Natural Home Remedies for Ringworm

Introduction

Who doesn’t want rings? Wait. Which kind? The red rings that we sometimes see on our skin? We definitely don’t want those, as they might be sign of a ringworm infection! Ringworm, also known as Tinea corporis, is an infection that occurs in the upper layers of the skin. It can occur in the face, hands, feet, etc¹. It is a fungal infection and is seen as a coin-shaped rash, like a ring, thus giving it its name². There are many infections similar to ringworm, therefore, all circular rashes should not be assumed to be a ringworm. Ringworm is a common condition in tropical regions, although it may be seen in other parts of the world as well. Generally, ringworm spreads through family members, living in the same place as they all share articles and touch common surfaces¹.

What Causes Ringworms?

• Ringworm is caused by a fungus of the Tinea species. It can affect anybody across age groups and genders as it is highly infectious^1,2. It spreads in the following ways:  
• It can occur through contact with a person having ringworm (direct contact), via touch or when we come in contact with surfaces having the virus like doorknobs, handles, towels, utensils, etc³.  
• It can spread through pets and other animals who have been infected via an infected owner. Ringworm also occurs in animals, especially puppies and kittens. It can also occur in dogs, cats, pigs, horses, goats, etc. When we touch an animal infected by ringworm, we might also get affected³.  
• As ringworm is a fungal infection, it can stay alive on surfaces, especially damp areas like locker rooms and shower baths. Therefore, we might get infected if we come in contact with the fungus in such places³.  

Depending on the region they affect, ringworms are referred to by different names such as

• Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot: ringworm of the feet²
• Tinea barbae: ringworm in the beard²  
• Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp²  
• Tinea cruris or Jock itch: ringworm of groin²  

Patients must be encouraged to wear light and loose-fitting clothing. Also, keeping the skin clean and dry will help prevent the development of tinea corporis, as sweating and moist skin are good media for the growth of fungus.
Also, upon initiation of topical antifungal treatment by your dermatologist, compliance needs to be encouraged; however, the results are typically not immediate.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Symptoms of Ringworm

The symptoms of ringworm are seen 4-14 days after being infected by the fungus. The symptoms vary with the location in which it occur, common symptoms seen in all types of ringworms are²: 

• Red, itchy skin²  
• Ring-like circular rash on skin²  
• Loss of hair in the area ²  
• Scale-like, cracked texture of the skin where the rash occurs²  

Ringworm vs Eczema vs Psoriasis

As mentioned earlier, not every circular or itchy rash is ringworm. Several skin conditions can look similar, which is why a rash should not automatically be assumed to be ringworm. Two conditions often confused with ringworm are eczema and psoriasis. Understanding the differences can help you know when to seek proper advice.

• Ringworm is a fungal infection that is contagious and typically appears as a red, ring-shaped rash with a clearer centre.and a slightly raised, scaly outer border. 
• Eczema is a non-contagious condition linked to skin sensitivity and dryness, often causing itchy, inflamed, and sometimes weepy patches⁶.
• Psoriasis is a non-contagious, long-term condition where skin cells build up, leading to thick, scaly patches, often with silvery scales⁷.

Self-diagnosis can be difficult because these conditions can overlap in appearance, and treatment differs significantly. For example, an antifungal cream will not help eczema or psoriasis. Looking at visual comparison photographs may help you recognise some differences, but images alone are not enough for an accurate diagnosis.

If you are unsure what your rash is, or if it does not improve, it is best to have it evaluated by a doctor or dermatologist.

Home Remedies for Ringworm

As ringworm is a fungal infection, your doctor will thoroughly examine you and might recommend the use of certain medications that will effectively resolve the infection. Please consult your doctor for proper treatment. In this section, we share a few natural, home remedies for you to try. Here are a few of them: 

1. Soap and Water

Maintaining hygiene and keeping the area dry plays a key role in treating ringworm as the fungus spreads faster in the presence of moisture. We need to wash the area and dry it thoroughly before applying any other home remedy. We can use certain antibacterial soaps as well. The use of pine or coal-tar soap is thought to be helpful, but should be used with caution as it can cause irritation to the skin.    

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used since centuries to treat various kinds of skin diseases, ringworm, rash, itching, etc. It has a variety of medicinal properties like providing relief of inflammation (anti-inflammatory), neutralization of free radicals in the body (antioxidant) and reduction of fungal infection (antifungal). You can make use of it as a tea after meals or can also add it to your dishes. Turmeric can effectively treat rashes owing to its anti-inflammatory properties⁴. You can make a thick paste, by adding water or coconut oil to turmeric and apply it onto the ringworm and some area around it.    

