The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Howard (New York, New York) on 10/22/2009
★★★★★
Apple cider viniger certainly works its amazing. my son had ring worm as small as a dime it was confirmed by the doctor who gave us a treatment for it. so we used what they gave us and thought nothing of it i never had ring worm or seen it before. i noticed that after a while it was spreading. so i went back to the doctor who then gave him a topical cream and medicine to take for 6 weeks. he then assured us it will be gone. But after 6 weeks only affected the site in a extremely small way. so i brought him back and they gave us a stronger medicine that they said would not only kill ring worm but kill any eggs laying around. but this too did not do much so i took things into my own hands and decided to find the solution before it took over his whole head and thats when i found your website praise God. i learned about ACV and went immediatlly and purchased it along side vick vapor rub. i read how it took 3 to 5 days some for some people but i took a cotton ball and put ACV on it and rubbed the infected sight and immediatly the sight bump got white and big. i let it dry for 7 min and repeated again and the infected sight started to bleed. i let it dry and repeated 5 times my son was really a trooper i can see that he was in pain but he hung in there. after the 5 time i let it dry and removed any blood from the site i was amazed and awwwwed. His head was back to normal i still cant believe it but there it was i stared at his head for 1 hour not believing what just happened. i spent hundreds at the doctor for garbage and the Organic ACV only cost me $2.50. I will certainly keep treating his head for 5 more days to make sure it will not come back and i am giving him 1 table spoon of organic ACV to drink to kill whatever is in his blood.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheri (Minneapolis, MN) on 08/08/2007
★★★★★
ACV cured my ringworm!I recently found out a rash that kept appearing and disappearing over the course of many years was not the eczema I had thought it to be. After a visit to my medical clinic I found out I had ringworm. I was given a prescription of ketoconazole and told to use it for a week then rest for a week repeating until it was gone. I started the cream immediately and my fungus grew to over 10 times the size it had been. The rash was getting worse and the itching was driving me out of my mind. I began researching natural remedies and found this site with so many remedies to try. I immediately bought the tea tree oil and the apple cider vinegar. After completing the week of the fungal cream I started using the tea tree oil in one location and the ACV in another. I began noticing results right away. My family objected to the odor of the tea tree oil so I began using the ACV exclusively. I applied it several times per day with a cotton ball rubbing until I could feel the tingling. I began feeling relief within two days. The treated areas began to become scaly and dry. A week after starting the ACV treatment my fungus is totally gone. I can't wait to tell my nurse practitioner the natural cure was the way to go. Thanks for the remedies I found on this page, I now live an itch free life!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kyle (Elburn, Illinois) on 03/18/2007
★★★★★
I had ringworm on my leg and I tried a bunch of different cures and the one that worked best was apple cider vinegar! i was so surprised! if you rub it on the area until it burns slightly, 2x a day it should dissappear within 1 week! works great!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teia (Detroit, Mi, Usa) on 05/04/2011
thanks so much for posting- I put Apple Cider Vinegar on my 6yr old daughter tonight- the cream from the doctor's is useless- I will keep everyone updated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia) on 08/10/2017
★★★★★
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Apple cider vinegar works for ringworm. But I soaked it in cotton balls and taped it to my skin and left it over night. Do not do what I did. When I woke up my skin was scabby and had scarred later on. About 1 year I noticed that later most of my scars have faded without me even trying to fade them. I didn't use shea butter or anything so if you did what I did your scars will probably fade away too. But I do have just a few scars that are visible by not noticeable like they were b4. Also, it's possible that my scars faded sooner than a year cuz after some time I just forgot about them and didn't even realize that they were fading. The point is that apple cider vinegar works wonders, but do not leave on too long cuz it is very powerful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alei14456 (Texas) on 09/29/2016
★★★★☆
Dilute definitely dilute! I had the bright idea of using a bandaid damp with Apple Cider Vinegar undiluted overnight to cure my ringworm faster. I let it breathe at work and put one on when I got home and changed it before I went to bed. After the second night, it started burning as I put the bandaid on. I dealt with the mild irritation for about 30 minutes and it only got worse. My ringworm is now half cured scaly, itchy, dry and full of scabs due to the acv. I love Apple Cider Vinegar to death and am all for home remedies, but next time I'm using a ringworm ointment.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 03/05/2015
Dear Chris,
I would use castor oil on the blemishes once or twice a day. You could make a mixture of half castor oil and half extra virgin coconut oil, if you want it to be less greasy. Both are healing for the skin.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Alabama) on 12/28/2015
