three times per day.

Native Australians conventionally used tea tree oil as an antifungal and antibacterial, and it’s used today for the same purposes. It can be extremely effective in treating fungal skin infections.

Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area two or three times per day with a cotton ball or swab. If you have sensitive skin, it may be helpful to dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil, which has its own antifungal benefits.

Coconut oil has both microbial and antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm infections. It’s an extremely effective topical home remedy for ringworm and infections with other fungi, like candida. Because it’s easy to apply to the scalp and an effective hair conditioner, coconut oil could be an ideal treatment for scalp ringworm.

To use it, warm the coconut oil either in the microwave or in your hand until it becomes liquid, then apply it directly to the affected area. It will absorb into the skin quickly. Apply it at least three times daily.

Turmeric has numerous health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an effective antifungal that inhibits growth.

Combine fresh-ground turmeric, or the turmeric spice, with a small amount of water and mix until it becomes a paste. Apply it to your skin and leave it on until it dries. You can also drink turmeric water or turmeric tea daily to get the internal benefits.

Aloe vera has long been used as a natural remedy for both bacterial and fungal infections, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera can treat the ringworm and may soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort. You can find ointments with aloe vera or apply aloe vera gel directly to the area. Do this at least three times daily.

Oregano essential oil may be a more powerful antifungal than other commercial products that are available, and can inhibit and treat fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Oregano oil is an extract that you can purchase online or at stores like GNC. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area three times per day.

Lemongrass oil extract, and to a slightly lesser extent lemongrass tea, both have antifungal properties that can be helpful in treating fungal skin infections like ringworm.

To use lemongrass oil, mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with a carrier oil. Apply it directly to the skin twice per day. You can also apply a brewed tea bag directly to the ringworm.

Licorice has strong antimicrobial properties, and research has found that the extracts of licorice could be used as alterative treatment for fungal infections.

Mix eight teaspoons of powdered licorice with a cup of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes. Stir until it makes a paste. When the mixture is cool enough to touch, apply the paste to the affected area twice daily. Leave it on for at least ten minutes.

While all-natural ingredients 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.

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.

Ringworm is highly contagious. While it’s most commonly spread from skin-to-skin contact, you can also catch it from touching something that someone with ringworm touched.

To prevent ringworm, you should keep your skin clean and dry. Immediately after the gym or shower, put on clean, dry clothes. Avoid physical contact with someone who has ringworm. You should always wear shoes, like flip-flops, in public showers.

Most cases of ringworm clear up within two weeks.

Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Bona de Silva C, et al. (2008). Antifungal activity of the lemongrass oil and citral against Candida spp. DOI:
  dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-86702008000100014
• Cooley J. (2017). 5 amazing oregano oil benefits.
  universityhealthnews.com/daily/eyes-ears-nose-throat/your-number-one-home-remedy-oregano-oil-benefits-uses/
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Ringworm.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/home/ovc-20232303
• Moghadamtousi S, et al. (2014). A review on antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity of curcumin. DOI:
  10.1111/jopr.12207
• Mota AC, et al. (2014). Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis. DOI:
  10.1111/jopr.12207
• Pazyar N, et al. (2012). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. DOI:
  10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
• Shino B, et al. (2016). comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole on Candida albicans isolated in children with early childhood caries: An in vitro study. DOI:
  dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/7061587
• Surjushe A, et al. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. DOI:
  10.4103/0019-5154.44785
• Wang L, et al. (2015). The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. DOI:
  doi.org/10.1016/j.apsb.2015.05.005

How to Cure Ringworm

“That’s a huge misconception. Ringworm, or tinea, is not a creature but an infection caused by fungus,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. Here’s how to spot this common fungal infection — and how to wipe it out.

Recognizing ringworm symptoms

Ringworm causes red, ring-shaped patches on the skin. The red splotches typically have a wavy border that’s raised or scaly, Dr. Vij says. The rash is usually a little itchy but not always.

And those itchy red patches are all too common. The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, so it often affects kids (who are famously lax about keeping their hands to themselves) and athletes who engage in close contact, such as wrestlers. But it can strike anyone of any age.

It can also show up anywhere on the body. In kids, the scalp is a common spot. But tinea can also infiltrate the feet (where it’s known as athlete’s foot) or the groin (hello, jock itch).

Ringworm treatment

If you have signs of ringworm, you probably want it gone yesterday. Good news, says Dr. Vij: “It’s generally easy to treat.”

Look for over-the-counter antifungal creams such as Tinactin® (tolnaftate topical) or Lotramin® (clotrimazole). These products are often found in the foot care aisle and marketed for athlete’s foot. These creams will:

• Clear it up: Use it twice a day, and the infection should start clearing within a few days, Dr. Vij says.
• Wipe it out: Keep using the cream morning and night for a month to fully wipe out the fungus and prevent it from making a repeat performance, he says. “Using the creams consistently is the key.”

Most often, an OTC treatment works well to clear up ringworm. If it doesn’t, see a doctor, because you might have a deeper infection that requires prescription treatment.

However, DO NOT treat ringworm with apple cider vinegar. Some people suggest applying this would-be home remedy and covering the spot with a bandage. But you may end up with open sores, Dr. Vij says. “I’ve seen people with scarring as a result of trying to treat ringworm with vinegar.”

Keep ringworm infections at bay

When you have ringworm, antifungal creams are your friends. Still, you’d surely rather avoid the infection in the first place.

