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Home > Skin & Beauty > Fungal Infections > Tinea Corporis: 6 Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Body

Tinea Corporis: 6 Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Body

November 24, 2022
5 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Body
  • Precautions to Consider
  • How to Prevent Ringworm
  • Final Word

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that causes an itchy rash on the skin. (1) It is characterized by ring-shaped circular rashes that appear pink or red.

home remedies to relieve ringworm of the body

It is a contagious disease that spreads via direct contact with an infected person or using the sheets, towels, combs, etc., of an infected person. (2) It is also spread through pets.

Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Body

If you suspect you have ringworm, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. You may need medical treatment to get rid of it.

In the meantime, these simple home remedies can help alleviate your symptoms. They can also speed up the recovery time as fungal infections can sometimes take weeks to heal completely.

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1. Dab tea tree oil on the affected area

Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is especially helpful against fungal pathogens.

A recent study published in a leading dermatology journal stated that 50% tea tree oil is as effective as 1% topical clotrimazole (a widely used antifungal drug) in treating ringworm. (3)

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply it to the rash twice a day. This remedy can help relieve itching and irritation. (4)

2. Apply garlic

applying a garlic paste on the affected area can help relieve ringworm

Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal qualities. In fact, garlic can help kill the fungus completely.

You can make a paste of 2–3 garlic cloves, mix it with coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can mix garlic oil with coconut oil and use it. (5)

3. Massage with coconut oil

Coconut oil is used as a remedy for several skin issues – from dry skin and dandruff to skin infections. Research suggests that virgin coconut oil can be a good alternative to topical antifungal drugs for mild fungal infections. (6)

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You can warm up some coconut oil and apply it directly to the rash for quick relief.

4. Drink raw honey

Honey has potent antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities. It discourages fungal growth and has been found to cure jock itch (along with corticosteroids) in some studies. It also helps relieve itching and inflammation. (7)(8)

You can mix a teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it on an empty stomach.

5. Apply turmeric paste

applying a turmeric paste on the area can help relieve body ringworm

Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, which has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It relieves skin irritation and can help stop the growth of fungi to cure ringworm.

You can make a turmeric paste by mixing turmeric powder with a teaspoon of coconut oil, apply the paste to the area, and wash it off after 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use store-bought turmeric paste. (9)

6. Use licorice

Licorice is another potential natural cure for ringworm. It has antimicrobial qualities and can help provide relief from skin irritation.

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Mix 8–10 teaspoons of licorice powder in a cup of water and boil it until it thickens. After cooling, apply it to the affected area. Wash it off after 10–15 minutes. (10)

Precautions to Consider

Here are some risk factors associated with a few popular remedies:

  • Apple cider vinegar is sometimes touted as a remedy for fungal infections. However, it can burn your skin, so do not attempt to use it topically.
  • Colloidal silver is another remedy that can have potentially serious side effects. Do not use it without consulting your doctor.
  • Do not use these remedies on your pets as they can be harmful to animals. It is better to take them to a vet.

How to Prevent Ringworm

tips to prevent ringworm of the body

Ringworm is highly contagious. Yet, here are a few methods you can try to prevent infections:

  • Do not wear skin-tight clothing often.
  • Avoid warm or heavy clothing in a hot or humid climate.
  • Wear well-fitting and comfortable shoes.
  • Keep your fingernails and toenails short and clean.
  • Maintain proper hygiene and shower regularly, especially after a workout.
  • Change your innerwear every day.
  • Do not share personal items such as hairbrushes, towels, and pillows with anyone. (11)

Final Word

These are some common and simple home remedies you can use to treat ringworm at home. However, if you do not feel better even after a week or two, it is best to consult your doctor.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingRingworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
  1. Ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html. Published December 29, 2020.
  2. Homei A, Worboys M. Fungal Disease in Britain and the United States 1850–2000: Mycoses and Modernity. Basingstoke (UK): Palgrave Macmillan; 2013. Chapter 1, Ringworm: A Disease of Schools and Mass Schooling. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK169210/.
  3. Pokharel A, Yaptinchay C, Thaebtharm AE. Comparison of clotrimazole 1% cream with 50% tea tree oil extract in a cream base for the treatment of tinea corporis/cruris: A randomized controlled trial. Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology. https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/NJDVL/article/view/14301.
  4. Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W. The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470.
  5. Hayat S, Cheng Z, Ahmad H, Ali M, Chen X, Wang M. Garlic, from Remedy to Stimulant: Evaluation of Antifungal Potential Reveals Diversity in Phytoalexin Allicin Content among Garlic Cultivars; Allicin Containing Aqueous Garlic Extracts Trigger Antioxidants in Cucumber. Front Plant Sci. 2016;7:1235. Published 2016 Aug 25. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01235.
  6. Ogbolu DO, Oni AA, Daini OA, Oloko AP. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. J Med Food. 2007;10(2):384-387. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.1209.
  7. Khan MS, Yasir M, Wani HA, Bhat GH, Majid S, Rasool I. Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of honey on dermatitis and related disorders. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-7305-7_11. Published January 1, 1970.
  8. McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016;5(1):241. Published 2016 Aug 4. doi:10.5195/cajgh.2016.241.
  9. Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016;30(8):1243-1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640.
  10. Wang L, Yang R, Yuan B, Liu Y, Liu C. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015;5(4):310-315. doi:10.1016/j.apsb.2015.05.005.
  11. Ringworm risk & prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/risk-prevention.html. Published July 13, 2022.
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