Top 27 Time-Tested Home Remedies For Ringworm On Scalp & Body

Ringworm also called tinea, is a kind of skin infection. It can happen anywhere in your body and cause redness and itchiness. Many people who got this skin issue often try to take medicine to improve the situation. However, the result is not good enough. Even when they take medical treatment, they still need some special masks to treat ringworm from the outside. In today's article, we, Beauty Talk, is going to introduce to you some of the best natural home remedies for ringworm that work in humans. Scroll down!

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Top 27 Proven Treatments For Ringworm On The Scalp And Body

I. What Is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a type of fungal infection of the skin^[1]. It often happens in the warm and moist areas such as the groin or between the toes. If you sweat excessively or have an injury on your skin, scalp, or nails, you are more prone to ringworm.

Ringworm can be divided into different kinds, including tinea pedis (infection on the feet's soles), tinea barbae (infection on the beard), tinea capitis (infection on the scalp), etc.

The common symptoms of ringworm are often itchiness, redness, and a rash in ring-shaped. Also, the specific symptoms are dependent on the happening area, such as:

• Tinea capitis: hair loss and inflamed bald spots. This type often happens in children rather than adults.
• Tinea barbae: Itchy and red spots on the cheeks, chin, and neck
• Tinea pedis: Swollen and red skin between toes. It can cause blistering in severe cases.

II. Home Remedies For Ringworm

The recipes we've focused on are traditional remedies that can be used alongside usual medical treatment. Always consult your doctor about recurrent infections, and if symptoms are getting worse rather than better.

A. On Scalp

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a great ingredient for ringworm treatment. It has antifungal properties, so it helps to treat many skin diseases, including ringworm. Studies have shown that tea tree oil can help to inhibit the activities of bacteria and fungi, causing tinea^[2]. As tea tree oil is non-sticky, it can quickly absorb into your skin and improve your condition, even stubborn cases. Also, this oil is fragrant, so it makes you feel more comfortable after using.

Remedy 1: Tree Tree Oil And Coconut Oil

Things you need

• 3 – 4 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• A cotton ball

How to do

• Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil
• Immerse the cotton ball into the mixture and then apply it to your scalp
• After half an hour, rinse it off with fresh water
• Repeat this remedy once per day to treat ringworm effectively.

Remedy 2: Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

For this method, what you have to do is to add some drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and then wash your hair as usual. Implementing this method about 3 or 4 times per week will bring about a good result.

2. Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil has powerful anti-fungal properties, so it helps to remove the bacteria and fungi causing ringworm^[3]. The compound carvacrol in this oil also contributes to relieving the infection and soothing the redness caused by ringworm.

Things you need

• 4 – 5 drops of oregano essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

How to do

• Mix oregano oil with olive oil
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin area
• Leave it to stay for about 2 hours
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and dry your skin
• Follow this remedy twice or thrice per day.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel can help to reduce the infection and soothe the itchiness. Applying aloe vera gel to your skin is a useful way to soothe the discomfort feelings^[4]. Also, this ingredient helps to keep the pH level in your scalp balance, so it contributes to strengthening your scalp and hair.

Remedy 1: Aloe Vera Only

Thing you need

• An aloe vera leaf

How to do

• Scoop out the gel by cutting an aloe vera leaf
• Apply the gel directly to the affected area on your scalp
• Wash it off after 30 minutes with tepid water
• Do this remedy twice per day

Remedy 2: Aloe Vera Gel And Lemon Juice

Things you need

• A half-cup of aloe vera gel
• The juice from half a lemon

How to do

• Mix aloe vera gel with lemon juice
• Apply this mixture to ringworm on your scalp
• Let it stay for about 30 minutes
• Cleanse it off with fresh water
• Apply this remedy every week to treat the tinea capitis as soon as possible.

4. Indian Lilac (Neem Leaves)

Indian Lilac, which is known as neem leaves, has antibacterial and antifungal properties^[5], so it is considered one of the best home remedies for ringworm, especially the one on your scalp. It is useful at eliminating the fungi, causing inflammation and ringworm. Also, the ringworm symptoms such as itchiness, redness, and pain will be solved very quickly if you apply neem mask regularly. Thanks to the antiseptic properties, neem leaves will help you to recover from the situation quickly and safely.

Remedy 1: Neem Leaves Only

Thing you need

• A handful of neem leaves

How to do

• Grind neem leaves
• Apply the ground neem leaves to your scalp
• Let it stay for about half an hour
• Wash it off with lukewarm water
• Use this process twice per day for the best result.

Remedy 2: Neem Water

Things you need

• A handful of neem leaves
• Water

How to do

• Add neem leaves to water and boil until the water reduces to one-third
• Strain to take the neem water and let it cool
• Use this water to wash your scalp and hair once per day

Remedy 3: Neem Oil And Coconut Oil

Things you need

• Several drops of neem oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

How to do

• Mix neem oil with coconut oil
• Apply this mixture to ringworm on your scalp
• Wash it off after 20 minutes with clean water
• Do this process twice per day.

