Home Remedies and Herbs for Ringworm

Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is an extremely common and highly contagious fungal infection that forms on the top or outer layer of the skin. Ringworm presents as a circular or ring-shaped rash being reddish on the outer circumference and clearer in the center. Despite the name, there is no worm involved. ³
 
The fungal or yeast infection from ringworm results from dermatophytes which are tiny, microscopic organisms that thrive on the skin’s dead, outer layer. Ringworm can prominently appear anywhere on the body and often appears as ringworm on the scalp. Ringworm on the body (tinea corporis) is slightly different from ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) and not the same as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or jock itch (tinea cruris). ^3,4
 
Ringworm infections are usually caused by contact with other infected people, household pets and occasionally from the soil. Risk factors for contracting ringworm include: 

• Wearing contaminated clothing
• Touching infected people
• Handling infected animals
• Living in warm, humid climate
• Weakened immune system
• Using public change areas
• Contact in sweaty sports events
• Sharing bedding, towels and grooming devices

What Causes Ringworm
 
Ringworm causes stem from the tinea corporis fungal infection which is a mold-like parasite that thrives in dead skin cells. The outer layer of all human skin, from head to foot, is composed of dead, decaying, and discarding skin cells. This is the perfect environment for ringworm, especially when warm and moist. ^2,4
 
Because ringworm causes are from infection, the infection can be spread in different ways. Here are four ways ringworm is spread: 

• Human to human
• Animal to human
• Object to human
• Soil to human

The best ringworm prevention is to avoid contamination by avoiding suspicious areas, limiting contact opportunities and maintaining proper personal and clothing hygiene. People of all ages are susceptible to ringworm however it is most common in children. ¹
 
Ringworm Symptoms
 
Classic ringworm symptoms are ring-shaped sores and skin lesions that are red in color on the outer area, blending back to normal skin tone in the center. As the infection spreads, ringworm sores crust over and become fluid-filled. In maturity, the sores burst and leak. This can be very itchy and painful. ²
 
Ringworm symptoms of the scalp may be less noticeable due to being hidden by hair. Itchiness is the first symptom of scalp ringworm. Close inspection will then reveal the reddish rings and scaly skin. ^3,4
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Ringworm
 
Ringworm is normally treated by a topical, antifungal application. Ringworm natural remedies include:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV is a timeless remedy for many ailments, including skin infections. The anti-fungal properties in apple cider vinegar kill the ringworm fungus and help to restore pH levels.
• Garlic - Garlic is another timeless remedy for treating the ringworm fungus. Garlic can either be eaten raw or rubbed directly onto the affected area. Making a paste from garlic is an effective natural remedy for ringworm of the scalp.
• Iodine - Iodine is a ringworm natural remedy and anti-fungal remedy for skin infection. The skin absorbs iodine and it kills the fungus.
• Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil is a natural skin astringent with anti-fungal and antiseptic qualities. Tea tree oil will stop the fungus and treat the skin especially concerning ringworm on the scalp.
• Peroxide 3 - Hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent purity effectively kills the ringworm fungus. It should be placed directly on the affected area when used as a ringworm natural remedy.
• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil has marvelous antiseptic and anti-fungal qualities that work well in treating ringworm. Placing raw coconut oil on the infected skin area works quickly. Scalp treatments work best with using coconut oil as a shampoo.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/ringworm
2. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ringworm_on_body/article_em.htm
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/home/ovc-20232303
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/home/ovc-20261678