Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Ringworm?
For centuries, tea tree oil has been used to treat various skin ailments. It’s a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory with a pleasant aroma. Could this natural oil also be used to fight ringworm?
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It usually appears as a round, red patch of skin with a scaly, itchy center. It can affect the scalp, feet, groin, or other parts of the body. Ringworm is highly contagious, making it important to treat the infection quickly.
Can Tea Tree Oil Kill Ringworm?
While research on the use of tea tree oil for ringworm is limited, it does show promising results. To use tea tree oil for ringworm, you can:
- Create an oil mixture: Combine a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil. Spread the mixture over the ringworm infection.
- Apply neat tea tree oil drops: Apply neat, or undiluted drops of tea tree oil directly on the ringworm.
- Take a bath: Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to your bath water to help treat ringworm and the surrounding skin.
It is important to test tea tree oil on a patch of skin before applying it to ringworm. This is to make sure that you don’t have an allergy or other reaction to it.
Conclusion
Tea tree oil has been used to treat various skin conditions, including ringworm infection, for centuries. The antifungal properties in tea tree oil help fight the infection, while its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce any itching or burning. However, research on the use of tea tree oil for ringworm is limited, so it is best to check with a doctor before using this treatment.
