Report on Top Ways To Treat & Get Rid of Ringworm [2023]

 

 Get Informed: Find what is most effective to get rid of ringworm that causes severe itch and unsightly scaly rashes

Ringworm Treatment ResultsContrary to popular belief, ringworm is not caused by worms but by a group of fungus medically known as Dermatophytes that grow in warm, moist areas and is highly contagious.

Your doctor can diagnose ringworm easily by the ring-like rashes with clear skin in the center and blisters around the raised edges. Tests like skin cultures and biopsies or microscopic exams of scrapings taken with a scalpel can also confirm the diagnosis but usually not required due to unique symptoms.

Ringworm and nail fungus are both fungal infections that can affect the skin and nails. While ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, primarily affects the skin, it can spread to the nails and lead to nail fungus, or onychomycosis. The fungi responsible for ringworm can invade the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, or brittle.

The connection between ringworm and nail fungus lies in their shared fungal origins. Both conditions are caused by dermatophyte fungi, although other types of fungi can also contribute to nail fungus. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments and can be transmitted through direct contact or by sharing contaminated items.

While nail fungus can occur independently, without a prior ringworm infection, the same fungi that cause ringworm can also be responsible for nail fungus. Nail fungus can be treated with nail fungus treatment like Funginix and EmoniNail.

Methods used to find the Best Formulation:

A comprehensive investigation of all published trials conducted on various ringworm treatment options was carried out via an electronic database search, manual searches on the internet, exhaustive review of forum discussions and by checking references from user reviews and other resources.

While studying over-the-counter ringworm creams, antifungal lotions, powders and prescription pills, the clinical studies behind these options were also reviewed. The results of trials involving people of various age groups were included. We studied the extent of relief as well as the time it took to see improvement in the symptoms of ringworm (tinea).

What’s most effective ringworm treatment?

Below is a list of treatments we have determined produced the most satisfactory results in getting rid of ringworm.


#1 – Phytozine

Ringworm Treatment
*User Results May Vary

Upon reviewing several top ointments, Phytozine an antifungal cream, came out number one because it produced immediate results in eliminating ringworm infections at different stages and associated symptoms. It did not cause irritation, redness, or dryness in people with sensitive skin.

We chose it as the best ringworm product because it eradicated the contagious ring-like skin infection at the source, prevented it from coming back and left behind clear skin instead of scars where deep abscesses had formed.

How does it work?

Phytozine is made from several FDA-approved ingredients that have been proven to treat ringworm completely because of their potent fungicidal properties. It is designed to work by:

  1. Killing the bugs causing the infection
  2. Boosting the immune system to prevent re-infection
  3. Healing rashes/sores
  4. Restoring skin’s appearance and removing circular bald patches on the body

When applied, Phytozine does not merely sit on the skin. Instead, this treatment for ringworm actually penetrates it and attacks the infection from every angle possible to clear the inflammation, pain and itching.

Safety

It’s safe for kids, elderly people, individuals with diabetes and those with weakened immune systems caused by diseases such as Leukaemia and HIV/AIDS.

Prognosis: What kind of results can I expect?

Phytozine is a medically proven fast-acting product designed to treat this condition. Although those treated for mild to moderate infections will experience instant relief, it can take a few days for those with severe rashes with inflamed oozing blisters to see improvement.

Many users who have repeated episodes of this infection have reported a marked reduction in recurrences after using Phytozine, unlike other options they had tried. Scarring at the infection site—which is another issue for people with sensitive skin—is also eliminated with Phytozine’s unique formulation.

Is there any guarantee that Phytozine ringworm cream will work?

We found it to work on ringworm of the skin of:

  • face (tinea faciei)
  • scalp (tinea capitis):  More commonly observed in children.
  • beard (tinea barbae)
  • body (tinea corporis): Areas like the thighs, arms, legs etc.
  • groin area (tinea cruris, jock itch): Male and female athletes who sweat a lot.
  • feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete’s foot)

Available without a prescription, Phytozine ringworm cream guarantees results and is safe for people of all ages. It has a 60-day money back guarantee policy. If, for any reason, you aren’t completely satisfied, simply return it within 60 days of the purchase date to receive a refund.

