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 Krystal (Washington, Nc, Usa) on 09/17/2009
My 8 yr. old daughter has a ringworm directly beside her eye. I have tried many otc products and I am considering using ACV. Does anyone know if this will leave a scar, considering it is on her face and I'm very concerned with it being so close to her eye! Please HELP!!!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 09/18/2009 490 posts
For Krystal from Washington, NC
Hello Krystal, I don't know how you plan to use ACV on that ringworm, but be aware that fumes getting into the eye will cause severe burning or stinging. I don't think there will be any scaring.
Your topography there is pretty much the same as here, so you should have plenty of opportunity to gather black walnuts there now. What you want for this ringworm though, is not the walnut, but the green hull covering the walnut. When you get those green walnuts, the way I used it on my son's scalp years ago, cut shallow slice (about dime size) off one area of the hull. This should be sufficient, but can be cut larger if ringworm is larger. Give it a few seconds to start oozing that brown staining liquid and just rub it gently over the ringworm area, being sure to cover all of it. You only need to repeat this 4 times a day. I kept the cut walnut hull in a plastic bag in the refrigerator between uses. When you think it is depleted of the liquid, slice another area off the same hull. When new cuts don't ooze, start on a new walnut hull. You will probably notice a difference after the first day of using this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 09/18/2009
YES, we use acv to remove moles , etc and it works , but leaves a white spot. Have used the juice from a green walnut shell to cure ringworms. You can find tincture of walnut at a nutrition store if green walnuts are not available to you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rich (Traverse City, Mi) on 04/30/2009
I have been battling an outbreak of ringworm for 22 years now. In 1987 when I was 17 and living in the hot desert of California, my parents bought a cocker spaniel that ended up having ringworm but no one knew what it was and held that dog like it was any other day. We thought it was an allergic reaction. A few weeks later, before my parents took the dog to the Vet, I was off to Michigan for college, never knowing what the diagnosis was for the dog and never hearing from my parents what became of those lesions.
Shortly after my move to Michigan I noticed small red, scaly, itchy spots that became worse (raised and itchy) in hot humid weather, along the parameters of my armpits and on my buttocks and stomach that gradually spread in mostly just these areas. It eventually spread to my chest, forearms, wrists and behind the knees as well as my groin area..... in the course of 1-2 years.
It was diagnosed, through a skin sample, to be ringworm. I have mainly used over the counter anti-fungal medications to battle this outbreak such as Tolnaftate cream and a few other creams and sprays.......and "coal tar" dandruff shampoo. After about 2 weeks the ringworm seems to disappear completely. Then.... a few weeks to a few months later the ringworm comes back. Sometimes even worse than before and in different areas (in the same places) and I spend more money to buy more creams and sprays ect. to battle it again. How long it remains gone, I noticed, depends on the temperature and humidity factor. If it is winter time, it sometime stays away for a few months. If it is summer time it can reapper within weeks of thinking it is cured. This ringworm is more like a rash than sores. I see pictures of ringworm on the internet and they, for the most part, all look like one big scabby sore or ping pong ball size lesion that looks like an open wound like psoriasis. I have never experienced this sort of lesion with my ringworm. My ringworm looks more like the discolorated pinkish skin spots that are from 1/4 inch to no bigger than 1/2 inch in size like pityriasis rosea. When I first seen pictures of pityriasis rosea recently I thought it looked more like what I have, but I know I have ringworm because I have been to doctors on a few occasions over the many years and from town to town and they all diagnose it the same (from skin samples).
I just came to this website tonight and read up on the natural remedies and found great interest in all the positive experiences....especially with apple cider vinegar. So I fetched a bottle from the cupboard at 10:30pm and poured on a clean wash cloth until it was soaked and wiped down my entire body. The smell was and still is rank, and my cats are no where to be found. I waited 1 hour and recorded my observances.
1. I still smell bad but it has subsided from nose tinging to just an acidic urine smell.
2. There was no burning sensation when I first applied it but I can now feel a slight burning along my forearms especially and there is slight redness of the skin.
3. There is a considerable difference in appearance or a lightening of the spots especially along my left forearm (where I first applied it). It looks very faint and the rest of the body looks lighter but not as noticable as my forearms.
Some other things I should point out about ringworm that I have noticed over the last 22 years is that when it appears to be gone it may still linger. I can usually tell how much it has gone by holding an area that is affected at an angle to the light so I am looking at it like I am looking through a scope of a gun and it will show it's shape still. Even if it appears gone by looking directly down on it. Also, the ringlets, when looking at an angle, in the light have a grain or fingerprint wavy line look to them different from normal skin texture. This is how I try to determine if I have medicated the ringworm to oblivion but it is not full proof as it keeps reoccuring.
As far as I know, I have never infected anyone else including my wife of 7 years now. We did have some worries with our new born after she was born with spots appearing on her forehead once and another area of her face once but with topical applicatio of anti-fungal cream a few times it disappeared for good.
