How To Use Coconut Oil For Ringworm

This plant-based oil can help you ward off fungal infections due to its beneficial properties.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Gill Dr. Priya Gill, MBBCH, MRCP
Written by Anjali Sayee Anjali Sayee • Jul 11, 2023

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Coconut oil is a common home remedy for managing ringworm (tinea corporis), a fungal infection of the skin. It has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is effective against several strains of bacteria and fungi. In this article, we explain why coconut oil may help manage ringworm and how to use it as an alternative medicine. Keep reading to know more!

In This Article

What Is Ringworm And What Causes It?

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Ringworm (tinea corporis) is caused by the fungi Microsporum canis. This strain of fungi feeds on highly keratinized tissues, such as the hair, nails, and skin, destroys the epidermis, and causes inflammation.

Ringworm looks like a red, circular, flaky, and bumpy rash on the skin. It is highly contagious and may itch.

An American survey from 2022 shows a high-frequency of ringworm self-diagnosis. The survey had 4156 respondents, of which 114 (2.7%) reported having a ringworm infection and 415 (10%) had a fungal nail infection in the preceding 12 months. 36% of the respondents with ringworm infection were women. About 55% of the infected preferred over-the-counter treatments, while 18.3% opted for alternative or natural treatment.

Quick Tip

Children and people with a compromised immune system are more prone to getting ringworm infection (8).

This condition is commonly treated with oral and topical antifungal medications. However, many people use coconut oil as a home remedy for ringworm. Is it effective? Let’s find out.

Is Coconut Oil An Effective Treatment For Ringworm?

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Here are the reasons coconut oil may work as a topical treatment for ringworm:

Coconut shell oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, is effective against Microsporum canis, and may help reduce tinea corporis or ringworm (1), (2).
Coconut oil promotes wound healing as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (3). It soothes skin irritation and flakiness and may also help reduce the other symptoms and discomfort caused by ringworm.

Here are some ways you can use coconut oil to manage ringworm.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Ringworm

Wash your hands and the affected area and pat them dry.
Apply coconut oil to the affected area with a cotton swab or ball.
Leave it overnight.
Apply coconut oil 3-5 times a day.

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You can combine coconut oil with essential oils with antifungal properties (4), (5), (6), (7). They include:

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Tea tree
Peppermint
Oregano
Marjoram
Clove
Garlic
Myrrh
Helichrysum
Lavender
Geranium
Mastic
Terebinth
Santolina
Turmeric

Quick Tip

Continue to apply coconut oil to the affected area for a week after the symptoms reduce or disappear. This will reduce the risk of recurrence.

Coconut oil is a natural remedy that is safe for the skin. However, it may cause some side effects.

Side Effects Of Coconut Oil

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Avoid coconut oil if you are allergic to it as it may cause:

Hives
Rashes
Dryness
Itching
Blistering

It may even worsen the rash. Therefore, to prevent any adverse reactions, perform a patch test on the back of your hand or neck. If there is no inflammation or irritation, you can apply coconut oil to the affected area.

Infographic: Coconut Oil For Ringworms And Its Side Effects

Coconut oil is known for managing severe fungal infections, including ringworm. It has antifungal properties that help heal and treat ringworms and lighten the marks as well. Below is an infographic on how to use coconut oil to manage ringworm and also some possible side effects to look out for. Scroll down to know more!

coconut oil for ringworms and its side effects (infographic)

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Download Infographic

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it one of the effective ways to treat ringworm. You can use coconut oil for ringworm infection as it is effective against several strains of bacteria and fungi. It also helps soothe the skin and reduce the discomfort caused by ringworm. You may directly apply the coconut oil to the affected area or combine it with other essential oils like tea tree oil or lavender oil. However, always perform a patch test before using it, as some people are allergic to coconut oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cures ringworm fast?

Ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter antifungals. They destroy the fungus quickly and facilitate healing. In addition, aloe vera is the most effective home remedy for ringworm. (1)

Why do I keep getting ringworms?

There are numerous reasons why a person gets ringworms on their body. For example, a person is more likely to show symptoms if they live in a warm climate, have close contact with an infected person or animal, and so on.

Can I put Vaseline on ringworm?

No, an OTC antifungal medicine is the first line of defense for most ringworm cases that affect the skin. On the other hand, more severe infections may require prescription topical or oral medications.

How do you stop ringworm from spreading?

To stop ringworm from spreading,

Don’t touch or scratch the lesion.
Wash the hands thoroughly after handling the lesion.
Wash clothes, blankets, and towels in soap and warm water
Do not share personal items.
Avoid walking barefoot at home.
Seek veterinarian treatment if your pet has ringworm.

Key Takeaways

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal skin infection commonly treated with oral and topical medications.
The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it an effective home remedy for ringworm.
To treat ringworm, you can combine coconut oil with essential oils that have antifungal effects, such as those made with tea tree, clove, and garlic.
However, avoid using coconut oil if you are allergic to it, as it may cause hives, rashes, and blistering.

Satisfy your curiosity about coconut oil’s potential in treating ringworm. Check out the video below and explore the truth behind its effectiveness and learn whether it can indeed cure ringworm or not!

Sources

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