Visit Official Phytozine Website

Detailed Phytozine Review Here


Doctor Prescribed Treatments for Ringworm

#1 Prescription Drugs

Oral and topical medications like miconazole (Monistat-Derm), griseofulvin, terbinafine (Lamisil), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), oxiconazole (Oxistat) etc are designed to prevent fungi from growing and multiplying. They are typically available through doctor’s prescription and come in several forms: capsules, gels, creams, pills and sprays. The active ingredient is an antifungal agent that attacks the cell membranes of the organisms that cause ringworm in humans.

lamisil pills for ringwormIt can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to see results depending on the form and frequency of the medication used. You’ll have to take care during that time to avoid spreading the disease to other people or pets such as cats and dogs. These drugs do nothing to prevent the infection from returning.

It’s important to be cautious when using oral pills for ringworm as they have been linked to numerous adverse side effects which may include but are not limited to:

  • gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea
  • headaches
  • vertigo
  • liver damage
  • anxiety
  • loss of taste
  • hives
  • nausea
  • fatigue

Call your doctor or dermatologist before using.

#2 Steroids

Corticosteriods are used by some people to get rid of the irritation and obtain relief from intense itching. However, steroids should be avoided as they can exacerbate the infection and lead to secondary bacterial infection in the hair follicles that may cause a fever to develop and require antibiotics to cure. Steroids can be used in combination with antifungal medications to cure a ringworm infection, but it may be more costly than using other treatments.




#3 Ringworm Shampoos

Shampoos designed to treat ringworm infections contain selenium sulphide or ketocanozole (Nizoral), which is very helpful in preventing the transmission of the disease to others. They are particularly helpful in reducing the time is takes to recover from painful scalp swelling called kerion. However, shampoos don’t cure the infection and work only for ringworm of the scalp. Hair may fall out from the affected areas but they eventually grow back. On a related note, getting short haircuts doesn’t affect the recovery rate.

Home Remedies for Treating Ringworm

#1 Bleach

Typically associated with getting stains out of white clothes, bleach is recommended as a home cure for skin and nail fungal infections. It is effective at quickly killing the fungus. In fact, people see results within a day or two.

The problem is that bleach is a chemical agent that is not meant to be used on skin, nails, or hair. Not only does it burn when applied to skin, it can cause scarring.

bleach-for-rashes

#2 Tea Tree Oil

It has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments including colds, wounds and skin problems. The oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties that work together to fight off common infections like ringworm.

After diagnosis, the oil should be applied to the affected area twice per day until the rash goes away. Tea tree oil causes a burning sensation on application which usually lasts sometime making it not so popular treatment for ringworm. It can take two weeks or more to see results. Though it comes from a natural source, tea tree oil should not be ingested. You should also avoid using it, or use it sparingly as a treatment for ringworm, if you are pregnant or nursing.

#3 Garlic

This herb has antiseptic, antibiotic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties that eradicates fungal skin infections. To use, apply the juice of half a clove to the affected area twice per day, let dry and then cover lightly with a bandage. It can also be used on infected pets and domesticated animals like sheep, cows, horses etc. While effective, it burns and can take a long time to heal active lesions.

#4 Nail Polish Remover / Nail Lacquer

Infected PopulationThis option is for nail fungal infections caused by. The fungus causes nails to change color and tiny white or yellow spots might appear. In time, nails might thicken, become flaky and even crumble.

Nail polish remover is a synthetic solvent typically used to remove nail paint. Like bleach, the solvent is effective at getting rid of fungal infections. At the same time, it is harsh on the skin and nails and may cause scarring.

You may be prescribed medicated nail lacquer like amorolfine or antifungal tablets which tend to work better than nail paint. However you need to use them for at least couple of weeks before you’ll see results.

Note: Although diaper rashes and yeast infections are also caused by dermophytes, don’t use medications designed for those conditions on ringworm infections. They are not as effective on this type of skin disease.

#1: Apple Cider Vinegar:

Why does it work?

Apple cider vinegar is a staple in many kitchens around the world. It is commonly used as a salad dressing, which if ingested regularly can prove to be a natural cure for high blood pressure. It is a home remedy for ringworm as well! This is because apple cider vinegar has a high concentration of acetic acid, which when applied topically on the afflicted area changes the pH level of the skin. This makes the skin inhospitable for the fungus, thus killing it off gradually!

Please note however, that this treatment may not be suitable for everyone, especially if someone is overly sensitive to apple cider vinegar. You need to do a very simple test to sense the person’s sensitivity towards it. Just apply a small quantity to a clean infection-free area of the skin and check the person’s reaction to it. If there is just an initial stinging sensation and that’s it, then this can be used to treat the ringworm infection in that person. However, if the person feels a burning sensation that stays for a significant while after application, then acid cider vinegar may not be the ideal remedy for that person.