3. Garlic

This remedy is not backed by scientific research and explanation, yet it is used by people with apparent benefits. You can apply some mashed garlic on the infected area and bandage the area properly with a gauze piece and let it stay for a couple of hours. After that, you should remove the bandage and rinse the area thoroughly. This process is to be repeated daily for a few days or until the ringworm disappears. If you feel pain, itching, irritation or swelling, then remove the garlic and consult a doctor immediately.    

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used as a remedy for food poisoning by people, despite the lack of scientific evidence. You can use it by taking some cider on a cotton ball in the undiluted form, and dabbing it over the ringworm. This has to be done each day to see the benefits.    

5. Grapefruit Seed Extract

The use of grapefruit seed extract for food poisoning is an age old anecdotal home remedy for ringworm.   It can be used by mixing a drop of the extract with a few spoons of water. Apply this to the ringworm directly using a cotton ball. This has to be followed daily. There is need for more research and studies to know the reason for its efficiency.  

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can be made use of by taking the leaf of it and splitting it open. The gel has to be scooped out of the leaf and applied onto the area where there is ringworm. There is very little to no   evidence of the use of aloe vera gel for ringworm, however since aloe vera is known to be extremely beneficial for the skin, it might just help treat ringworm too.  

7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil home remedy for ringworm might be used after diluting it in a base oil like coconut oil (it too doesn’t allow the growth of fungus) and applying it using a cotton ball. This oil must be applied daily to experience its effects.    

8. Essential Oils

Essential oils are regarded as natural agents to be used against fungi. They show intense activity against fungal infections⁵. The use of essential oils can be made by dilution in a carrier oil and then applying over the affected area.  

9. Powdered Liquorice

We need to make a thick paste for application over the ringworm. For making the paste we need to mix a few teaspoons of powdered liquorice in water and boil it. Once this boils, lower the heat till a thick paste-like consistency is obtained. This paste is to be cooled down before application over the skin. Keep this paste on the skin for a few minutes before washing it off.      

Emerging Antifungal Resistance in India

• Antifungal resistance means that the fungus causing an infection no longer responds well to antifungal medicines that would normally be effective, making the infection more difficult to treat. 
• In recent years, a fungal species known as Trichophyton indotineae has emerged, particularly in India, and has been associated with widespread and difficult-to-treat ringworm infections. This species has drawn attention because some infections caused by it may not respond well to terbinafine, one of the commonly used antifungal medicines, as well as certain other standard treatments⁸.
• This does not mean that ringworm has become untreatable, and there is no need for alarm. Many infections still respond to appropriate treatment. However, it does highlight why recurrent or persistent ringworm should be assessed by a dermatologist, who can determine the most suitable treatment approach and, where needed, investigate further.
• Several  factors may  contribute to resistance and persistent infection, including   prolonged or inappropriate use of antifungal medicines,  over-the-counter creams or combination products, without proper medical guidance. This is why it is best not to self-medicate for long periods.
• If your ringworm keeps coming back, spreads widely, or does not improve despite treatment, it is sensible to see a dermatologist rather than continuing the same approach on your own. Early, appropriate treatment guided by a professional offers the best chance of clearing the infection effectively. 

Antifungal Treatment Options

• While the home remedies discussed in this article may offer some comfort, it is important to understand that they may not fully eliminate a fungal infection on their own. Ringworm is caused by a fungus, and effective treatment usually  requires proper antifungal treatment.
• Depending on the severity and location of the infection, a doctor may recommend antifungal creams, lotions, powders, shampoos, or, in some cases, oral medicines. The choice of treatment varies from person to person, which is why professional guidance is valuable.
• Always use any antifungal product as directed and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which option is appropriate for you.

Preventing Ringworm Spread Within the Household

Because ringworm spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact and by touching contaminated objects, it can easily spread among people living in the same household. Taking a few simple precautions at home can help stop the infection from passing from one person to another.

The fungus can survive on objects and surfaces, especially in warm, damp conditions, so cleaning and avoiding the sharing of personal items are key to preventing spread.

Use the following household checklist while someone in the home has ringworm⁷:

• Towels: Use separate towels for each person and wash them regularly in hot water.
• Bedsheets: Change and wash bedsheets and pillowcases frequently.
• Clothing: Avoid sharing clothes, and wash the affected person’s clothing separately where possible.
• Combs and brushes: Do not share these, particularly if the scalp is affected.
• Razors: Keep razors strictly personal and never share them.
• Shared sports equipment: Clean equipment that touches the skin, and avoid sharing it during an active infection.
• Frequently touched surfaces: Regularly clean doorknobs, handles, and other shared surfaces.
• Bathroom hygiene: Keep bathing areas clean and dry, and disinfect shared showers or bathtubs.
• If several family members develop similar rashes or the infection keeps returning, everyone affected should be assessed and treated appropriately to help prevent reinfection 

These steps may seem small, but together they significantly reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others in the household. Keeping the skin clean and dry, as discussed earlier, also helps limit the conditions in which the fungus thrives.

