The nightmare of ringworm plagues a big part of the population with conservative estimates putting the disease to be present among 20% of any given population.
Now, the interesting thing about the ringworm is that the fungus that causes ringworm to vary depending on the part of the body:
- The scalp (tinea capitis)
- The skin (tinea corporis)
- The groin (tinea cruris)
- The feet (tinea pedis)
The treatment for ringworm tends to be the same no matter which part of the body is affected. Essential oils for ringworm have always been the first go to remedy for natural home remedy lovers and with good reason.
Essential oils are gentle and safe, which is especially important because ringworm are a major problem for children under 10 years.
So if ringworm have been around for centuries, why are they such a health problem?
Well, the truth is ringworm are not a huge health concern for public health entities globally. This is because they can be easily prevented and treated.
Contents
What is ringworm?
First off, let’s clarify that a ringworm is not a worm on your person but a fungal infection. Medically, ringworm is known as tinea. It is characterized by a rash that appears scaly, red and in patches on your skin.
When it occurs on the scalp, it can cause hair loss in certain patches and blister-like lesions. On the feet, it is known as athlete’s foot and around the groin, it is commonly referred to as jock’s itch.
There is good news:
It can be completely treated with topical and oral antifungal medications and, of course, essential oils.
Symptoms and causes of ringworm
Ringworm infections are very prevalent in warm, humid and moist climates.
The fungi responsible for skin disease are known as skin fungi or dermatophytes, which live on the skin’s surface. When these fungi find their way into moist and hot places on your body like between your toes, skin folds or groin area multiply and form the red patch and rash.
Warm, moist places like showers and locker rooms have been blamed for ringworm infection, but many people have contracted the infection without visiting any of these places.
It is a very infectious condition that can be transmitted through:
- Human to human contact
- Animal to human contact
- Soil and human contact
Minor cuts and abrasions to the skin, nails, and scalp can also make you susceptible to the infection.
How do you know you have ringworm?
Common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Red patchy skin
- Scaly rash
- Defined edges around the patches
- Hairless patches
- Nails can become discolored and fall off in bits
Can essential oils cure ringworm?
This is an age-old question that has been answered resoundingly by the success and effectiveness of essential oils in treating the infection.
Yes, they can!
This is because the essential oils used in the treatment of ringworm contain antifungal properties and they are also good moisturizers for the skin and scalp, helping to alleviate the dryness and itching brought on by the infection.
Every essential oil used for ringworm is usually a powerhouse of naturally occurring antibacterial, and antiviral and antihistaminic properties. They are also rich in emollients.
The result is a calming of the skin as well as repairing it and promoting a generation of new tissues or hair follicles.
How to cure ringworm fast with essential oils?
There are 2 effective ways to use essential oils during the treatment of ringworm:
Topical application
Apply the essential oil directly onto the affected patch of skin. Remember to dilute the oil in a carrier oil for safety.
Alternatively, apply the oil onto a cotton pad and leave it on the affected area for 30 seconds and repeat for all the affected areas.
In bath water
Add a few drops of the essential oil in your warm bath water and soak in it until the water is tepid. Towel dry properly and apply the oil directly on the affected areas.
A word of caution: essential oils used for ringworm infections are very hot and must always be diluted before use even in baths. Oils like oregano oil, while extracted from an edible plant, are never to be consumed because they are toxic as essential oil.
10 essential oils for ringworm treatment
1. Peppermint oil
Peppermint is a fresh aroma of mint that invigorates your mind even as you use it for your ringworm. As a treatment for ringworm infection, it inhibits the fungus from multiplying, to begin with.
It also has exceptional antifungal and cooling qualities that help the affected area to reduce the itch and the redness.
Peppermint oil is extremely rich in scent. It smells minty and clean and it has a nice medium consistency, not the thin watery feel of other products.
It acts pretty fast to stop the itching and restore moisture to the dry patch.
Pros
- The scent is really minty and pure
- It is steam distilled for a pure potent product
- The plants used are pure organic
- It has a medium heavy consistency
Cons
- It is a hot oil that can’t be used on its own
The final word
This product is all round high quality from the bottling to the extract within. Since you just dab a little on it will go a long way.