These strategies can help you avoid those telltale red rings (or prevent them from spreading from one part of your body to another):

• Wash up: After touching the rash, wash your hands before you touch another part of your body. (Or somebody else’s body. Your friends will thank you.)
• Boil the bedding:Wash all linens, towels and clothing that comes into contact with an infected person. (Go ahead and crank up the water temp — you want to scorch those fungi.)
• Check Spot: Have a vet check your dog for fungal infections since they can spread tinea to people.
• Hit the showers: Shower right after working out — especially if you’re a wrestler or participate in other close-contact sports.
• Protect your feet: Wear shower shoes at the gym or pool to avoid catching athlete’s foot.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

7 Best Ways to Get Rid of Ringworm Fast & Naturally at Home

In this article, I’ll let you know each and everything on how to get rid of ringworm fast using natural remedies.

Table of Contents

What is Ringworm?

A condition in which there is itching on the skin and has small circular (ring-like) patches, is called ringworm. It is caused by a number of scalp or feet affecting fungi. The most common form is an athlete’s foot.

The picture below will give you an idea of how it looks like.

Causes

It is a contagious infection caused by the parasites (mold-like) which live on the outer layer of the skin. The following could be the causes of its spreading:

• Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person
• Through contact with infected animals especially pets (dogs, cats, cows)
• It can also be transferred through contact with an infected soil
• By sharing things which are in touch with an infected person/animal

If your immune system is weak then you are also at high risk of getting this infection from others.

Symptoms

The question is, how do you know if you have ringworm?

To get the answer to this question, read the common symptoms of it.

• Itching on the skin
• Ring-shaped red spots on the skin
• Hair loss in the infected area (if there are hairs)
• Defined and raised patches on the skin

You are going to see the symptoms within 4 to 14 days of the contact of the infection i.e ringworm-causing fungi. (1)

Along with symptoms, it is also my responsibility to inform you about different types of ringworm.

Types of Ringworm

There is no specific place on the skin where it shows the signs or symptoms but it can appear anywhere from head to toe.

See this infographic to learn about different types.

I hope now you have an overview of the condition so now let’s come to our main point.

How to Get Rid of Ringworm Fast and Permanently?

There is a saying:

Prevention is Better than Cure

Keeping this in mind you should first of all have to avoid the above-mentioned causes.

Now what, if you are already affected? Don’t worry as below are some of the best remedies mentioned for humans.

1. Apply Antifungal Product

This is the initial step you should take and the great thing is you don’t even have to visit the doctor.

Go to the drugstore near your house or online to purchase an antifungal product. It could be cream, lotion, or powder.

• Here is my recommendation; LotriminAF Ringworm Cream

Some common medications include:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Miconazole (Cruex)
• Clotrimazole (Canesten)

You can apply the product to the infected area 2-3 times a day. Before applying, make sure that you clean the area. Apply it regularly and you’ll see the infection has started healing.

2. Don’t Be Too Conscious

I have seen many people being more conscious and bandaging the infected area tight to stop the spreading of the infection. For a normal person, it seems logical but according to the medical point of view, it isn’t.

Instead of bandaging hard and wearing tight clothes, dress up normally without being too conscious.

3. Don’t Let it Grow

Don’t give the infection ideal conditions to grow and spread.

Here I mean, wet areas help in growing the infection. So, change all your clothes daily and here I mean everything (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, etc).

Take a regular bath and make yourself completely dry before wearing new clothes. Dry conditions are not suitable for the infection to grow.

4. Use Antifungal Shampoo

Use this only if the infection is in the scalp area. But, how do you know if the infection is in the scalp?

Following are the signs of scalp infection:

• Itching in the scalp
• Too much Dandruff
• Hair Loss Patches (mostly due to dandruff)

These antifungal shampoos help in killing all the infections and stop the spreading.

Don’t want to use antifungal shampoo? No problem, the solution is below…

• Take about 500ml water and add 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into it
• Shake it well and then apply it on your scalp properly
• Leave it for about an hour and then wash it off with your normal shampoo

This technique is very beneficial in getting rid of all fungal infections like Dandruff. Just give it a try and you will be very satisfied.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ringworm Fast

Now I am going to discuss some of the natural remedies which will help you a lot.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and is a very effective home remedy to get rid of ringworm fast.

How to apply?

• Apply the aloe vera gel on the infected area and leave it for some time (minimum 30 minutes) and then wash it
• For maximum results apply the gel at night before going to sleep and wash it in the morning
• Do it regularly 1-2 times a day and you’ll see the desired results

Want to Buy?

You can get it from here.

2. Garlic

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and it helps in the spreading of the condition.

How to Apply?

• Take 1-2 garlic cloves (according to the infected area) and mix it with 1 tablespoon of both honey and olive oil
• Mix it completely and apply the paste on the infected area
• Apply it daily minimum 2-3 times for about 1 week

This is a proven and quick effecting natural remedy and right after the first use, you will start seeing the noticeable results.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is used for hundreds of years in traditional as well as natural medicine. (2)

It not only inhibits the growth of fungal infection (ringworm) but also kills it instantly.

How to Apply?

• Make a thick paste (according to the requirement) of it by adding some water into it
• Apply it on the infected area using a cotton swab
• After applying, leave it to dry for about 30-45 minutes
• After that, wash it off with normal water
• Apply it daily 2 times for at least 1 week to get rid of ringworm

The Bottom Line!

Don’t take ringworm lightly and take a quick action to stop the spreading. You must take into consideration that you never share your personal items like towels, clothes, and brushes with others.

As I have already mentioned, prevention is better than cure so try to stick to it and it will help you in getting rid of not only ringworm but each and every condition quickly.

You May Want to Read!

• How to Cure Tonsillitis in 4 Hours: 15 Easy Home Remedies
• 15 Easy Ways to Cure Diabetes Naturally in 30 Days Without Medication

The information present on this webpage has not been evaluated by any medical authority such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All information is for educational purposes only. Strictly saying, we do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website.

Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.