Use vitamin e oil to get rid of the circles and any scar you have. AWESOME stuff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heidi (Sierra Nevada Foothills, Ca) on 06/29/2012
Hello, You said you used 1:1 ratio of DMSO and ACV. Was the DMSO 99.9%? And did you apply for all three days? Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Idahoinwa (Burien, Washington) on 06/30/2012
Yes 99.9 % and applied morning and Night for 3 days. Be sure to mix in small batches as it made the glass bottle warm when I mixed it up. Dont know how long it will be gone. Should probley do it for a few days after its gone to make sure. Also I used raw organic apple cider Vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (New York, 10017) on 06/10/2013
It should bleed. Then you know the Apple Cider Vinegar is going deep enough. You get the skin to bleed by continuosly rubbing it with ACV. What's happening is that the acidic nature of ACV is burning off the top layer of the skin. The skin will eventually scab over and it will heal. There will be no scar when it heals because the Apple Cider Vinegar only burned off the superficial layer of the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bvshah (Mumbai, India) on 10/31/2011
Hi, Thanks for your reply. But I keep on getting new spots of the ringworm and after applying ACV, the lesion has become very dark and ugly. Will this leave a mark on my body amd What about Extra virgin Coconut oil, does it burn when applied on the skin or does it leave a mark?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rg (Tx, Usa) on 12/17/2013
If you're having that much of a reaction to the ACV I would stop using it, or use it and then apply REAL honey right afterwards. (Real honey, aka organic honey, is expensive but if you have any left over you can use it for treating scars, healing wounds, or pulling out blackheads).
You should try slicing up garlic and taping it to the wound, and then apply organic honey or organic aloe vera gel.
Healing scars with organic honey- mix 4 teaspoons of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of plain yogurt, 4 tablespoons of organic honey, and 1 egg white. Put that mixture in a container of some sort like a jar (store extra in the fridge). Then get some baking soda (about a tblspoon) and pour however much of the mixture you think you'll need that day onto it. Mix together into a paste and let that sit on your scars for at least 15 min, once a week. I did this for 15 min a day, 4 days a week for a month and all my acne scars are gone (and I had really bad acne)!! I'm also using it on deeper scars I've had since I was a kid about once a week, it's working slowly but surely.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anita (Glenview, Il) on 02/03/2010
★★★★★
The apple cider treatment worked very well to cure ringworm on my face and neck. It takes a while, possibly 2 weeks, and it does burn, but it really works. I followed with a mild facial scrub to get rid of circle marks and dead skin. Thanks for the help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Camille (Brooklyn, Ny) on 12/30/2009
Howard from NY, NY- did the ringworm come back?
My 4 1/2 year old and my 6 yr old have it. I am thinking of trying the ACV on my 6 yr old- it's in her head; and the Black Walnut tincture on my 4 1/2 yr old-it's on his face, in two places. We got Lotrisone for my son, but I am leery about it after reading the side-effects (it contains a steroid).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 05/20/2015
Devona (Ohio) ---
Devona, I have used turmeric powder exclusively for years for ring worm which is a fungus. Even dousing a cat while sitting in a box. It has always worked. Meds from the vets do not remove it.
You could also warm any kind of milk and boil half a teasp. turmeric for your skin. It works well.
There is also a recipe with lemons, turmeric, cayenne and ginger which I have posted here recently. It is an anti inflammatory treatment whenever using turmeric. I have lots of rescues.
Namaste, Om
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John Goldwine (Burbank, California) on 11/15/2008
★★★★★
I had really bad ringworm on my fore arms and upper arms. I tried coconut oil, It seemed to help but didn't cure it. I then tried the crap from the pharmacy, it didn't do much either, even after a couple weeks. I decided to try ACV since it cures just about everything else. Amazing, it was gone in a couple of days. One word of caution though, I did get a little carried away on my upper arm and it left a pretty bad scar. No more ringworm, and I'm happy about that. ACV is incredible!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caroline (Alexandria, VA) on 12/11/2007
★★★★★
I had stated earlier that RX OF KETOCONAZOLE did not work. It is actually worse. What I thought was a spreading of the ringworm was a staff infection likely a reaction TO the Ketoconazole!
On my follow-up call to the nurse practioner had advised to increase the diameter of the medication site by 1 inch. We continued to use it 2x daily vs. the company's recommended daily use. She was not aware that Ketoconazole was causing an infection. ugh.
So, after one more visit to the nurse, we were given a topical (Mupirocin) and oral antibiotics. Being conservative on oral medication, I resorted to an apple cider vinegar treatement and then covered it with the topical antibiotic. The healing was quick. And there were visible results in 2 days as the entries below also experienced. The stinging was most unpleasant for Mom and kid each night and morning but that only lasted a week.