Can Pets Spread Ringworm to Humans?

Yes. Ringworm can spread from infected animals to humans through direct contact or by touching contaminated fur, bedding, grooming tools, or other objects.  This is one of the lesser-known ways people pick up the infection, and it is worth being aware of, especially in households with pets.

A range of animals can carry ringworm, including cats, dogs, kittens, puppies, rabbits, and other mammals. Young animals such as kittens and puppies are particularly likely to carry the infection⁸.

Common signs of ringworm in pets may include:

• Circular or irregular patches of hair loss.
• Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin.
• Redness or irritation in the affected area.
• Brittle or broken hairs.

It is important to note that some animals can carry the fungus without showing obvious signs, yet still pass it on.

• When veterinary assessment may be needed: If your pet shows any of the above signs, or if people in the household keep developing ringworm despite treatment, it is sensible to have the pet examined by a veterinarian.Prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected pets can help prevent repeated transmission within the household.  
• Advice for households with both infected people and pets: Treat all affected family members and pets at the same time where possible, wash your hands after handling animals, and clean and disinfect areas the pet frequently uses. This combined approach helps prevent the infection from passing back and forth between people and pets.

Also Read: 18 Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections!

When to Seek Medical Help?

 You should consult your doctor if you feel like your rash is not subsidizing even after a few days of using home remedies and it keeps growing. If you notice multiple such rashes and feel like the condition is out of hand, please visit your doctor at the earliest. If there is swelling or fever also, you must consult your health care provider or doctor immediately. 

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

While mild ringworm can sometimes improve with proper care, certain situations call for evaluation by a dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in skin conditions. Seeing a specialist early can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment, particularly when the infection is stubborn or widespread. 

Consider seeing a dermatologist if you experience any of the following:

• The rash continues to spread despite treatment.
• The rash does not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of appropriate antifungal treatment or continues to worsen. 
• You have recurrent infections that keep coming back.
• The scalp is involved.
• The beard area is involved.
• The nails are affected.
• Multiple family members are affected at the same time.
• You have diabetes.
• You are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system).
• There is fever, pain, swelling, pus, or signs of a secondary infection.

Early specialist evaluation is important because some of these situations, such as scalp, beard, or nail require oral antifungal medicines rather than topical treatment alone. Prompt assessment can help prevent the infection from worsening or spreading and can improve the chances of a full recovery. 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Skin

Conclusion

Giving and receiving rings is all fine when it is not of the infectious kind. Ringworm, a common   fungal infection caused by Tinea corporis, is highly infectious and generally occurs in the tropical regions of the world. As we share personal items, and come in contact with each other, it spreads. If you have it, make sure that you don’t partake in spreading it by following a few simple, natural tricks and tips to make it vanish.      

Also Read: VDRL Positive: What It Means, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Leung AKC, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL. Tinea corporis: An updated review. Drugs Context [Internet]. 2020;9:1–12. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375854/pdf/dic-2020-5-6.pdf 

2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Ringworm [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 May 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/symptoms.html 

3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. How Ringworm Spreads [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 May 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/sources.html 

4. Jankasem M, Wuthi-udomlert M, Gritsanapan W. Antidermatophytic Properties of Ar -Turmerone, Turmeric Oil, and Curcuma longa Preparations. ISRN Dermatol [Internet]. 2013;2013(April 2009):1–3. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770062/pdf/ISRN.DERMATOLOGY2013-250597.pdf 

5. Nazzaro F, Fratianni F, Coppola R, De Feo V. Essential oils and antifungal activity. Pharmaceuticals [Internet]. 2017;10(4):1–20. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748643/pdf/pharmaceuticals-10-00086.pdf 

6. Nemeth V, Syed HA, Evans J. Eczema. [Updated 2024 Mar 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/ 

7. Nair PA, Badri T. Psoriasis. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/ 

8. Uhrlaß S, Verma SB, Gräser Y, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Hatami M, Schaller M, Nenoff P. Trichophyton indotineae-An Emerging Pathogen Causing Recalcitrant Dermatophytoses in India and Worldwide-A Multidimensional Perspective. J Fungi (Basel). 2022 Jul 21;8(7):757. doi: 10.3390/jof8070757. PMID: 35887512; PMCID: PMC9323571. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9323571/

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ringworm prevention [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; [cited 2026 Jul 2]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/aboutemergingringworm/index.html

8. California Department of Public Health. Ringworm and pets [Internet]. Sacramento (CA): California Department of Public Health; [cited 2026 Jul 2]. Available from: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Ringworm.aspx

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