Ringworm is a fungal infection. Ringworm can affect any part of the body. However, the most known common areas are the hands, groin area, scalp, and feet. The ringworm infection causes scaly patches and takes a ring-like shape. In many instances, they appear red. Children are more likely to be prone, but that should not give you comfort, they can affect adults too. The infection is contagious and can be transmitted from animals to people. Or from one infected person to another through the sharing of stuff like towels. Essential oils have been tested and proven to cure ringworm infection.
Ringworm causes itchy rashes that can adversely affect your health. It can, at times, cause a swelling filled with air or fluid and eventually ooze. Ringworm infection does not have a standard known cure. However, that should not worry you at this point. Veterinarians have had extensive research in this field.
Most importantly, they have some homemade remedies for you. They have found out that some essential oils are effective in treating ringworms. At least this is according to researchers from Pisa University. In a cohort study, they used some essential oils on seven cats infected with ringworm. The result was stunningly impressive. Four cats were completely healed. And the others showed remarkable improvements.
However effective antifungal creams can sometimes be, they take a lot of time. Besides, we all want to get well quickly. You can take months with antifungals before you are completely cured. Nevertheless, experts have consistently proven that they are toxic and harmful to your skin. More so, using antifungals may make your body develop resistance. Some countries have gone further to ban most of these antifungals.
Most of the antifungal creams on the shelves do not produce any significant effect, especially for severe fungal infections. Infections like the Trichophyton and Menta agrophytes fungi that contain and produce dermatophytes are resistant to most of the creams. A number of veterinarians have refused to treat some ringworm-infected animals.
Nature is your best friend, they say. The essential oils of Oregano, Rosemary, and Wild Thyme with a base of sweet almond oil will make ringworm a thing of the past, in a recent case-control study by the University of Pisa on 13 ringworm-infected sheep. The same proportion of essential oils was used. Four drops of thyme oil, ten drops of oregano oil, and ten drops of rosemary oil and sweet almond are used as the base. They applied the combination of the oil twice daily for two weeks. Seven untreated sheep acted as controls for the study. The results were impressive. All the sheep treated with essential ailments were cured. Infection in the untreated sheep continued to persist.
The cause of the Ringworm.
Ringworm infection can be attributed to over 30 different fungi. More so, the Epidermophyton type. Fungi mostly find a home in moist and warm areas. Places like bathroom walls, changing rooms, and swimming pools. The most apparent symptom known around is a persistent itching area. The area then turns red, patchy, and scaly. The patches turn to blisters. It even becomes worse when your hair and scalp are affected. It develops bald spots. Ringworm infection should not cause a nightmare for you, especially if you keenly mix the following concoction of essential oils. Moreover, essential oils have been used to treat other fungal diseases like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Essential oils can also go a long way in rejuvenating the skin and preventing any such occurrence in the future.
Phenomenal essential oils for Ringworm treatment.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has a breathtaking aroma. Besides, it reduces stress and insomnia. Lavender oils are also known to be excellent for treating skin acne, cracked skin, or any other skin infection. Lavender is a remedy for many health conditions. This has made unique lavender oil. And has been accepted universally. Lavender soothes the itching skin within minutes and fights the ringworm infection rapidly. It repairs the skin to its former complexion.
To use the oil, you actually need a base of sweet almond or coconut oil. Mix about 5-10 drops of lavender with a teaspoonful of the base oil for maximum results. The mixture is rubbed gently on the affected area. Don’t forget to leave the affected area open for the oil to dry slowly and naturally. Repeat the process three times a day. To effectively heal and repair damaged skin, ten drops of lavender and one ounce of Aloe Vera gel can leave your skin moisturized and fresh and guard against future infection.
Oregano Oil
Oregon is an essential culinary piece in most kitchens. Nevertheless, it’s a very powerful treatment agent against ringworm infections. It boasts two antibacterial agents, thymol and carvacrol, which fight many microbial infections. Oregon does not only treat ringworms. Its broad base does wonders against fungal diseases.
For the best results, dilute eight drops of the oil with the base of your choice—one teaspoonful. Massage gently the affected area with the mix three times a day, remembering to leave a five-hour interval. You will notice significant improvements after three days. Oregon oil can be used as a mouthwash if an infection occurs on your lips or tongue.
The Magic of Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil has immense health benefits. It has a Terpenoid agent that works as an antifungal. Studies have shown that tea tree oil prevents fungal activities. Tea tree oil damages fungus cellular membranes, causing depletion within hours of treatment.
This works efficiently on kids. Caution should be taken with tea tree oil, as it is very powerful. The oil should first be mixed with sweet almond oil before use. Eight drops of the tea tree oil should be combined with the base. Apply thrice daily for quick relief.
Thyme oil
Like lavender oil, thyme oil has a sweet aroma. It’s also a culinary herb. Thyme is not very popular, and most people are not aware of its many phenomenal health benefits. Thyme oil is extraordinary and effective in treating ringworm. Several studies have shown that only 1% of thyme can superbly fight fungus.
Dilute five drops of thyme oil with one teaspoonful of a base oil of your choice. Rub gently the affected area using a cotton stub. Do this thrice a day.
Neem Oil
Neem is an indigenous plant in India. Its history dates back to old times when it was used to treat some ailments. It has vital components that are antimicrobial, antifungal, and hypoglycemic. Neem oil inhibits the growth of ringworms. It also destroys patterns of organisms, causing disease. Further, from the ringworm, it also treats toenail fungus, jock itch, and any other fungal disease.
For the best results, Dilute five drops of neem oil with a teaspoonful of jojoba oil. Mix well and apply with a cotton pad to the affected area. Repeat this three times a day for three weeks. There should be noticeable improvements within ten days.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil boosts its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal components. In some places, it can also be used as an antimalarial. The presence of terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, and esters brings aldehydes properties. Lemongrass drastically inhibits the growth and spreading of ringworm fungi. Even more, lemongrass can be used as an antiseptic for treating wounds and other related ailments.
For best results, dilute six drops of lemongrass oil with one teaspoonful of carrier oil. Rub the mix over the affected area. Repeat this three times a day for a couple of days.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is an extraordinary antibacterial and antispasmodic. It’s often an essential ingredient in cough mix and toothpaste. Peppermint oil has been proven to inhibit ringworm fungi. Caution should be taken when mixing with a base oil. Dilute five drops of peppermint with a carrier, preferably coconut oil. Apply to the affected areas three times a day for several days.
Conclusion
You need to know that most essential oils contain antifungal properties that are crucial in the treatment of ringworm. However, research has shown that the most important essential oils include oregano, lavender, cinnamon bark, tea tree, rosemary, and thyme oils. Rosemary, wild thyme, and oregano are the most important essential oils in the treatment of ringworm in cats and kittens.
Always try to do patch tests on the sin first before launching out on a large scale. It is also important to note that most essential oils need to be diluted with about 5% of the base oil. Patch tests are crucial to ensure that your skin isn’t reacting negatively to the essential oils. You can best carry out this test on the inside of the forearm because the skin is delicate in this region.
Also Read: 12 Tips to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Nose
Moreover, pregnant women should stay away from essential oils. However, children and infants can use essentials if allowed to do so by a doctor. You also need to ensure your environment is clean and hygienic. Your skin also needs to be kept dry and clean. Don’t share your items with others because you put your health in danger. If you take heed to all these warnings, you will stay away from ringworm.
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