B. On Body

1. Turmeric Remedy

Turmeric has antiseptic properties, so it can help to treat most skin ailments, including ringworm. Thanks to the antifungal properties, turmeric may help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, causing infection^[6]. Moreover, this ingredient does not make your skin dry after applying but help moisturize and nourish it. The turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone in turmeric make it more useful for ringworm treatment.

Remedy 1: Turmeric Powder

Things you need

• 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• Several drops of water

How to do

• Add turmeric to water and stir to make them well
• Gently spread this mixture to the affected skin area
• Rinse it off after 15 minutes with clean water
• Follow this process twice per day to achieve a good result.

Remedy 2: Turmeric Juice And Honey

Things you need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey

How to do

• Mix turmeric juice with honey well
• Consume the above mixture
• Apply some turmeric juice to your affected skin right after drinking
• Reapply it every day until you see the improvement.

2. Tea Tree Oil Remedy

Besides treating ringworm on the scalp, tea tree oil is useful at relieving its symptoms on other parts of the body. Here are the directions:

Things you need 

• Some tea tree oil
• A cotton ball

How to do

• Pour some tea tree oil into a bowl
• Immerse a cotton ball into this bowl and then apply it to the ringworm area
• Leave it on so that the oil can deeply penetrate your skin layers
• Apply this remedy several times per day to get the desired result.

3. Garlic Remedy

Thanks to the antifungal properties, garlic is considered one of the best home remedies for ringworm. It can help to soothe rashes caused by this skin issue. Allicin, a chemical compound found in garlic, is said to have antibacterial and antifungal properties^[7]; so it helps to inhibit the germs and prevent the ringworm from spreading.

Remedy 1: Garlic Slices

Thing you need

• Several garlic cloves

How to do

• Peel garlic cloves and slide them
• Place the garlic slices on the ringworm
• Wrap it using a gauze
• Leave it through the night
• In the next morning, remove the gauze and garlic and cleanse your skin.
• Repeat this remedy until the ringworm disappears.

Remedy 2: Garlic Paste

Thing you need

• Several garlic cloves

How to do

• Peel the garlic cloves and crush or blend to make a paste
• Spread this paste to the ringworm skin area
• Wait for about 5 minutes before rinsing with fresh water
• Apply this remedy every day until you see the improvement.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar will help to remove the fungus and heal the infection^[8]. Also, apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level to prevent the bacteria from inhabiting and harming your skin. It may take up to 30 days to treat ringworm entirely with this ingredient.

Remedy 1: Apple Cider Vinegar And Water

Things you need

• A gauze
• Some apple cider vinegar
• Water

How to do

• Dilute apple cider vinegar in water
• Soak the gauze into the apple cider vinegar water
• Apply the gauze to the affected area
• Apply this remedy at least 4 – 5 times per day.

Remedy 2: Apple Cider Vinegar And Salt

Things you need

• Apple cider vinegar
• A suitable amount of salt

How to do

• Mix apple cider vinegar with salt well
• Apply this mixture to the infected skin area
• Leave it to stay for about 5 – 10 minutes
• Wash it off with fresh water
• Applying this remedy every day in at least 1 week will help to treat ringworm effectively.

Note: This recipe is safe for most people, but it can still cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, consider carefully before using.

5. Oregano Tea Remedy

Things you need 

• 2 – 3 drops of oregano essential oil
• A glass of water

How to do

• Add oregano oil to the glass of water
• Stir to mix them well
• Enjoy 2 cups of this tea per day in one week to deal with ringworm well.

6. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is an excellent ingredient for health maintenance. Its aroma can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, using this essential oil will help to curb the ringworm fungus thanks to the antifungal and antiseptic properties^[9]. It will help to soothe the redness and irritation caused by ringworm. Furthermore, it will penetrate deep into your skin to both fight skin diseases and nourish it.

Remedy 1: Lavender Essential Oil And Olive Oil

Things you need

• 8 – 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

How to do

• Mix lavender essential oil with the olive oil well
• Apply this mixture to your ringworm
• Do not wash it off and let it absorb into your skin completely
• Doing this remedy thrice per day will bring you a good result.

Remedy 2: Lavender Essential Oil And Jojoba Oil

Things you need

• 1 drop of lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
• A cotton ball

How to do

• Add lavender oil to jojoba oil and mix them well
• Apply this mixture to the affected skin area using a cotton ball
• Do not wash but let it stay on your skin

Note: You can also apply a few drops of lavender essential oil directly to your skin to treat this condition.

7. Papaya Remedy

Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may help to eliminate the bacteria and fungi, causing infection and ringworm^[10]. It contains carotene – a natural compound for ringworm removal. Also, applying papaya mask is a perfect way to soothe the redness and irritation. This fruit will contribute to nourish your skin and even prevent skin diseases.