How to apply the treatment:

There are a several different ways to use apple cider vinegar to treat ringworm in humans. Some of the most common methods are:

  • With a cotton ball: Take a cotton ball and dip it in apple cider vinegar and then dab the cotton ball gently on the afflicted area. There will be some initial stinging sensation, which you need to motor through. This needs to be repeated about 3 to 4 times during the course of the day.
  • With a hand towel: You can take a hand towel, dip it in apple cider vinegar and leave it on the afflicted area for about 30 minutes. This needs to be done at least twice a day.

There is anecdotal evidence that the above methods will get rid of the infection in anywhere between 1 to 4 weeks! However, if that sounds like too long, then we would like to point out that we came across a few testimonials that makes use of a copper penny in addition to the apple cider vinegar that apparently gets rid of the infection in just a couple of days. There are a couple of different purported ways to integrate the copper penny in the treatment:

  • Using a copper penny in conjunction with the cotton ball: Some dip both the cotton ball and the copper penny in apple cider vinegar. They then place the penny in the center of the infection, the cotton swab or ball all around it and then use Band-Aids or strips of medical tape to hold it in place.
  • Using just a copper penny: Some do not use the cotton ball at all and just uses the copper penny! They usually dip the penny in apple cider vinegar for 24 hours, then take it out, put the penny on the afflicted area for a few minutes and then put the penny back into the vinegar after that. This is usually repeated 3 to 4 times during the day as well.

People claim that the above treatment gets rid of the ringworm within days instead of weeks.

#2: Tea Tree Oil:

Used for decades by the Australian aboriginals, this oil is a favored ingredient for many beauty products, such as shampoos and hair oils. It also has a long history of healing cuts, burns, and infections.

Why does it work?

A paper published in the August 2002 issue of the Australasian Journal of Dermatology comprehensively proved that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for tinea pedis, which is essentially a ringworm infection on the foot, most commonly known as athlete’s foot. However, for this remedy to be effective, the tea tree oil (extracted from the tea tree or Melaleuca alternifolia) needs to be 100% pure, which can be found in any health food store. The natural germicidal and fungicidal properties of tea tree oil make it an effective cure for ringworm.

How to apply the treatment:

Take a cotton ball and put a few drops of tea tree oil and then apply the cotton ball gently on the afflicted area. This needs to be repeated about 3 to 4 times during the course of the day. Feeling an initial stinging sensation is very normal, however it should not be too severe.

If the burning sensation on the application of the tea tree oil proves to be a little too much, then it is suggested that you use the tea tree oil in a diluted format. The accepted ratio is 1 ½ tbsp. of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water. Please note that when we use the term “warm water” anywhere in this article, the water must be warm to the touch and should not be boiling hot under any circumstance!

Not only will the topical application of tea tree oil reduce the speed at which the ringworm infection spreads, it would also eliminate the infection in about 3 to 4 weeks. However, if there is no improvement in the condition during this period, then we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified medical professional!




#3: Turmeric:

Why does it work?

Turmeric has natural antibiotic and anti-bacterial properties that helps cure several different skin conditions, including ringworms.

How to apply the treatment:

  • Take raw turmeric; put it in a blender to make a thick paste. You can also add honey to it, in a 1:1 ratio. Please note that adding honey to the paste is recommended, but it is not mandatory.
  • Apply this paste on the afflicted area. If you are indoors, then you can allow the area to dry naturally. If you need to head outside, then we recommend that you cover the area with cotton or sterile gauze and use medical tapes to hold the poultice in place.
  • If you have added honey to the turmeric powder, then you can ingest a part of it orally as well, which will help you get rid of the infection at a comparatively faster rate. However the oral ingestion needs to happen in conjunction with the topical application!

As turmeric has an unsightly yellow pigment that can seep through the cotton or the dressing that you have applied, it is recommended that you only apply it to ringworm infections on the face, neck or the scalp region if you are not planning to head outside.

#4: Salt and Vinegar:

Why does it work?

Fungus needs moisture to thrive. If you cut off the source of moisture, then all fungi, even those that cause the ringworm infection in humans will be forced to die out. When you mix salt and vinegar, you are combining a very strong astringent (salt) with a natural anti-bacterial solution (vinegar), against which the ringworm infection does not stand a chance!

How to apply the treatment:

  • Take 2 tbsp. of vinegar and add 1 tbsp. of salt to it. Mix it thoroughly to create a paste and apply this to the afflicted area at least three times a day. This should get rid of the ringworm infection in about a week.

