Despite its name, ringworm isn’t actually caused by a worm or any type of living parasite. Instead, it’s a skin condition that’s caused by a type of fungus called tinea. It lives on the dead tissues of skin, including your nails and hair.
Ringworm causes a red, scaly, itchy patch on your skin. Over time, it takes the shape of a circle or a ring (or several rings). This is where the name “ringworm” comes from.
You can get ringworm on your skin and nails. It’s most common on the arms and the scalp, but you can get it anywhere on your skin, including your face. If ringworm develops in different areas, it may be called by a different name. For example, when it affects the groin area, it’s referred to as jock itch. When it affects the area between your toes, it’s called athlete’s foot.
Fortunately, ringworm can respond well to home treatments.
A note about essential oils
Several essential oils, listed below, can help treat ringworm. When using essential oils, test that you’re not allergic to them first. Dilute the essential oil by adding three to five drops per ounce of a carrier oil such as olive or mineral oil. Then, rub it onto healthy skin in an area the size of a dime. If you have no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it should be safe to use on your infection.
1. Soap and water
When you have ringworm, you need to keep the area as clean as possible. This helps prevent the further spread of the rash and helps keep the affected area under control.
Wash the affected area with water and antibacterial soap daily before applying other home remedies on top of it. Dry the area thoroughly after showering, as moisture makes it easier for the fungus to spread.
Pine and coal-tar soap are older home remedies that might be an option, but they can be irritating to sensitive skin.