2. Lemongrass oil
The citrus scent of lemongrass makes this product very easy to use. Lemongrass as a plant has always had medicinal properties and in some parts of Asia it has been the got to remedy for treating ringworm infections.
Lemongrass oil will effectively eliminate the growth of the fungi and its antibacterial prevent the infection from spreading.
With this oil, you have to ensure you follow the treatment for at least three days. This is important because it also helps to treat any wounds that come from the affected patch since it is also an antiseptic.
Pros
- It treats the condition as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal agent
- It is easy to apply
- The scent is pure and refreshing
Cons
- It is a hot oil so must be used in a carrier oil
The final word
The best way to describe this oil is as a savvy option that caters to all users; those who want it in little quantities as well as those who want more. As always use it as part of a blend or diluted.
The smell is pure and clean embodying the rich citrus smell without coming across as too overpowering. If you have smelled lemongrass you know the scent almost creeps into your senses without hitting you over the head. Lemongrass oil does just that!
3. Clove oil
Clove oil has a cloying scent that can remain pungent long after application. It is best used in a blend with a milder oil like chamomile or lavender.
Its strength in treating ringworm lies in the antifungal and antibacterial properties. This product is 100 percent pure and it’s very potent. It contains a huge dose of eugenol, which really helps with fighting the ringworm infection.
Some people have used it inside their mouths, but this is not advisable unless you are completely sure about this type of use.
Pros
- Very fast acting and effective
- The packaging is excellent
- It is steam distilled
Cons
- It has a sting when applied so you must dilute it
- It has a strong scent
The final word
This oil is extracted using the steam distillation method. It is hard to get past the scent of the cloves but that does not prevent it from working exceptionally.
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is guaranteed to make the list because it is packed with powerful antifungal and antibacterial agents. The terpenoid in tea tree oil is the number one agent in combating ringworm fungi.
This oil has a stopper to help with dispensing because you just need a little.
It is all pure and natural and works well in a carrier oil, your lotion or shampoo for your scalp. It also stops fungi from actively spreading or causing havoc on the skin.
Pros
- Powerful antifungal agent
- The packaging is excellent
- Fast acting and effective
Cons
- The scent can be overpowering
The final word
Tea tree oil works well when it’s pure and natural and this product is just that. It is quite pungent and medicinal in scent, but this can be camouflaged in the blend.
The best way to use it is to apply it three times a day.
5. Lavender oil
Lavender oil has a mild floral scent that appeals to most people. It also takes well to blends and carrier oils, making it the perfect oils for topical application in treating ringworm.
Now, ringworm can be quite itchy and uncomfortable, which can cause some inflammation and discomfort. This essential oil is a perfect stress reliever and great for relaxation, allowing the itching to subside and you can sleep better.
It is a pure extract so you do not need to worry about the quality. But lavender is also considered hot, so make sure you dilute it as well.
It has great antifungal properties and it also restores your skin back to its natural state even as it treats it.
Pros
- Powerful antifungal properties
- Well packaged
- Lovely scent that also helps with relaxation
Cons
- It must be diluted before use
- The lavender scent is too floral for some people
The final word
Lavender oil is a stellar product that keeps ringworm at bay and when you are infected it works fast and vigorously.
Consumers love the scent is not too florally overpowering. It is a high-quality product that you can use together with other oils.
6. Oregano oil
This is a lovely scent that will work exceptionally on the ringworm. It is a strong antifungal agent which must only be used topically.
Oregano essential oil is highly toxic and must never be ingested.
It is a strong antibacterial agent consisting of the powerful carvacrol and thymol as well as an antifungal agent that greatly represses fungal activity.
Pros
- 100% pure extract
- It works fast and effectively
- The scent is not too overpowering
Cons
- It is a very hot oil that must be diluted before use
The final word
This oregano oil from Up Nature is high premium quality with glowing reviews from users. You can expect a well-packaged product that is 100% pure.
7. Neem oil
Neem has been used in treating ringworm infections for centuries in the South East Asian cultures.
It contains some of the most powerful antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial agents naturally occurring in a plant.
With this oil, you will receive a pure extract which contains all the important ingredients to fight ringworm. It will quickly relieve the itching and restore the skin back to normal due to its antioxidants.