I wondered for a long time why my daughter could have caught it so easily and my wife didn't and I am wondering if it is because my daughter and I are of the same blood type and this ringworm can survive better with this blood type which is type O negative. I would suspect this has nothing to do with it whatsoever but curiously intrigued with the thought.
I will post in a few weeks (or sooner maybe) to report on my outcome with the ACV.
I am going to keep with the ACV for a few days and even try the vinegar tablets to see if this will finally cure this awful, evil and itchy deformity.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Betty (San Jose, Ca) on 02/02/2010
I have bumps on my head and they really itch. I also have a ring on my stomach. what can I put on my head?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Charlotte Clare (Gold Coast, Qld Australia ) on 12/07/2011
I'm an 0- blood type as I'm also married to someone with A and he has yet to catch my ring worm after several months of having it. The main one was even on my left leg and he sleeps on my left side and has yet to get it. We eat the same diet except he eats far more sugar than me and I'm putting peroxide, iodine and tea tree oil. I def. think diet is of utter most importance to make your blood as alkaline as possible. More greens absolutely no sugar. Caffeine and sugar free is the only way if you really wanna get rid of it you gotta clean yourself out and keep your blood alkaline- that's no meats, lots of veggies, raw salad, Vegie juice and apple cider vinegar everyday for the rest of your life! Add lemon and a drop of honey until you get used to it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mina (Milwaukee, Wi) on 04/25/2013
My husband is also blood type - A and he has not caught this ringworm that I have all over my chest and neck. Would it be okay for us to have intercourse? Sorry. But I would like to know.
I have yet to try ACV. But will definitely give it a try because this infection is driving me insane! I've been awake all night because my infection itches and burns so much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mrs. Hill (Fayetteville, Ar) on 04/25/2013
My husband has had very large ringworm patches on his body for many years. He also has had very bad athlete's foot for decades. We have been married for over 20 years and I have never caught either from him and we have never restricted intercourse because of it. I did once catch ringworm on my face from a child I knew with it (before my husband had ringworm), but it resolved quickly with treatment. I think if you keep yourself healthy and your ph in a good range (check this site for lots of information on that) you will be less likely to catch it. BTW, we have tried a number of things for my husband's fungal issues, but he isn't really consistent with treatment or interested in anything that is much trouble.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (Louisiana) on 02/15/2015
My husband is type A and he had ringworms and I never caught it and I am type O. My grandchildren I believe gave it to me finally. I don't know their type but my son is A.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Devona (Ohio) on 05/19/2015
I contracted ringworm from some Cats I took in from a pound last summer they have since been cured of it and I too was over the winter now that it is getting warm again I see a patch reappearing on my arm. Like you these do not look like the ones you find on the internet. I was doing unrelated research earlier on the correlation between low body temperature low blood pressure and low pulse and RH negative blood and after reading what you wrote I am thinking there is a link. I am not only A- but RH negative as well which is pretty rare, only 15% of people are RH negative. I am wondering if for some reason this allows ringworm to live in my blood stream longer. Right now I am scared to death I will reinfect my cats or my dog. I have 9 cats. I am about ready to just dump some bleach on my arm!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Merv (Denver, Colorado) on 03/14/2009
★★★★☆
I have used ACV for many years, it will not "cure" the ringworm on my scalp, but it will keep it from showing activity. It is still there, I have tried violet Gentian, tea tree oil and everything else I have heard of. Now I will get a prescription and get rid of it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 03/15/2009 490 posts
Hello Merv,
If that prescription you are going to get doesn't work on that ringworm, when those green walnuts show up on the black walnut trees around you this summer/fall, just pick a few of them off the tree, slice enough off for the hull to ooze that stuff that dyes you brown and rub the sliced area on that ringworm area at least 4 times a day. It will start drying it up by the 2nd day of using them. Keep on using them a few days past all signs of that ringworm being gone to make sure you got it all.
