Coconut oil may be the best home remedy for ringworm

Ringworm is one of the most common skin diseases during summer months. Ringworm is an unpleasant, itchy fungus that can be difficult to treat. It can occur anywhere on the skin, but it is most common on the arms and scalp. Although unpleasant, home remedies for ringworm can help. My mother also has a home remedy for ringworm. She believes that using coconut oil helps. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can effectively minimize the discomfort caused by ringworm. Read on to find out how coconut oil can help with ringworm and how to use it.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a relatively common fungal infection, but contrary to its name, it’s not caused by a bug. According to a study published in 2023, ringworm is caused by a highly contagious fungus called “tinea corporis.” Statistical Pearl JournalAnyone can get ringworm, but certain people, such as athletes, are more susceptible than others, including young children and people with weakened immune systems.

What causes ringworm?

“Tinea vera is caused by a fungus. Our skin, hair and nails naturally house this type of fungus. But when the surroundings become hot and humid, the fungus starts growing uncontrollably. You can contract this infection if your skin comes in contact with the ringworm fungus that lives on someone else’s skin,” says Dr Kiran Sandeep Singh, beautician and trichologist.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

• Circular, ring-shaped scales or plaques.
• A flat area with a raised rounded border.
• The spots can be very itchy.
• Baldness or hair loss appears in the affected areas.

Read also: If your skin is constantly itchy, you may have a dermatitis, and we have a handy guide to treating the condition.

Coconut Oil: Is It a Good Home Remedy for Ringworm?

Coconut oil has strong antibacterial properties and has long been used to treat ringworm and other fungal infections. Journal of Dermatology and Clinical ResearchCoconut oil, which has excellent antifungal properties, is rich in lauric acid and antibacterial lipids. When applied topically, these antifungal properties help eliminate fungal infections.

See also

“Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent the spread of infection. Its moisturizing properties also soothe the skin, reducing inflammation and flaking. Coconut oil softens and hydrates the skin, promoting healing and minimizing inflammation around the affected area,” the expert says.

How to use coconut oil for ringworm?

Here are some effective ways experts explain how to use coconut oil as a home remedy for ringworm.

1. Tea tree oil and coconut oil

The antifungal properties of coconut oil and the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil are highly effective in treating ringworm, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology. American Society for Microbiology.

material:

• A few drops of tea tree oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Method:

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly mixed.
3. Gently massage the mixture into the skin around the ringworm affected areas.
4. Allow the solution to soak for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse the treated area with lukewarm water.
6. Continue this twice a day until the ringworm disappears.

2. Garlic and coconut oil

Garlic has antifungal properties Avicenna’s Journal of Botanical Medicine Combining the soothing properties of coconut oil with this natural remedy can help reduce the effects of ringworm.

material:

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Method:

1. Crush 2 garlic cloves and mix with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Blend ingredients in a blender until you get a smooth slurry.
3. Apply the mixture on the ringworm spots and cover them thoroughly.
4. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
6. Use this treatment regularly until the ringworm is cured.

3. Turmeric and coconut oil

Coconut oil has moisturizing properties, while turmeric is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, according to a study published in the medical journal. International Journal of Biomed ResearchThis combination provides a complete solution to get rid of fungal infections and achieve smoother skin.

material:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

Method:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to make a paste.
2. Apply a thick layer of paste immediately to the affected area.
3. Leave the paste to dry for a few hours.
4. Gently rinse with lukewarm water and a small amount of soap.
5. Keep repeating this process until the ringworm disappears.

Something to keep in mind!

There are no reported side effects when using coconut oil to treat fungal infections. However, if you are allergic to coconut oil, you should not use it. Also, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the infection does not go away after consuming coconut oil for a few days. Always do a patch test before using coconut oil and consult a doctor before using coconut oil to treat ringworm.