Remedy 1: Papaya Powder

Things you need

• A fresh papaya
• Water

How to do

• Peel the papaya, remove the seeds, spread them to a baking sheet, and leave it under the sun to dry
• Crush the dry papaya to take papaya powder
• Mix the powder with a suitable amount of water to form a paste
• Apply this paste to the ringworm area
• Allow it to stay for 15 – 20 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water
• Repeat this remedy thrice per day to get rid of ringworm as soon as possible.

Remedy 2: Fresh Papaya

Thing you need

• A fresh papaya

How to do

• Slice a fresh papaya
• Rub these slices to the affected area
• Cleanse your skin after 15 minutes with cold water
• Apply this remedy thrice per day to achieve the desired result.

III. How-To Tips For Ringworm Treatment

1. Remove Wet Underwear And Socks

If ringworm is developed in the groin area and feet, it is necessary to remove the wet underwear and socks to prevent further damage. If you sweat, you should take a bath with an antifungal cleanser and then apply an antifungal powder to dry your skin before wearing new underwear or socks.

2. Do Not Bandage The Ringworm

Many people tend you bandage their ringworm to prevent the infection from spreading. However, this is a bad habit that makes your situation more and more severe. Bandaging will lock the moisture in the injury and slow down the healing process. What you have to do is wearing comfortable clothes to prevent the rash from spreading and boost the recovery process.

3. Wash Bedding Regularly

We all know that ringworm is a contagious disease, so you need to keep your bedding clean and free of fungi. If you do not wash your pillow, blanket, and bed sheet regularly, the fungal spores in these items will transfer into your body and affect the ringworm negatively. Therefore, washing your bedding and even clothes with hot water and detergent to remove fungus and reduce the ringworm risk factors.

IV. Additional Advice

If you believe that foods can help to repair everything, keep reading this part to know what you should eat to be more resistant to ringworm.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A can help to increase your immune system to fight against fungi causing ringworm; thereby, it lowers the risk of ringworm recurring. Moreover, vitamin A can help to repair the skin tissues after treating this disease and even prevent the formation of scars You are advised to consume more fish liver, beef, carrots, apricots, spinach, parsley, mustard greens, etc. to provide your body with enough vitamin A.

2. Garlic

Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound with antifungal properties, so it can help to kill fungi causing ringworm. Therefore, add garlic to your main dishes to prevent ringworm from reoccurring.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E also plays an essential role in increasing the immune system. Moreover, it encourages the production of skin tissues after recovering from ringworm. Vitamin E will contribute to preventing scarring and nourishing your skin^[11]. The vitamin E-rich foods are sunflower oils, eggs, whole-grain bread, spinach, sesame seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, lentils, and olive.

V. How To Prevent Ringworm From Starting

Here are some tips and precautions on how to prevent ringworm. Prevention is always better than treatment; so learn by heart the following things to minimize the risk of getting ringworm.

• Drink enough water together with 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice per day
• Add raw vegetables to your daily meals
• Avoid processed foods
• Follow hygiene regulations, including washing your hands, bedding and towels regularly
• Do not touch people with ringworm
• Use separate towels, brushes, and clothes
• Avoid public bathrooms
• Keep your skin fresh and dry all the time, especially after taking a bath.

VI. Myths/Facts About Ringworm

1. Transmission Of Ringworm

There are several ways that ringworm can be contracted, including:

• Human-to-human or skin-to-skin contact
• Object-to-human: A person uses an object which was previously used by a ringworm victim
• Animal-to-human: Ringworm transfers from pet to boss
• Soil-to-human: Ringworm caused by infected soil. However, do not worry as this kind of transmission is very rare

2. Risk Factors Of Ringworm

If you are in the following cases, you can get ringworm very easily:

• Contacting closely with ringworm victims or animals
• Living in the warm area
• Having a weak immune system
• Wearing tight clothes
• Sharing items with people who have ringworm
• Doing skin-to-skin activities

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ringworm A Fatal Disease?

The answer is no. Ringworm is not a fatal disease, but it is highly contagious. Also, this skin issue makes you feel less confident because of ugly appearance, so you are recommended to understand its risk factors and minimize them. You can prevent the infection by keeping your body and living environment clean. Also, it is possible for you to use antifungal cleanser and shampoo to avoid ringworm on the body and scalp.

2. Can Children Get Ringworm?

The answer is yes. Ringworm can happen to people of any age and gender. To prevent ringworm in children, you need to take special care of them when they are playing outside. Also, keep any pieces of their clothing clean and let them wear comfortable clothes. Last but not least, teach them the habit of washing their hands before meals and after doing something.

3. What Are The Differences Between Eczema And Ringworm?

In general, the symptoms of eczema are quite similar to those of ringworm. The main difference is that eczema is caused by allergens, microbes, and irritants, while ringworm is said to be caused by fungi.

These natural home remedies for ringworm are very straightforward, so please keep repeating them to improve your situation as soon as possible. If you have any questions or other ways, you can leave your comment under this article.

The content available on this post is provided for educational and informational purposes. Therefore, you are advised to consult your doctor before following any method.

Read more: Top 10 Proven Home Treatments For Angular Cheilitis Infection. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Millie Lytle, ND, MPH.