Published on
27 Dec, 2024
Updated on 22 Aug, 2026
13657Dealing with ringworm can be frustrating for a person. It usually starts as a tiny, itchy patch that spreads slowly on the skin, making you scratch it constantly when you get sweaty. It is a common skin problem that is frequently observed among people of all ages, particularly those residing in hot and humid tropical regions.
Ringworm is not caused by the bite of a worm; instead, it is a fungal infection that is known in the medical fraternity by the common prefix of Tinea. Although there are many steroid-based OTC creams that you can apply to get relief from the problem, Ayurveda recommends that you use herbal ingredients because the skin is also a source of absorbing materials inside your body.
What Are The Common Signs Of Ringworm?
Ringworm can appear on different parts of the body such as nails, feet, groin, or scalp. Common signs and symptoms of ringworm include:
- A patch of red, pink, or slightly darker skin.
- Intense itching and irritation
- Raised, scaly or bumpy edges that radiate outward as the infection spreads.
- Flat-centered circular or oval patches.
What Causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that can spread between people and from pets to people. It can be caused by multiple reasons, which include:
- Personal Hygiene: If someone does not bathe frequently or change underwear and socks daily can get infected.
- Sweating: A person who sweats a lot is prone to getting infected with a fungal infection.
- Walking on shared spaces: Places such as public washrooms or bathrooms contain many germs; people who walk barefoot in such spaces can also get infected.
- Infected pets: If a person comes into contact with animals that have any sort of infection can catch the virus from them.
- Tight Clothing: Our skin needs space in order to breathe; if a person wears very tight clothes, it does not get enough space, and they may get ringworm on their skin.
5 Home Remedies to Treat Ringworm Naturally
Before we proceed, it is important to understand that ringworm natural treatment provided by doctors will be completely different from these generalized remedies. If these remedies do not work for you, consider taking Ayurvedic medicine for ringworm after detailed consultation with an Ayurveda doctor.
Bathing with Neem and turmeric water
Both Neem and turmeric have many medicinal properties that are beneficial for the skin. If you have a ringworm infection, you can start taking a bath with water infused with Neem leaves and turmeric powder. To prepare this water, take 2 litres of water in a bowl, add a handful of neem leaves, and add 2-3 teaspoons of turmeric powder. Bring this to a boil, filter out the ingredients, or you can even leave the leaves and add this to your bucket of bathing water.
Application of turmeric paste on the affected area
Take 10 grams of good-quality turmeric powder and mix it in 100 ml of neem oil. Make sure to mix both of these well to make a consistent paste. Now, apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes to half an hour.
Tulsi turmeric paste
Take 10 fresh leaves of Tulsi and rub them between your fingers to extract the juice from the leaves onto your palm. Now add a Pinch of neem powder to your palm and use your fingers to mix it well. If you do not have Neem powder, you can also use turmeric powder. Once the paste is ready, apply it on the affected area and leave it on for half an hour.
Application of Tavak oil
Ayurveda prepares a special oil that is considered the elixir for the skin. It is known as Tavak Oil, and it consists of many special herbs that are beneficial for skin problems, particularly wounds and infections. You can buy this oil online or from a local Ayurveda the chemist shop. Take a few drops of the oil on a piece of cotton, or directly on your fingers (remember to wash your hands first) and apply directly on the affected area. For best results, apply the oil 2 to 3 times daily and do not cover it if possible.
Washing your clothes with neem-infused water
One additional thing that you can do at home to get rid of the ringworm problem is to keep yourself hygienic and your clothes clean. After washing your clothes with detergent, dunk them in a tub of neem water to make sure that it absorbs the properties of neem and kills any microbes present on the cloth.
Simple Hygiene Tips To Prevent Ringworm
Home remedies can work, but good hygiene is equally important for preventing ringworm from happening on your skin.
- Take a bath or shower daily, and keep yourself clean and well-maintained.
- Do not use shared towels; use clean and your own clean towel.
- Dry yourself completely after bathing.
- Wear loose and breathable clothes so that your skin can also breathe.
- Wear shoes in public areas.
- Change your socks and underwear daily.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cut your nails frequently and keep them clean.
When To See A Doctor?
Go see a doctor if you experience any of the following signs:
- It doesn’t stop spreading even after home remedies.
- If it occurs during pregnancy.
- Itching and irritation do not stop.
- If it appears on delicate areas such as the eyes or on your genitals.
- If it is spreading on the scalp and nails.
Conclusion
Ringworm is a type of fungal infection which gets spread later on if not properly managed. It can occur due to several reasons such as sharing towels, sweating, not bathing, sharing towels, coming in contact with infected pets, etc.
Simple home remedies such as bathing with neem and turmeric water, applying tulsi and turmeric paste, etc can help in managing it. Also, maintaining hygiene by wearing clean clothes, using clean towels, cleaning nails, and washing hands can also help in preventing it. If it keeps on spreading and does not go away even after these home remedies, then seek medical care.