What if you don’t have vinegar?

Well you could always head to the store and get some! However, if that is not an option, then the powerful astringent properties of salt can be used to get rid of the ringworm infection, however it will take a bit longer than the highly potent salt and vinegar mix. There are a couple of ways to do this:

  • Take about half a cup of salt and add it to a pitcher of warm water. Immerse the afflicted area into this mixture and let it stay immersed for about 30 minutes.
  • The above home remedy is not practical if the ringworm infection is at an inconvenient body part, such as the groin, penis, skin close to vagina, anus, face or the scalp. In such a case, it is suggested that you take salt and add a few drops of water to create a granular paste. Ladies will notice that the texture is similar to that of a cosmetic scrub. Now take a washcloth, apply the paste on the washcloth and then rub it gently into the afflicted area. This should be done once a day for about 20 minutes.

#5: Natural Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is world renowned as a treatment for skin burn. However it is a little known fact that it is also a highly effective herbal treatment for ringworm as well!

Why does it work?

There are a couple of reasons why Aloe Vera is an effective treatment for ringworm:

  • The Aloe Vera resin cools and soothes the skin, which provides with significant relief from the irritation and the itchiness. Yes, this is the same characteristic that provides relief from sunburn as well!
  • Aloe Vera also has significant anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties as well, which can obviously have a significant effect on the ringworm infection. It is safe to use on genital areas in both males and females.

How to apply the treatment:

To get best results, instead of purchasing cosmetic Aloe Vera solution, try to acquire some Aloe Vera leaves. You then need to undergo the following steps:

  • Slice the aloe leaves along the midriff and then take it apart.
  • Scrape out the gel from within the leaf.
  • Apply this gel to the inflamed area and leave it there for about 30 minutes and then rinse it off.
  • Make sure that this is repeated at least three times a day

#6: Raw Papaya:

Why does it work?

The two key ingredients of raw papaya are Vitamin A and an enzyme called papain. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant, which helps kill the fungus that is causing the infection and papain helps in fortifying your skin and prevents you from getting recurrent infections.

How to apply the treatment:

There are several ways to conduct this treatment. Some of the most common and the most effective methods are:

  • Take a raw papaya and slice it into pieces that would be large enough to cover the infection. Now place these pieces on the infected area for at least 10 minutes. However, this probably will not be an effective ringworm treatment for kids because for this to be effective, someone needs to sit or lay still for extended periods of time, not something most kids would probably be good at!
  • You can also stick pieces of raw papaya in the blender to create a paste and then apply the paste on the infected area for about 20 minutes.
  • Another innovative treatment is to create a paste with papaya seeds and apple cider vinegar and then apply that on the infected area. However, as mentioned earlier in this article, this will probably not be a good idea to use on someone who is a little too sensitive to apple cider vinegar.

No matter how you incorporate raw papaya into your ringworm treatment regimen, make sure you rinse off the area with warm water once you are done. If not, the residue or resin from the papaya will make the area sticky and will make you feel a little uncomfortable.

#7: Nail Polish Remover:

Yes, this is not exactly an herbal or homeopathic remedy for ringworm, as it has been the theme of this article so far, however using nail polish remover is also a very effective homemade remedy for ringworm in humans.

Why does it work?

Irrespective of how ridiculous it sounds, but nail polish actually asphyxiates the fungi that are causing the infection. A coat of nail polish cuts off the supply of oxygen to the fungi, thus killing it!

How to apply the treatment:

  • Make sure you have several double-sided Q-Tips ready to apply this treatment. Just dip the dry end of the Q-Tip into the bottle of nail polish remover and apply it to the afflicted area. Make sure that you don’t ever dip the same end of the Q-tip more than once, as it may contaminate the nail polish remover.
  • After about 8 hours, remove the nail polish remover with a washcloth or towel and then apply the nail polish remover again. The ringworm infection will disappear within a few days.

This ringworm treatment is not recommended for kids because the nail polish remover does cause a stinging sensation when it is applied to the afflicted area. Legs, arms, stomach and back are common sites for the application of this remedy.

#8: Vegetable Juice:

As described in the section where we were considering turmeric as a cure, besides using topical skin treatments, you can also ingest some nutrients that can help you fight the ringworm infection as well.

Why does it work?

Vitamin A is known as a natural fungicide. Hence overloading your body in the short-run with Vitamin A will help you get rid of the ringworm affliction in no time!

