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Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > Ringworm of the Scalp: 7 Home Remedies to Manage It

Ringworm of the Scalp: 7 Home Remedies to Manage It

November 21, 2022
5 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Scalp
  • Prevention Against Scalp Ringworm
  • Will Scalp Ringworm Go Away by Itself?
  • Final Word

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can happen on different parts of the body such as the scalp, feet, or thighs. Ringworm causes itchy circular patches on the scalp. It is mostly seen in young children and is a contagious disease.

home remedies to manage ringworm of the scalp

Fortunately, there are a few simple home remedies that can help treat ringworm on the scalp. (1)(2)

Home Remedies for Ringworm of the Scalp

Mild fungal infections can be treated at home with natural remedies. However, it may be better to consult a doctor for medical treatment if your symptoms do not resolve after a few weeks or your infection is causing severe discomfort.

1. Massage with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is filled with anti-inflammatory and antifungal compounds. It has been used as a natural remedy for skin infections for ages.

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Add a few drops of tea tree oil to some coconut oil, and massage this mixture on the scalp for a few minutes. Repeat twice a day for best results. (3)

2. Use turmeric

turmeric usage can help get rid of ringworm of the scalp

Turmeric is another well-known ancient remedy for skin infections. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compound. It helps soothe itching and also kills the fungus.

Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a tablespoon of coconut oil to form a paste. Apply this to your scalp and massage it well. (4) Wash it off after 20 minutes. (5)

3. Apply colloidal silver to the scalp

Colloidal silver is being pushed as a natural remedy for fungal infections and rash. Some studies have found it to be as effective as topical clotrimazole in treating ringworm.

You can apply colloidal silver directly to the affected area twice a day. Use a spray bottle for best results. (6)

4. Powdered licorice can help

Powdered licorice is also an effective natural remedy for fungal infections. It contains antimicrobial properties that help curb the growth of fungus and provide relief from itching.

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You can make a licorice paste by boiling some licorice powder in a cup of water. Simmer it until the paste thickens, and apply the cooled paste onto your scalp. Wash it off after half an hour. (7)

5. Try using oregano oil

oregano oil can come in handy when dealing with scalp ringworm

Oregano oil is also a useful remedy for rash. It helps soothe the scalp and also stops fungal growth.

Mix oregano oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply this blend to the scalp. Let it sit for half an hour before washing it off. (8)

6. Use garlic

Garlic can be an effective (albeit smelly) remedy for scalp irritation due to ringworm. Allicin, the active ingredient present in garlic, contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. (9)

Crush 4–5 cloves of garlic in some olive/coconut oil and let it cook for 2 minutes on low flame. After cooling, apply this oil to the scalp and let it sit for half an hour before washing it off.

7. Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is a well-known natural remedy for a number of skin infections. It helps curb fungal growth and also provides relief from itching or irritation.

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You can apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scalp. Wait half an hour for the gel to dry before washing it off. (10)

Prevention Against Scalp Ringworm

tips to prevent ringworm of the scalp

Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads via physical contact. It is difficult to prevent, especially in children. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent it:

  • Do not share brushes, combs, etc., with other people.
  • If you notice small circular patches of missing fur on pets, they may be suffering from ringworm. Keep them away from children and take them to a vet immediately.
  • Use shampoo and clean your scalp regularly. (10)

Will Scalp Ringworm Go Away by Itself?

Scalp ringworm is unlikely to go away on its own. You can try the home remedies given above to treat it. If your symptoms seem to be getting worse, consult a doctor for antifungal medications.

Final Word

Scalp ringworm, or tinea capitis, is not a serious condition per se but can cause severe discomfort. Children are more prone to it than adults. They may also make the infection worse by scratching it continuously.

Try the home remedies in this article alongside over-the-counter treatments for faster relief. If symptoms persist after a few weeks, consult a doctor immediately.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingRingworm of the Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
References
  1. Tinea capitis – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536909/.
  2. Baumgardner DJ. Fungal Infections From Human and Animal Contact. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2017;4(2):78-89. Published 2017 Apr 25. doi:10.17294/2330-0698.1418.
  3. Wróblewska M, Szymańska E, Winnicka K. The Influence of Tea Tree Oil on Antifungal Activity and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Pluronic® F-127 Gel Formulations with Ketoconazole. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11326. Published 2021 Oct 20. doi:10.3390/ijms222111326.
  4. Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al. Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. Published 2020 Sep 15. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021.
  5. Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R, et al. Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2169. Published 2019 Sep 10. doi:10.3390/nu11092169.
  6. Khodaeiani E, Shokri J, Amirnia M, et al. Comparison of efficacy of topical colloidal silver and topical clotrimazole in the treatment of tinea capitis and tinea corporis: A non-randomized clinical trial. Journal of Dermatology and Cosmetic. https://jdc.tums.ac.ir//article-1-5135-en.html. Published October 10, 2015.
  7. Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders – herbal medicine – NCBI … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/.
  8. Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6):989. Published 2017 Jun 14. doi:10.3390/molecules22060989.
  9. Pazyar N, Feily A. Garlic in dermatology. Dermatol Reports. 2011;3(1):e4. Published 2011 Apr 28. doi:10.4081/dr.2011.e4.
  10. Tabassum N, Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531.
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