While the name may be confusing, ringworm is not a parasitic infection or a worm for that matter. It is basically a fungal infection that appears in the form of a ring. Ringworm is actually a tinea infection that can affect different parts of your body. It is called athlete's foot when it appears on your foot and is tinea capitis when it affects your head. It is contagious and you can get it from other people. You usually feel no pain with this infection but the itching can be quite strong. You can try different treatments including apple cider vinegar. Does it really work?

Does Apple Cider Vinegar for Ringworm Really Help?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a commonly used remedy for many types of fungal infections. ACV helps with ringworm because it is actually a fungal infection on the skin. It does not work for everyone, but there is certainly nothing wrong in trying it for a few weeks to see if it improves your symptoms. It is a cheap and non-toxic way to treat your infection. Regular application on infected skin may help reduce itching and even eliminate fungus over time.

Apple cider vinegar for ringworm seems to be a good remedy because it helps change pH levels of the skin, which in turn makes it difficult for fungus to survive. However, you also need to bear in mind that ACV usually works fine for mild ringworm infection only, and may not actually help a lot with severe infections. In that case, you should see your doctor and take strong antifungal medications. OTC antifungal creams may help, but they do not always prove effective.

How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

If you want to try apple cider vinegar for ringworm, you should know how to use it properly. Here are some suggestions:

• Soak a washcloth in mild soap and warm water and use it to clean the lesions first. Use another towel to pat dry the area.
• Take some apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the affected area. Simply pour some ACV into a small bowl, dip your finger into it, and apply it directly to the lesion. Massage gently for 30 seconds. You should apply it 3-6 times a day for a couple of weeks. Continue with its application even when the lesion is no longer there.
• It is a good idea to keep your lesion covered. You can use no-stick gauze for this purpose. You may also wrap self-adhering gauze to secure the dressing. Ensure that you change the gauze after each vinegar application. You should not ignore the importance of covering the lesion because it not only prevents the spread of infection but also lowers risk of secondary infection.
• Be sure to wash your bed sheets daily to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Add ¼ cup of ACV to the water when washing your clothes.

More Remedies to Try

Many people have used apple cider vinegar for ringworm successfully, but you can try other remedies if it does not work great for you. Here is what you can do.

1. Garlic

Garlic contains compounds called ajoene and allicin that have antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can use it to treat your skin infections like ringworm. Simply crush garlic to make a paste and apply it directly to the affected area. Adding olive oil to the mix will help make it work even better. You can also cover the lesion with an adhesive bandage and medical tape. Remove the bandage after a couple of hours and then rinse the affected area with warm water. Do it thrice a day for positive results.

2. Tea Tree Oil

You can find tea tree oil used in several cosmetics, including hair oils and shampoos. It has antifungal properties and helps treat burns, cuts, and infections. You can make a mixture by using 50% water and 50% tea tree oil. Apply it directly to your affected area twice a day to see results. You are likely to get better in four weeks or so.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric works because it has potent antibiotic properties. You can use a juice extractor to get some turmeric juice. Apply it directly on your affected area until you notice improvement.

4. Aloe Vera

Most people use Aloe Vera to treat sunburns, but you can also rely on it to deal with skin infections, such as ringworm. Keep applying it to the affected area until the lesion disappears. It may take some time, but it will eventually work.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is yet another effective remedy for ringworm. It has powerful antifungal effects, which is the reason why it can help you put up a fight against skin infections. Interestingly, lavender oil can stop fungi from developing and kill it effectively as well. It is also effective against candidiasis and athlete's foot.