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.
Menthol and Wormwood Oil
Posted by Su (Shreveport, Louisiana) on 09/25/2012
★★★★★
Hi- I have to share this -because my ringworm was horrible! For over 6 months I thought I had eczema on my knee and little finger. I bought every over the counter treatment for eczema. It kept getting worse! It was weepy & creepy & UGLY
I have no insurance - so no Doctor... I figured why spend $$$$ to cure what is probably a simple problem.. After the months rolled by I was scared and it was worse- the patch on my little finger now wrapped around it and was near the nail.. The patch on the side of my knee was about the size of a tangerine... I actually thought about going to a Doc. But instead I went and asked a pharmacist.. "it's an ugly fungus" buy Lamisil isle 24.. I bought it and NOTHING!!! After a week I was panicking!
Desperate I found this website- I used a combination of Absorbine Jr and Tinactin DRY jock itch spray (friend suggestion). I was helping with a construction job this summer so between the sweat, dirt, and sawdust I always stayed wet- so wrapping my finger was out of the question. And my skin just hurt.
I began to treat myself 2 to 4 times a day--I really enjoyed the Absorbine Jr burn- I pressed cotton balls of it on my ringworm. (I did not contaminate the bottle)- I would let it dry and spray on a thick cool layer of Tinactin- at night I would use fresh guaze... so my bed would not be contaminated, and washed my sheets every other day.
It is about 6 weeks since I began and I have a tiny patch on the web between my fingers- My leg is discolored where it was but no longer burns...
I have gone through 3 bottles of Absorbine and 2 Tinactin. I am going to continue it for at least another bottle and can of each.... Because I never want to go through that again! Thanks!
Menthol and Wormwood Oil
Posted by Pj (Pasco, Wa) on 08/31/2012
★★★★★
One vicious ringworm infection, three months & three trips to the doctor, including one emergency room visit; a near break-up from my fiance because I was convinced his dirty bathroom gave me the fungus to begin with so I gave him a serious dressing-down. Two-thousand-dollars worth of useless doctors & their useless medicine and the infection was spreading to over one-third of my body. It was a gram positive Ringworm fungal infection that simply wouldn't die. ALL forms of treatment, including tea-tree, bleach, alcohol, OTC creams, cortisone and a host of prescriptions did not work. And to think the ringworm started as little dime-sized circles! I was ready to dip my body in nuclear acid if it would help. Then one day, I was crying about it and skulking around on the web for natural solutions. God smiled on me that day. I stumbled across Earth Clinic and the Absorbine cure. Of course I ran out an bought some right away. It burned like a #@! And I thought the pain would kill me. But low and behold... Within 4 hours... Yes... 4 hours... The angry red infection subsided at least 50%. The next day, it was even better. This is day 2 and ALL of the infection is responding nicely. It is putting up a fight, but it's losing. OMG!! Thanks to everyone who posted the Absorbine cure info!!! Words can't express how grateful I am. When I see clear skin, I shall weep with joy!! (p. S. My fiance and I made up. And he cleans his bathroom much better now)
Menthol and Wormwood Oil
Posted by Tina (Utica, Ny) on 05/14/2012
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
DO NOT rub absorbane jr over large amounts of your body! A teenage died from doing that! Your skin absorbs it and you overdose and DIE!!!! Look up info on it for yourself.
Bleach
Posted by Stella (Provience, Ri) on 02/08/2011
★★★★★
I have had a ringworm infection for about 4 months. I had big patches on either side of my waist and arm. I have used Absobine solution, Gris-peg as prescribed by a medical doctor (this made it worse) the Absobine solution was very painful the itch was relieved temporarily(I wouldn't advice this one because it just hurts for nothing). I even tried the antifungal cream which made it even worse. It looks like the strain I had was a very persist one so I decided to use bleach(straight) out of desperation! It was very painful! (I wouldn't advice you to use it this way either) the itch stopped and I stopped using it after a day or two. The itch and the ringworm patches ressurected with a vegence so I decided a different approach that has given me the best results which you can take to the bank!