For those who wish details: We used flat cotton makeup pads, organic apple cider vinegar (be sure to shake well for the "good stuff" to mix in). I spread the ACV to the outer edges of the tiny spots on his arm. Used a seperate pad w/ ACV on the ringworm area. And instead of rubbing it, we set the pad for 1-2 minutes on the center of the ringworm. Also, for the 1st 2-4 days we added a teaspn or tablespoon of ASC to his juice. And, I also changed my son's shirts and pajama shirts daily and washed them in very hot water (the washing machine has a sanitize option) with extra rinse--I worried about reinfection which seems common. Perhaps I went overboard but after 8 weeks of dealing with this, I became quite agressive. There is still a mark where the ringworm was. I am hoping for no return. If it does, I'll add an entry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anne (Greensboro, NC) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
ACV cured mine and my dogs ringworm in 7 days. Treated him 2x's a day inbetween used GSE 1x daily on his wounds. It does everything everyone says it does. ACV also helped my cough. I am curious if the pickle juice works?!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Mon Louis Island, AL) on 02/18/2006
★★★★★
I had horrible allergies and I had noticed that I had a ringworm on my stomach. I had a friend that had a ringworm not to long ago and she went to the doctor. He gave her a Rx she had to take for two weeks. It made her feel sick. I had started reading Natural Cures and I refused to go and get an Rx so I started to research. Then I became my own guinea pig. I wake up and take a shot of AVC in a shot glass then I chop two cloves of garlic in the shot glass and wait ten min. Then I add water to the garlic and shot it. Then I brush my teeth with baking soda. I have not had to take allergy meds. and I noticed by the fourth day my ringworm was gone. I have been doing this going on four weeks. I now give my son 2tsp of AVC then a glass of water and his allergies have cleared. I have felt better for the past three weeks than I can remeber. You should try it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Judy (Tallahassee, FL)
★★★★★
I recently found a kitten with spots of ringworm on its body. It frantically chewed its paws so I poured a pint of natural ACV in a small dishpan and soaked the kitten twice a day for several days, sponging the liquid all over its body. Within 24 hours, the feet chewing stopped and in a week's time, new fur was beginning to grow on the bare areas. Sure beats typical 3-4 weeks treatment vets want to use.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Omaha) on 12/11/2017
★★★★★
We adopted a kitten a few weeks ago, and about 2-3 days ago I noticed ringworm on my arm. I had read about using ACV but also used Lotrimin. The only thing between the two that seems to be working and providing itch relief is ACV. Whenever I've treated the spots with the Lotrimin they just seem to swell and still itch. Cleaning with soap and then swabbing with ACV seems to dry out the spots immediately. I've heard Lotrimin can take up to 8 weeks to totally heal, which sounds miserable. Our kitten will be quarantined for a week (until the vet says she won't be contagious), I'm trying to disinfect our home using a clorox spray for furniture then doing laundry and vacuuming. No way to know if its working until none of us is ringworm free for a while. Any tips on home cleaning and prevention?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Reyna (Seabrook) on 12/12/2016
I have never had ringworms. So, when I got home from my vacation in Hawaii I had no idea the "bit" or so I thought it was would spread all over my breast and stomach area. I have tried to use the antifungal creams and it started to clear the one on my neck but that was once they spread all over. I continued trying to use the creams and nothing happened. I read online about ACV and today is my first time trying. I rubbed it all over my body and almost cried because it burned so bad. But I am willing to suck it up to get rid of these dang things. I rubbed some on each one with a cotton ball. I am also going to drink some everyday. Twice a day should be sufficient right? I just want them to go away ASAP. Anyone have any thoughts on addition Apple Cider Vinegar cleansing?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mildred (University Park, Illinois ) on 12/20/2016
I don't know, but I hear apple vinegar is the best medicine. Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Smokymtnlady (Tn) on 08/06/2017
Breast and stomach area? This sounds more like Pityriasis Rosea, which can be treated with a sunlamp.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (England) on 03/06/2015
Thanks for your advice, I will try the castor oil. Best wishes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anonymous (Texas) on 12/04/2014
If u do get scars use aloe vera ... it helps heal the scar and it is faster as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julio (Dallas, Tx, Usa) on 01/02/2012
Hi, About a year ago ringworm started on my face's left side cheek. It started as a little itchy thing which I scratched n didn't know what it was. I thought it would go away soon but it didn't instead it started to spread. I went to see the dorctor which prescribed me some cream to apply n a pink pill to take once a week. But the only thing it helped with was the itching. I went back n this time they prescribed me lasimil pills. Which I only was authorized to take for two weeks. Then I bought lamisil cream but none of that helped. The ringworm is visible now.
