Today more and more people are turning to home remedies and essential oils for the treatment of all different types of minor health issues. There are some cases where essential oils can help on preventing major health problems. One of the uses of various types of essential oils is for the treatment of ringworm.
What is Ringworm?
Despite its name ringworm has nothing to do with worms, instead this condition is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin that can affect both animals and people. This fungal infection normally appears like a red circular rash but there may be cases where this ring like sore is not obvious. Ringworm can affect the scalp, body, feet and nails and can be spread by direct contact with the affected area or sharing personal items such combs.
Areas affected by ringworm may be itchy, sore, Scaling hair loss and even become filled with pus. Left unattended the ring worm may spread growing bigger and bigger.
Treating Your Ringworm with Essential Oils
Many essential oils have anti-fungal properties which makes them a good choice for treating ringworm. Often mixing essential oils with honey or carrier oils with reduce the strength of some essential oils and prevent them from stinging or burning the skin. Here are several essential oils for ringworm treatment:
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Tea Tree/Lavender oil combined
- Myrrh oil
- Wild Thyme
- Lemon oil
- Geranium
When treating ringworm with essential oils you need to apply the oil using a cotton swap 2 or 3 times a day. The oil will kill the fungus and dry up the affected area. Oregano and rosemary essential oil appear to be the best treatment for ringworm, but other essential oils also can be used to treat this fungal infection.
Protecting Others from Acquiring Ringworm
Even if you are treating your ringworm with one or a combination of these essential oils it will take some time for the ringworm to be cured. In the meantime, you have to protect others you come in contact and even your pets from contacting this contagious disease. Here are some steps you can take until this fungal infection clears up.
- Thoroughly dry the affected area after washing
- Don’t wear tight or chaffing clothing
- Don’t allow other people or pets to come in contact with the affected area
- Wash your clothes daily
- Wash your sheets and bedding often and don’t share your bed with until your ringworm has cleared up.
- After treating your ringworm with a cotton ball immediately dispose of the cotton.
- If you have ringworm anywhere on your scalp don’t allow anyone else to borrow your comb or brush or wear your hat or any helmets for any reason.
- If possible keep affected areas of ring worm covered up so that others cannot come in contact with the affected area.
While ringworm is a highly a contagious condition taking precautions and treating this fungal infection with essential oils can help to kill the fungus and heal the affected area.
