Natural Skin Rash Treatments for Ringworms

Contrary to its name, Ringworm--also called tinea capitis or tinea tonsurans--is not an infection by a worm, but rather a fungus. When it comes in contact with human skin, the ringworm fungus follows the shaft of hair, to feast on sebum, the oil found in hair follicles. There are many household items and herbal substances that are naturally antifungal, and as such can provide easy ringworm relief.

Plant Oils

• Tea tree oil is an essential oil with potent antifungal properties. Apply a few drops to the affected areas with a cotton ball or a cotton swab up to three times daily. Natural Health Ezine reports that tea tree oil has been found to be even more effective than topical antifungal creams, as long as it is applied before the hair begins to fall out. Garlic oil has also been proven to be effective against ringworm. Using either garlic oil or a freshly crushed clove, apply directly to the infection site up to twice daily.

Raw Vinegar

• Vinegar can be used to kill the ringworm fungus, but it should be diluted before it's applied to skin. Soak a cloth in a solution that is three-parts warm water to one-part vinegar, and apply to the affected area as a compress, a few times each day. This method is for external use only; consuming the vinegar does nothing to treat the ringworm infection .

Internal and Topical Remedies

• While the vinegar treatment only works topically, the papaya ringworm treatment works whether ingested or used on the skin. Fresh papaya can be applied to the infection site twice daily until the skin is completely healed. At the same time, eating fresh papaya daily should also help heal the infection. The natural properties of papaya make it an all-around immune booster.

Aloe

• Using fresh aloe vera gel can both stop the infection and help to heal the skin, and can be used frequently throughout the day. This is because aloe, known as a skin soother, also contains antimicrobial and astringent properties. Cut open a fresh leaf, apply the exposed insides to the rash. Using a circular motion, rub the aloe onto the skin until it is fully absorbed.

Drying and Exfoliation Methods

• Ringworm persists, like many fungi, in areas that are warm and moist. By exfoliating the dead surface skin and keeping the area clean and dry, the duration of the infection can be drastically shortened.

Prevention

• While many children contract ringworm from pets that happen to be infected, they can contract it from other children. If one person in a household contracts ringworm, it is important to make sure that they do not share clothing with other children prior to it being laundered. Also they should not share beds or bed linens, bath towels, or even hair brushes with other children. Regular hand-washing--especially after contact with infected skin--will also help prevent the spread of ringworm.