I decided to dilute the bleach and it worked beautifully for me. I decided to take a disposable cup(medium) almost filled and put close to 2-3 Table spoons of bleach and used a wash cloth to apply and rub on the affected area. The itch was controlled and the ring worm dried out and the rough skin has been restored to smooth skin. I have been applying Vitamin E oil or cocnut oil or any kind of oil to keep the dry skin from itching after a series of application. I have also been using a brush to brush the area to help the skin heal faster by increasing circulation and it is very smooth and the scars are almost gone. Thanks to this Website and persistance. I have used the diluted bleach treatment like twice-three times a day for and two-3weeks and I can say I'm almost over this frightening attack. Hope you find this helpful. I can sleep with not problem of the annoying itch again! Thanks be to God!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Copper Penny
Posted by Becky (Orange Park, Fl) on 10/07/2009
★★★★★
I tried this and it totally worked! I would soak a penny in ACV and then bandaid over it to keep it in place for about 30 min. Then I would rinse with hydrogen peroxide, pat dry, and paint clear nail polish over it. After a week or so, I started applying aloe or coconut oil at night in addition to the aforementioned regimen. It did take a good 2 weeks or so but it's gone without having to spend a dime or use some toxic over the counter stuff. Earthclinic did it again!!! :D
Anti-Fungal Diet
Posted by Diane (Charlotte, Michigan) on 04/17/2009
★★★★★
I had ringworm all over my torso and upper arms. I tried all the cures I read about on this site. Finally, after 3 months of suffering and embarassment, I came across this site about anti-fungal diet. Between that and two weeks of using a topical antifungal cream..with Miconazole Nitrate 2% in it.. this was the only one that even began to work for me, I am clear!!!! I really believe the anti-fungal diet was what really did it for me, plus u automatically loose weight on it. I praise my Lord God above for leading me in that direction. You can get the antifungal diet online..its really just any meats, veggies(no potatos or legumes) and berries, green apples, grapefruit, nuts(no peanuts) no sugar (stevia only) and not much caffine. Hope this helps others.
Menthol and Wormwood Oil
Posted by Marvin (Kingstree, SC) on 03/23/2009
★★★★★
I just came down with some ringworm spots around my armpits about a week ago after not having it for about 10 years. I tried alcohol, peroxide, tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar and none of them did anything. It actually spread when I used some lamisil antifungal cream. It started to itch like crazy yesterday and I had to do something quick so I bought some Absorbine Jr from CVS for $9.84. I bought it this morning and put a qucik dab of it on each ringworm spot and it burned like h#$* for the first couple of seconds but then the itching soon stopped. It's been about 5 hours since then and I can see the difference already! It hasn't itched since I put it on and it is already clearing up! This thing is really working. Anyone with ringworm must use this!!
Goldenseal Extract
Posted by Michael (Sodus, MI) on 03/05/2009
★★★★★
I successfully treated my seven year olds case of ringworm on her face with Golden seal extract.
EC: Thanks for your feedback. Was this an external application or did she drink the drops in water?
Clear Nail Polish
Posted by Lele (Riverside, Ca) on 08/21/2012
This was an interesting remedy that actually worked... Faster than using ACV or Tea Tree Oil alone. I would clean the area using either of the above items mentioned and then apply a thick layer of clear nail polish. There was a huge difference by morning. It only took a few days for it to disappear, but I do recommend doing this a week longer to keep it from coming back. This method is also great to keep other areas from becoming affected.
Also, you may use a liquid bandage. They work the same way and even better if you find one that won't sting!
Garlic
Posted by Okarel (Houston, Texas) on 06/25/2008
★★★★★
Garlic works for ringworm. It smells bad, but it works. You should buy a cheese grater and then grate the garlic. Once the garlic is grated, get a cotton boll or a clean napkin and apply in the area. It's going to burn but it helps do this at least 3 times a day: once in the morning and one time during the day and last but not least, during the night. But make sure you clean your face first with warm water then dry with a clean towel.. =] good luck=]
Nu Skin Liquid Bandage
Posted by Liz (NC) on 08/26/2006
★★★★★
My roomate and I both got ringworm from a stray cat. We tried all the creams (both prescription and drugstore brands), and hydrogen peroxide (which I assume, does the same as ACV = dries it out). Nothing was working. In fact, it was even spreading. I then was told to used the liquid bandaids. I chose the spray on one because you don't have to touch the infection. It does the same thing nailpolish is supposed to do (suffocates it), however it doesn't crack off. I just kept reapplying the bandaid, and tried not to rub it off after the shower. My ringworm dissapeared in no time at all. I must say that even though I was careful about not touching it, my roomate didn't use the bandaid and her's came back several times. Mine did not come back at all.