We kept the sliced ones in a plastic bag in the refrigerator in between applicaations. The unsliced ones we just kept refrigerated until needed after the first one was used up.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vera (Porto Alegre, RS-Brazil) on 11/23/2008
Hi, I am having a bad outbreak of fungus, that I am begining to think is ringworm which came with a very bad shaped young dog I rescued from the street. The dog has been elsewhere for more than two months, and my poor cat (and I!), and the the whole home are still contaminated... What about the Apple Cider, should we use it topically, or drink it, or both; and how? Many thanks. We are going to homeopathy and some herbs as well right now; but anything that helps which may make our lives easier. Vera
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gigi (Boston, Ma) on 10/08/2011
Hi my boyfriend is from Belo Horizonte and I recently found out I have ringworm when I told him he told me to drink coconut water because it takes it out of your blood. Have you tried this? Also I'm using apple cider vinegar and vicks vaporub. It seems to be working so far. Figured I'd share what's working for the both of us because he also caught it from us sharing our bed. Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by T3 (Chicago, IL) on 02/15/2009
★☆☆☆☆
It's been a long time since I've been back to this site. I have been doing this cider, it is not working. I am freaking out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ale (Ponce, PR) on 04/30/2009
I have a cat and I have ringworm before and I have this thing on my chest and back and shoulders almost like ringworm and I also go to the doctor and at first she thinks was ringworm too and give me a cream but it does not give away, so to make the story short it was pityriasis rosea, is a condition on the skin that is in appearance like ringworm but doctors do not know exactly whaat is and they think is a virus because it give away alone but may last months and then disappears and not came back again, my last like three months. It does not have treatment.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mike (Bettendorf, Iowa) on 10/20/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I tried the ACV for the ring worm ailment I have been battling for years now. Not only did it NOT work and hurt, but it also irritated it and caused it to become worse and spread.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Baltimore, MD) on 03/24/2009
This in response to the failure of ACV to clear your chronic skin condition - one suggestion - you may not have ringworm - the response that you got from ACV is more consistent with psoriasis. If you have not already done so please get a firm diagnosis from a board certified dermatologist.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Harold (Wa, US) on 07/16/2014
I know this is a very old post but, I've found that there is an immense difference between the raw, organic, ACV such as Braggs and the pasteurized ACV. The pasteurized version does not have the same healing properties as the raw. I don't know which one you used but by the description, I'd guess it was pasteurized.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caroline (Alexandria, VA) on 11/26/2007
Rx of Ketoconazole 2x daily has not worked. After 6 weeks, now the diameter of golf ball and spreading quickly to wrist and elbow. Perhaps because we were not changing clothing PJ's daily? On the arm of my 6-year-old. Am looking for a remedy that does not sting for my pain intolerant child.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bev (Phyllis, KY) on 11/27/2007
ringworm response to Caroline in VA... My 7 yr old had a ringworm and we tried everything in the home remedy line that we could find with no luck-she couldn't take the sting with most remedies. We went to the doctor as they were spreading all over her mid body. She gave her a prescription of Clortrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate cream for itching and cure. Applied 2-3 times a day and within a week started drying out and healing. Hope you to find a good cure for your little one-I know how miserable it can make them. God Bless and good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Hodgenville, Kentucky USA) on 02/20/2009
whoever the person is that claimed they aquired a staph infection from ketoconazole is wrong! You contract staph from the bacteria staph. Staph is not a reaction from any medications! I think the person is just had two different types of infections. Most likely the areas affected with ringworm came in contact with the staph bacteria. Some ringworm infections are harder to get rid of than others, just like anything else.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gigi (Boston, Ma) on 10/08/2011
You can catch staph from scratching it can cause a bacterial infection which can lead to staph. Many people have staph living dormant in the body but I do agree that the medicine did not cause the infection scratching did. I have ringworm and got otc topical and everyday after my shower I would apply it all over my upper thighs where the rash was. After a few days it did in fact go away no more itching. However 2 wks later it came back and with a vengeance! Ugh I now am rubbing Apple Cider Vinegar all over me 4 times a day which is unflattering cuz I smell like a salt and vinegar potato chip but... I also decided to drink coconut water. It has a natural anti fungal that cures whatever is in your blood and is also quite healthy for you. I hope this helps somebody. Mine is drying up. Also I suggest doing the Apple Cider Vinegar for at least a wk after the red rings have disappeared because they still are in your skin even if you can't see them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by pamela (cedar park, texas) on 11/17/2007
★★★★★
this is what i found to work i used apple cider vinegar extract capsules' i used 6 capsules of 200mg four times a day this worked well from the inside out i tryed the copper sulfate and it cause tons of pain and it cause it to spread all over me it was a night mare i tried fungi med capsules did not work at all tried also fungrx did not work at all i have been trying to get rite of it for 3 months the only thing i find works is the apple cider vinegar extract you can fine it very cheep on vitacost.com for 240 capsules for 4.99 i have 12 bottles which i plan to take to get rite of it all together. good luck its a hard thing to cure but i found this works great.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Edna (London, UK) on 03/30/2009
Hi there thank you for your comments would it be possible to tell me whether any scar remains after the ringworm is gone. I have a little girl 4 years old who has been suffering from Ring worm on the face since a month. I am desperate to get it clear so am considering using ACV and continuing the Daktacort cream given by her GP.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tracy (Dallas, TX) on 12/18/2006
★★★★★
After trying everything, nothing was working and i had about 20 all over my body, they were not getting bigger just staying the same size...I decided to try the apple cider vinegar and the tea tree...2 days and it was gone. I did 1 tbs of ACV and tea tree oil on spots once a day...Cured the ringworm.
