Tea Tree Oil for Ringworm – Alt Medicine 101

Tea tree oil, laden with germicidal and antifungal properties, is a natural remedy for eliminating and preventing further spreading of ringworms or dermatophytosis.

Can Tea Tree Oil Really Treat Ringworm

In 2004, an in vitro study carried out by NCCIH indicated that tea tree oil can be a potential solution for curing ringworms as it kills the detrimental fungus, although further studies are needed for the validation.

How Does It Help

Even though there is inadequate data, the antifungal compounds of tea tree oil are believed to inhibit the growth of Trichophyton equinum, the skin fungus responsible for ringworm. The lipophilic compound also quickens fungal cell death by destabilizing the cell membranes.

How to Get Rid of Ringworm Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil on Body Ringworm

Clean the affected areas and apply an adequate amount of pure tea tree oil with a cotton ball. You may also dilute 1.5 tablespoons of oil with one cup of lukewarm water if you have itching-prone sensitive skin. You can add a few drops to your bath water as well.

It can also be used by mixing with apple cider vinegar, lavender, olive or coconut oil (separately or combined).

The application process remains the same; use it thrice daily for around one month. If irritation occurs, discontinue usage as it may worsen the ringworm.

Tea Tree Oil on Scalp Ringworm

Mix together tea tree oil and shampoo to apply it on wet scalp. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing off.

Olive, jojoba, almond, and coconut oil can also be mixed along with tea tree oil. You need to apply it on dry scalp, leaving it for some hours or overnight before washing off with your shampoo.

In case you don’t have pure tea tree oil at hand, you can opt for the commercially available tea tree oil body wash.

Safety and Precaution

Side Effects

It might lead to gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement) in young boys, as the oil acts like female growth hormone estrogen, suppressing the activities of androgen hormones. Also, consumption of tea tree oil can be lethal, so it should always be used externally.