Vicks VapoRub
Posted by Sam (Paris, France) on 07/14/2025
★★★★★
Hi, I've been dealing with three stubborn ringworms — as persistent as chewing gum stuck under your shoe!
I've tried so many remedies: ozonated olive oil, Lugol's 5%, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar (ACV)... The last one I used was ACV. It burned like hell and left open sores that oozed continuously.
After doing some research on natural treatments, I decided to try Vicks VapoRub on my ringworms — and guess what? It works! It's such a relief to see them fading day by day. I use this ointment on my skin twice a day.
Unlike ACV, which burns the skin, Vicks gives a warming sensation without the pain.
Vicks VapoRub contains key ingredients like camphor, menthol, turpentine oil, and eucalyptus, which studies have shown to be effective against certain skin infections.
Thanks to Earth Clinic, I initially considered trying Absorbine Jr., but it contains acetone, which I wanted to avoid.
If you're struggling with stubborn ringworms, give Vicks VapoRub a try — it's working wonders for me. I've included some study links below for reference.
Camphror : Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?
Source : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11206849/
Menthol : Menthol Inhibits Candida albicans Growth by Affecting the Membrane Integrity Followed by Apoptosis
Source : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9635957/
Turpentine : Turpentine Ointment in Bacterial Skin Infections: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Source : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11078321/
Eucalyptus : A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genus Eucalyptus
Source : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000713
Benzoyl Peroxide
Posted by Teejay24 (Fort Worth, Tx) on 01/09/2025
★★★★★
I passed on some fungal spores from my nails unto my legs which caused me to have several itchy spots. I shaved both my legs then underarms and ended up passing spores to my underarms. My underarms became very itchy I would normally treat it with coconut oil mixed with tea tree and oregano oil but this time it was much more irritating and it wasn't helping much. So much so it would wake me up at night and it was very bothersome to feel the need to scratch. I tried another persons remedy for their jock itch on my underarms which was the benzoyl peroxide cream and I was so surprised at how fast it worked. I wasn't sure if me taking Zyrtec or applying the cream helped but the next day I continued and took no Zyrtec for itchiness and surely it was the cream that brought immediate relief! I'm still applying it 3x a day and also treating the several spots on my legs with it and keeping a bandaid over it to remember where to apply and basically to keep it coated with it. But it dries up either way. I will keep on applying this cream I hope it helps you guys out too.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Posted by Lou (Canada) on 05/11/2022
★★★★★
Ozonated Olive Oil for Ringworm/Tinea
I have had ringworm on my back for a few years and this past winter it exploded. The topical creams from my doctor stopped working. Finally went to see my naturopath and she put me on an anti-fungal protocol for a month. And she gave me ozonated olive oil to use topically. I use that twice a day and the marks have almost completely disappeared in 10 days. It smells strong (kind of rancid - but it's the ozone) but it works amazingly well. This is the one I have. https://www.shaughnessypharmacy.com/products/ozonated-olive-oil
Keep it refrigerated to keep it potent. Wear an old t-shirt while sleeping so you protect your bedding. Multiple thin applications are better than one thick one.
I have tried everything for this and am blown away by the effectiveness of the ozone. I hope it helps others.
Rubbing Alcohol, Clotrimazole Cream
Posted by Lin (Haverhill, MA) on 05/10/2022
★★★★★
I treated my ringworm with rubbing alcohol and clotrimazole cream and it cleared up in about two weeks. I tried cleaning the area before applying the cream with hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, then apple cider vinegar, but the rubbing alcohol seems to have been effective. After cleaning, I'd put a glob of the cream and cover it for 48 hours with a waterproof bandage (the Nexcare Max Hold Waterproof bandages are great), repeated for a few weeks and it's almost completely cleared up. Also tried the clear nail polish for a few days, to no avail.
ABB, Anti-Yeast
Posted by Louis (Phoenix ) on 01/18/2020
★★★★★
Ringrom: cure by taking cotton square generous dab of ABB then rub into solaray yeast fighters (take out of capsules and place into a bowl) then rub into borax then rub into affected area 10 to 15 seconds works
Nail Polish
Posted by KT (Usa) on 07/17/2017
Dear Alex,
When our daughter picked up ringworm I was advised by our nurse practitioner that ringworm is the same fungus as ladies' yeast infections. Get some Miconazole Nitrate and try that.
KT
Nail Polish
Posted by Alex (Latin America) on 09/30/2017
KT, I sincerely appreciate it that you took the time to offer me advice.
