Top Home Remedies For Ringworm

The name ringworm can be misleading because the cause of ringworm is not a worm but a fungus called tinea corporis. This fungal infection is similar to other fungal infections such as jock itch or athlete’s foot. Ringworm is very common in young children, especially in children who aged between two and ten. This is because ringworm can be transmitted between children, adults and pets. Ringworm is highly contagious and it can be spread even before the symptoms of the fungal infection begin to appear in the body. It can take several weeks to heal the infection and the Mayo Clinic suggests that unless the symptoms improve dramatically within a few weeks, it may take the use of a prescription anti-fungal medication to remove ringworm from the body. If someone who suffers from ringworm sees an increase in symptoms as well as serious swelling or fever, they should consult their doctor immediately.

Having a strong immune system can prevent fungal infections like ringworm. Dr. Geovanni Espinosa, a naturopathy expert who has written the book ‘1000 Cures for 200 Ailments’ suggests that eating a healthy and balanced diet can both improve the immune system and reduce the amount of fungi in the body. Dr. Espinosa says that eating a diet full of eggs, vegetables, chicken, yogurt, nuts, raw garlic and oils can work as a natural treatment for fungal infections. Raw garlic in particular is known for its anti-fungal properties that work both inside the body and out. Dr. Espinosa also suggests that limiting sugar is a good idea because sugar feeds the fungus and helps it develop. Avoiding sugary foods and especially foods that contain different types yeast and fungus in them already can help relieve fungal infections naturally.

Dr. Espinosa also talks about the supplements available on the market that will not only boost the immune system but also combat existing infections in the body. She suggests that taking a supplement with Caprylic acid in it will improve immune function. Caprylic acid in particular has anti-fungal functions and taking 1,000 mg of the supplement three times a day can improve existing fungal infections and prevent against new ones. A probiotic supplement can also support the body and immune system by helping the body to absorb the nutrients needed to prevent yeast and fungus overgrowth which can cause infections. Dr. Espinosa also suggests taking vitamin C as well as a multivitamin to support over all immune system health.

In his book ‘Healing without Medication’, Dr. Robert Rister suggests that herbs may be very effective in preventing and healing fungal infections. Dr. Rister suggests that tea treat oil is one of the most effective treatments for infections and is as effect as an over the counter treatment. To use tea tree oil as a treatment for ringworm, Dr. Rister says that a cream containing anywhere from 8% to 20% tea tree oil should be applied to the infected area from two or three times per day. He also suggests that increasing the amount of garlic in the diet as well as applying garlic topically can help heal ringworm infections. For those who do not enjoy garlic, there is a gel available on the market that contains the anti-fungal ingredient found in garlic and it is effective as a topical treatment with ringworm. It has also been suggested that taking an echinacea supplement may also work alongside a topical cream to relieve the suffering of ringworm.