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Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a skin condition that can affect the skin on the hands, feet, groin area, scalp and other parts of the body. It is a type of fungal infection which causes red rashes that are itchy, red, raised and scaly looking. These rashes may even blister and ooze. Characterized by normal looking skin tone in the center and surrounded by scaly patches, they resemble circular rings.
Ringworm spread through direct skin to skin contact, contaminated items such as clothing used by the affected person, or through direct contact with pets which have the fungal infection. Antifungal essential oils are found to be very effective in treating ringworms.
Essential Oils For Treating Ringworms
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a very popularly used essential oil for effectively treating ringworms. Terpenoid, a strong antifungal, is its main constituent that helps destroy the fungi that is the very cause of the ringworm. Apply a drop of tea tree oil to the ringworm patches thrice a day in order to get the best results.
It takes around ten days of regular application to get rid of the ringworm. Even after the ringworm is treated, keep applying a mixture of tea tree oil mixed with some olive oil regularly over the affected areas. Tea tree oil is very strong, so apply only a drop or use some carrier oil like olive oil to dilute it. Never take it internally as it can be irritating to the stomach lining.
2. Neem Oil
Neem has been known since ancient times as a ‘curer of all ailments’. Neem oil contains various compounds that have strong insecticidal and medicinal properties. It also acts as an effective fungicide. Use neem oil regularly to treat the ringworm infection.Apply a drop of neem oil over the lesions thrice a day. Do this for at least ten days in order to treat the ringworm infection completely. It also moisturizes and has excellent antioxidant properties. Its application will reduce the itchiness and dryness due to the ringworm.
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3. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) essential oil is mildly fragrant and soothing to the skin. It fights ringworm effectively and helps the skin to heal fast as it penetrates deep. The ringworm causes dry, itchy and scaly inflamed skin. Lavender oil helps to reduce the itchiness and inflammation in the affected parts. There are two ways to use it best.
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath and soak in it for half an hour. This helps soothe your skin. Dilute ten drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply directly on the affected areas. Repeat this process thrice a day in order to treat the ringworm infection.
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains compounds that have strong antifungal properties. It is very effective in treating the ringworm infection. Take a few drops of oregano oil and massage slowly into the affected area.Do this at least three times a day. You will notice an improvement in the condition within a couple of days. With regular use, it takes just about seven days to get rid of the infection completely.
5. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has natural antiseptic properties. It helps heal wounds faster. Its antibacterial properties prevent the infection from spreading to other areas.Combine three drops of lemongrass oil to almond oil and apply this mixture over affected areas thrice a day until you notice the ringworm infection has been treated completely.