I tried the Miconazole and, unfortunately, it didn't work.
I've been using undecilenic acid + zinc for almost two years (I know, I shouldn't be using it so long) to keep it “under control”, meaning that the infection is there but it doesn't spread.
After I started using the Miconazole Nitrate, I obviously stopped with the other one, that's when the infection spread, and within two days it covered my whole wrist as well as part of my arm.
So I went back to the undecilenic cream, and now it's back to “normal"; it's not visible, but the moment I stop applying it, it grows back.
I'm of course sad that it didn't work, but at least I tried.
DMSO, Oregano Oil
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn.) on 06/11/2016
HI U SUSEEQ,,,,,,,,,,,,, I'm not an expert in this area but use hydrogen peroxide in my water bed. The reason rain water is better for your plants is that it contains H2O2 it acquires by falling through Ozone in the atmosphere. I also use an aerator in my water bed where I start most of my plants and then transfer them to a pot or directly to the garden. You can over do H2O2.
Our Bill Munro healed himself and then began using H2O2 in his garden. He wrote up his trails on the internet.
http://proliberty.com/observer/20030112.htm
Wish you well. ======ORH========
Oregano Oil
Posted by Healwithn8ture (Katy, Texas) on 02/01/2016
★★★★★
I had a ringworm on my left thumb that was super itchy. I tried apple cider vinegar for a few days & it was working, but not as fast as I wanted it to work. It stopped the itch, but an hour later the itch would come back with a vengeance. I heard about "Oregano Oil" so I grabbed a band-aid & I applied 3-4 drops of oregano oil to the band-aid and I placed the ban-aid on the ringworm. I would do this in the morning & I would leave the band-aid on for 6-8 hours a day and in the evening I would remove the band-aid & re-apply a new one with 3-4 drops of "Oregano Oil" again. I did this for 3 days & the ringworm went away.
(**WARNING** It will burn your skin a little bit, but it actually felt good because of the itch.)
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Lady Mars (Lithia, Fl) on 04/10/2015
★★★★★
Hi, I live in hot and humid Florida so every now and then get a touch of athlete's foot or other form of ringworm. Have tried many things over the years, with aloe vera being one of the best at relieving the itch but so-so at curing it completely. Decided to try rubbing alcohol since that was the highest rated remedy on EC. Just rub it on a couple times a day. Cures the itching quickly and dries it up. Works the best of anything I've ever tried.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Laurel (Usa) on 05/13/2015
★★★★★
Aloe Vera also worked for me, after trying Absorbine, and a multitude of other things. I had it everywhere. I tried bathing in Selsun Blue-no results, but upon using Aloe Vera, in two weeks it was completely gone, and has not come back. NO side effects either. I use pure AV (clear, no color to it, nor lidocaine) Mine is 100% aloe gel.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Flagg (Fl.) on 08/10/2015
I had a ring worm when I was a little girl and grandpa put some black gun powder in some Vaseline and put it on the ring worm, than put a band aid on it. Since then I have done this many times to other people and it always works in about 3 to 4 days and with no pain and the ring worm never comes back.
Chloroxylenon
Posted by Tineacured (India) on 09/04/2014
★★★★★
Tinea can get stubborn depending on the fungal strain and the site of infection.
Had a Tinea for 12 years. Had tried all possible solutions/ointments/natural remedies, some of them at full strength and also the liver damaging oral anti-fungals. Want to share the simplest remedy that healed me.
Dettol Antiseptic Disinfectant contains the active ingredient CHLOROXYLENOL 4.8 % w/v and this is also called PCMX which is recommended at 1 % for hand sanitation.
So, about 1% or 1/5th dilution should help if applied thrice a day. Higher concentrations 1/4 or 1/3 or 1/2 is more effective but stings a lot and dries the infection faster and use your judgement while applying in the sensitive areas.
The first application makes the skin dark and dries the outer infected layers and this will fall off within 3-7 days. This can be hastened by the use of salicylic acid soap or ointment that sheds the old skin.
Then target the next layer.
Continue daily or bi-weekly application of the diluted Dettol Antiseptic solution even after cure to ensure continued protection. This is very easy.
Sceptics can google "Gordochom Topical Antifungal" to know how this works.
Among those affected by chloroxylenol are candida albicans, aspergillus niger, aspergillus flavus, trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, penicillum luteum and epidermophyton floccosum.
One MUST discuss with the health care practitioner before attempting any treatment.
