Contrary to its name, ringworm has got nothing to do with worms. It’s actually a type of fungal infection that spreads on your skin and is highly contagious in nature. It’s characterized by scaly, red or cracked skin, ring-shaped rashes and lots of itching. Depending on where you have the infection, it is labeled accordingly. And while this does sound scary, it really not as serious as you might think.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
Raw Papaya
What you need
1 slice of green papaya, mashed into a paste
What you should do
Simply apply that paste on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a day. Wipe it off with a wet towel when you’re done.
Why it’s effective
Thanks to enzymes like papain and chymopapain, raw papaya can actively destroy dead or older skin cells from the surface of your skin, thus encouraging the growth of newer cells. This also takes care of the fungus growing on your skin because they work by completely inhibiting the growth of said infection. And it does so without affecting the other parts of your skin in any way.
Colloidal Silver
What you need
Colloidal silver, a mineral that is easily available in liquid or gel form in drugstores
What you should do
Rub or spray it on affected area, twice a day.
Why it’s effective
Antibiotic in nature, colloidal silver is extremely effective in destroying hundreds of dangerous microorganisms at the same time, which makes it one of the most effective home remedies for ringworm.
Goldenseal
What you need
Goldenseal, an herb that is available in dried powder/leaf form
What you should do
Take 5 tsp. of the dried herb, add to 1 cup of water and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Strain, put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray on the infected area 3-4 times a day.
Why it’s effective
It has antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It was in fact been used for centuries by Native Americans, Hindu sages (Ayurved) and even in ancient Chinese medicine to treat various infections, including ringworm.
Tea Tree Oil
What you need
Pure tea tree oil, along with a carrier oil like almond, coconut, jojoba or castor oil
What you should do
First test your skin’s reaction to the oil by diluting it in a 50:50 ratio with the carrier oil to check for skin irritation. If nothing happens, apply a few drops of the oil in the infection.
Why it’s effective
Tea tree oil is practically world famous for its undeniable antifungal and antiseptic properties, which is exactly why you will find it in so many acne, dandruff and cosmetic products meant specifically for skin infections. In fact, it’s hands down one of the best home remedies for ringworm out there!
Garlic
What you need
2 cloves of garlic, 2 tsp. olive oil and 2 tsp. honey
What you should do
Crush the cloves, extract their juice and add olive oil and honey to it.
Why it’s effective
Garlic contains an antifungal compound called ajoene, which fights many types of fungal infections very effectively. Honey is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, while olive oil will soothe your skin, reduce the rashes and keep the itching to a minimum.
Aloe Vera
What you need
Preferably, use fresh gel extracted from aloe vera leaves. If not, then buy the organic variety from the nearest supermarket.
What you should do
Apply some aloe vera on your affected area, several times a day.
Why it’s effective
The saponins present in the gel of aloe vera leaves instantly gets rid of all itching from your skin, while also actively fighting the fungal growth on your ringworm infection to inhibit its growth as much as it can. Apply a small quantity of the gel on your skin, rub it in a little, and leave the rest to be absorbed by your skin. You can do this as much as 5 times a day.
Turmeric
What you need
Turmeric oil or ground turmeric roots
What you should do
Apply the oil directly on the area. For the powdered roots, add a little bit of aloe vera gel to it to make a paste and let it sit on your skin for 15 minutes or so.
Why it’s effective
Turmeric consists of turmerone, atlantone and zingiberone, which are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It really is one of those home remedies for ringworm that you would have lying around in your kitchen. Right from rashes to ringworm – turmeric oil is a spice that can not only fight fungal infections, but also treat your itchy or scabby skin.
Neem (Indian lilac)
What you need
Neem oil, leaves or powdered neem leaves
What you should do
Apply the oil directly on the area. As for the leaves, add 10 pieces to 1 cup of water and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain, put the neem water in a spray bottle and spray on the infected area 3-4 times a day.
For neem powder, add a little bit of sandalwood powder (optional), a little bit of rose water and 2 tsp. of honey. Make a paste and let it sit on infected area for 20 minutes at least.
Why it’s effective
Neem is the one stop solution to all your skin infection woes. Right from ringworm, ulcers, inflammations, boils, septic sores, and infected burns to eczema – it can cure everything in a 100% natural manner, all thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
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