It wasn't till two days ago that I found this site and saw that apple cider vinegar can help. I been applying it for three days now but I'm not sure if it has helped or if it's going to help me. I scratched it hard till it bled and then applied it. It burnt and now it looks like a wound. I don't wanna repeat the proccess because I don't want an ugly scar in my face but I do wanna get rid of that sht. It's embarrasing. What should I do?? Should I just apply it gentle now since I already made it bleed once?? I'll be waiting for your replies. thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicole (Glendora, Ca Usa) on 05/20/2011
I have a question, I came across this site and read about Apple Cider Vinegar and its a great tool to treat ringworm. I read somebodys situation and what she did was she soaked Apple Cider Vinegar on a cotton ball and rubbed it on the affected site till it bleeds then repeat and after 2 days her ringworm is gone. I did the same thing and it stings so bad and the outer skin just fell off and I can see the skin. Is that normal? My ringworm is at the back of my hand. Pls help
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bvshah (Mumbai, India) on 10/25/2011
Hi, I am suffering from ringworm since past four months. Hate taken couple of antibiotic creams and medicine but no effect. One doctor gave me steroids and it worsened the case and now no medicines are suiting my skin. The infection is growing and from both the thigh and groain area now it has come on my hand as well. I was thinking of using ACV. Can anyone tell me as to how to use ACV for ringworm? I applied white vinegar yesterday on one of the lesions and itching went away but entire thing is inflamed and turned red. So is it safe to use ACV or this is how skin reacts once ACV is applied? How do I know whether ACV is suiting me or reacting adversely?
Thanks, Miss Shah
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Toronto, Ont, Canada) on 10/25/2011
To Bvshah from Mumbai, India:
Bvshah, although rinsing the areas with diluted ACV can be of some help, you can completely eliminate the problem with organic extra virgin coconut oil.
What you have is a fungus and coconut oil is antifungal as well as antiviral and antibacterial.
Use the coconut oil both topically on your skin wherever necessary and also eat some every day to help fight the fungus. Start with 1 tablespoon per day and work up to 3 tablespoons per day.
You should see some improvement fairly quickly but continue with the coconut oil for a few weeks beyond the end of obvious fungal irritation to be certain of complete success.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Morgan (Kansas City, Missouri/unite States) on 07/01/2012
I used Apple Cider Vinegar (but any vinegar will do) for athletes foot on my hands, and it worked very well. Ring worm is a from of athletes foot, so Apple Cider Vinegar should work on ring worm as well. I too have ring worm on my leg and have been applying apple cider vinegar to it (not daily) so I think it is my body mostly fighting off the infection and not the acv. But it seems it did work for everyone above. When I used it on my hands, there was some burning and the athletes foot began to flake away. I health site where I learned to use vinegar said that burning was normal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandra (New York, US) on 03/03/2015
I have ringworms omg this is my first time and I'm freaking out. My doctor gave me terbinafine and my husband bought me an anti fungal cream but nothing is working!!! I literally was crying they have spread all over my body..... I found this site and I'm praying the ACV works I have 2 tbs in a glass of water at morning and again at night. I also rub on the affected area morning and again at night. They are scabbing but how do I know when to stop? It does burn when I apply the ACV but I don't care. I want these things gone! I follow the ACV with an anti fungal cream. Any advice you can give me would help. Thanks, Sandra
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 03/04/2015
Hello Sandra;
Re the ringworm fungus... I had success with Lamisil anti fungal cream.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by KT (Usa) on 03/04/2015
Hi Sandra, A nurse practitioner advised me Miconazole Nitrate Cream works too. Years ago our daughter had one appear after taking swimming lessons at the Y. Until I got a handle on problems with yeast, I had all these little tubes of the cream that I had saved. I purchased the generic brand at a dollar store because it was cheaper. Anyway, it worked great. In addition, just FYI, the NP advised me the cream was also used for athlete's foot...same fungus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn. ) on 03/04/2015
HI U KIT, , , , , , cover the spot with tincture of walnut and the game is over. Read, read, read.
======ORH============
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 03/04/2015
Dear Sandra,
You asked when to stop the treatment you are using...I would use it until it is cleared up and then maybe continue the Vinegar for another week.
If it reoccurs, though, you may want to look into Bill's Thompson's book, Candida: Killing So Sweetly. If you have ringworm all over, it could be a systemic fungal infection.
I would also wash sheets a couple of times a week and use a cup of white vinegar in your rinse cycle for all clothes, towels, and sheets. Use hot water in the wash for whatever is safe to do so.