Pros
- It is fast acting and effective
- Works well in a blend
Cons
- It has a strong scent
8. Thyme oil
Thyme oil has a beautiful herbal scent even as it acts as a very powerful antifungal oil with a quick effect on ringworm.
It begins to deal with ringworm symptoms within hours of application and it is very friendly for use on the body and scalp.
It works by killing the fungus that causes ringworm because of the presence of p-cymene and thymol in the extract.
The oil works without affecting the natural balance of the skin, but it must be diluted.
Pros
- Works fast and effectively
- It is 100% pure extract
- Provides additional extra benefits to skin
- Works well in a blend
Cons
- The medicinal scent can be off-putting for some people
- It is a hot oil that can burn if used undiluted
The final word
This product is white thyme oil. It has received great reviews for living up to customer expectations of high quality.
9. Myrrh oil
This oil is a favorite with people who have suffered from ringworm before, because it has a milder scent compared to pungent tea tree and been with just as much potency.
The antifungal properties in myrrh begin to work immediately on application and you feel quick relief from the itching.
Myrrh has a spicy aroma with a hint of camphor. The cost is affordable for such high quality.
Pros
- Excellent and thoughtful packaging in the amber bottle
- 100% pure extract
- Lovely floral scent
Cons
- It is a very thick oil
10. Rosemary oil
Culinary experts will tell you rosemary is a great accompaniment to certain food and essential oil experts will tell you it is the perfect oils to combat fungal infections.
It has been used for centuries in religious rituals as well as by healers. Ringworm can be quickly eliminated by using this oil and it does so in a gentle, consistent way.
This product from Sun Essential OIls is 100% pure which ensures its antibacterial and antifungal properties are intact.
The scent is herbal without being overpowering and upon application, you will feel a mild tingling sensation as it goes to work.
Pros
- 100 % pure extract
- The scent is mild
- The extract is fast and effective
Cons
- It is a very thick oil
The final word
The quality is excellent and it works just as promised. This is a great addition to your natural ringworm fighting arsenal.
Essential oils recipes for ringworm
Recipe 1
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of myrrh oil
- 4 drops of lavender oil
Mix the coconut oil and myrrh oil thoroughly until the myrrh oil becomes light and incorporated into the coconut oil. Once you achieve this, add the lavender oil to give it a floral fresh scent.
Apply to freshly bathed and well-dried skin twice a day.
Recipe 2
Ingredients
- 6 drops of oregano oil
- 3 drops of sweet marjoram oil
- 3 drops of lemongrass oil
- 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
Mix all the oils together and place in your hot bath water. Relax in the water for at least 15 minutes or until it becomes tepid. Towel dry and apply the remaining mixture to your skin.
Recipe 3
Ingredients
- 10 drops of neem oil
- 5 tablespoons of your favorite shampoo
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil and neem oil mixture
Mix the 10 drops of neem oil in your 5 tablespoons of shampoo and thoroughly wash your hair. Rinse it off completely and towel dry.
Apply the mixture of coconut oil and neem oil to your freshly washed hair and leave it wrapped for the night.
Other natural remedies for treating ringworm
- Topically apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area thrice a day. Apple cider vinegar has incredible antifreeze properties that will help with treating the ringworm. It can be applied undiluted.
- Apply turmeric to your skin or drink it in turmeric tea to harness its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its first line of action is it helps reduce the inflammation on the red patches and eliminates the itching.
- The gel derived from the Aloe Vera plant is excellent in reducing the itching and discomfort that cons with ringworm. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties are in their most potent natural state when using fresh Aloe Vera.
- Cleaning your skin or scalp properly is key to mitigating the spread of the ringworm. Before any remedies can work you have to keep your skin clean by bathing with antibacterial soap and drying yourself properly.
Conclusion
There is no limit to the benefits of essential oils in combating health issues. However, using them responsibly and in the correct manner is imperative to harness their goodness.
Ringworm cause not only discomfort but they can affect your quality of life. Using essential oils you can reclaim your beautiful skin and keep it healthy.
Image credits: Pexels.com, Unsplash.com and Amazon.com
hi,
you have talked about variety of oils in your article. these oils must be very helpful for protecting us from ringworms. thank you for sharing this article with us.
Thank you, Patricia, for your comment.