How to apply the treatment:

Just pick a couple of different vegetables that are really rich in Vitamin A and blend them into a smoothie. Spinach and carrots are the most popular choices!

#9: Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is almost a magical elixir with a host of different benefits. Little do people know that it is also a natural and effective home remedy to treat ringworm in humans. As significant chunks of population all around the world use coconut oil as hair oil or even a body lotion, it is probably one of the best resources available to treat ringworm afflictions on the scalp or even on the face or other sensitive body areas!

Why does it work?

Coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), with lauric acid being one of the key natural components. Lauric acid is known to have strong antimicrobial properties that will help you get rid of the infection real quick!

How to apply the treatment:

The treatment is really easy and pain free, thus making it particularly useful in treating ringworm infection in children. Just take a healthy quantity of organic extra virgin coconut oil and gently massage the afflicted area for a few minutes. Make sure you repeat this about 4 times during the course of the day!

Importance of Prompt Treatment

Ringworm is incredibly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person, as well as when in contact with infected objects or animals. Quick medical attention aids in keeping the infection under control and stops its spread to other people. By treating ringworm at an early stage, you lower your risk of spreading the infection to family, friends, or coworkers and lower your risk of outbreaks in schools, sports teams, and other communal settings.

Faster Recovery: Prompt ringworm treatment hastens the infection’s recovery. Antifungal drugs, such as topical creams or pills, can successfully get rid of the fungus and ease symptoms. Treatment should be started as soon as symptoms occur to hasten the healing process and lessen pain, irritation, and inflammation. A quick response can also stop the infection from spreading to wider bodily regions.

Preventing Complications: If ringworm is not treated, complications may result. As the illness worsens, it may affect additional body areas and result in more severe rashes. Secondary bacterial infections could potentially develop, aggravating the situation even further and necessitating additional care. Scarring or long-lasting skin discolouration may happen in extreme circumstances. You reduce the likelihood of these issues and assure a quicker recovery by getting treatment as soon as possible.

Impact on the Mind and Society: Ringworm can have effects on the mind and society. Having a rash or lesions that are visible can cause humiliation, self-consciousness, and a decline in self-esteem. Treatment given as soon as possible not only helps to relieve the infection’s bodily symptoms but also its psychological ones. Getting rid of ringworm quickly might help people feel more confident and enable individuals to engage in social activities without fear or discomfort.

Other Precautions

The most important part of curing ringworm at home is to keep the area clean and dry. Be certain to take a shower or bathe regularly and dry the affected area completely. Although it may be uncomfortable, using a hair dryer is a good way to make sure that area gets completely dry. However, make sure that the dryer is in a low or medium setting so that you do not heat the area too much!

Avoid being in contact with people and animals that have ringworm because it will be more difficult to rid yourself of the infection. If someone in your family has recently suffered from a bout of ringworm, it is a good idea to clean your house thoroughly with bleach and wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water and antifungal cleaner to prevent the infection from recurring or infecting others.

When to See a Doctor

If the condition has reached a advanced stage, it will not respond to home remedies. Thus it is better to try home remedies for ringworm at very early stages of the infection. If the afflicted person has been suffering for a while or if any of the above treatments have not had a significant impact within a week, then it is strongly suggested that you seek the help of a qualified physician!



Conclusions

Effective and timely treatment of ringworm is crucial in children, individuals with compromised immunity, people with circulatory system issues like diabetics. Without treatment  ringworm infection usually gets more severe and may lead to foot ulcers and secondary bacterial infections. In people with diabetes this could result in lower limb amputation eventually.

Phytozine has a significantly high cure rate when compared to other treatment options. If the infection becomes treatment resistant or you experience slow results, things usually improve if you use the treatment for a longer period of time.

Self-Care Tips to Prevent Spreading:

Being highly contagious ringworm can spread to other parts of body or to other people. Transmission is more common in humid climates. Maintain personal hygiene by frequently washing your hands and try to keep the skin clean and dry most of the time. In order to prevent transmitting it to others you should avoid:

  • Direct skin to skin contact with red sores (avoid hugging, use condoms during sex)
  • Sharing clothing
  • Borrowing contaminated hair brushes, combs or other objects from your family members
  • Using public shower, pools or sports equipment in the gym
  • Using unwashed bedding
  • Scratching
  • Playing contact sports such as wrestling
  • Touching animals with bald spots





Other Information:

Causes

Symptoms

References:

FDA

Dermnetnz

PubMed