I hope this is all behind you soon!
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nikecia (Mattapan, Boston, United States) on 05/14/2010
My daughter came home with the ringworm from school first time on the skin which was treated with a cream the second time around it was in her hair. The doctor put her on oral meds which was working until my son got it in his hair. He went on oral meds. as well (6 wks) only to have an allergic reaction and switched to a 12 wk medication. During that time I caught the ringworm on skin (21 day treatment w/ cream). My daughter finished her meds (6wks) as my son was still on meds (12wks). When my son completed his meds. literally the next day my baby, husband had ringworm as well as my daughter AGAIN! So another 6 weeks for her. Now she's off and my son AGAIN! I began looking for home remedies and came across this website and am excited to try something new.
I have only dabbed acv on my son's scalp for 2 days now (total 4 times) and can't see the lesion. Though he is on oral meds taking once a week for 12 wks this is the first the lesion is not visible. I have a small dog whom I think is adding to my problem so a few questions... besides applying acv directly to the scalp what dosage can I give to my small kids 4,3,1 and to my dog oh and cat... can I use this in my laundry and what about cleaning my house. will it kill the ringworm spores...
I NEED HELP PLEASE I CANT DEAL WITH THIS ANYMORE!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by T (Brooklyn, Ny) on 05/19/2010
Hi. I've heard ACV is good but I would recommend trying Oil of Oregano or grapefruit seed extract. Both are far more aggressive and potent because they possess STRONG anti-fungal properties. Some say ringworm is caused by a virus - others, a fungus. Its a fungus - and thus, needs to be treated with an anti-fungal agent.
So, I would clean the area w/ hydrogen peroxide (since fungus do not "like" anything oxidizing)....THEN...pat dry w/ a cotton ball. Place a single drop (or two) of either the GSE or Oregano Oil on a q-tip gently pat into the affected area (but never rubbing - u will spread the spores) until all is covered.
AND as a dual attack - have your children husband take a 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of coconut oil/day (until the patch has cleared). EVCO has great anti-fungal properties and contains a compound called caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is the reason why EVCO is anti-fungal in nature. By having them ingest the EVCO - it will help address any underlying (internal) fungal issues so that it will not return. This way - you are attacking the problem from both ends.
My many blessings to you - and I pray they get better soon!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by April (Covington, Ga) on 09/11/2010
Apple cider vinegar can be used in the laundry - about 1/4 cup for an average-sized load.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, USA) on 01/01/2010 113 posts
This is Merryanne in FL,,I have been using the Apple Cider Vinegar on the ringworm itch,,and it can burn/sting real bad on open wounds, and I do not think children can take it,,,a better and also very effective treatment to start with open wounds is Neem oil,,I wish I had remembered this 3 weeks ago for my self, ACV is not painful if it is not an open wound area, I have put neem oil on my self and have had in on for 2 days (it is a very strong spelling oil)while I am off work,,I put it only head, in my ears, behind my ears, everywhere I itched,,will report results in two days..Merryanne in FL
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tf (New Haven, Ct) on 12/01/2011
I have had ringworm for a few weeks now on both arms. I have been using a topical perscription antifungal and have used it in the past with success. It was not working quickly this time, so I turned to ACV.
I only applied it to my left arm, which was far more severe than my right, though my left started weeks prior to my right. Strange enough my right has almost fully healed and my left, after having applied ACV topically 4 or 5 times in the last 5 days and drank orally the same amount (2 tablespoons), it looks like the ringworm on my left arm is spreading.
Could it be a mistake to vigorously spread the ACV (with a cotton ball) so much that it actually bleeds? Could that be spreading the pores and doing more harm than good?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 12/02/2011 2042 posts
TF, my 2 cents. It appears your fungal issue could be fueled by something else or a continual fungus exposure. Antibiotics are notoriously spotlighted for causing fungal infections, but another common pharmaceutical also causes fungus ---the H2 antagonist like Tagamet, Zantac, Pepsid etc. Zantac caused my only ringworm infection. If memory serves me correctly, I used povidone iodine applied with q-tip successfully. Also your immune system may need some extra vit-C, Zinc/vit-A, and some Echinacea/Goldenseal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Samantha (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 12/11/2011
I just used apple cider vinegar on ring worm on my arm. I wet a cloth and tied it to my arm for about 40 minutes. When I removed it, there were lots of tiny white raised bumps all over the area that was infected by ringworm. Has anyone else experienced this? I dont think I have an allergy to the apple cider vinegar, because the white bumps are specifically only where the ring worm is. Please let me know if this is normal... I'm a little nervous right now.
