Red, round, and itchy, ringworm is not something you want to see, feel, or have on your skin. But alas! This common skin fungal infection is sneaky, and you wouldn’t know it’s there unless its symptoms show. For those affected by this skin infection, a question is often asked: “How long does ringworm take to heal?” To answer this question, it is essential to have a grasp on the nature of ringworm, its causes, and the factors affecting its healing time. Let’s get to know our opponent a bit better.
Ringworm: A fungus, not a worm!
Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungus that is responsible for the infection, which is also known as tinea corporis.
Ringworm presents as a round (ring), often itchy rash with a reddish border and pale center. It has a scaly texture, may be flat, may have pus, and can be alone, many, or overlapping. Its margins progressively spread, like a worm crawling. So, its name comes from its appearance, not from its causative agent!
The fungi that cause ringworm are the Trichophyton and Microsporum species, most commonly T. rubrum. They are called dermatophytes, which means that they need keratin, a protein found in the skin, to grow.
A person with ringworm can spread it through direct skin contact or if another person uses their personal belongings, like their towels and clothes. Ringworm most commonly appears on a person’s trunk and legs. These areas are more prone to moisture, which favors the growth of fungi. Moisture is an important factor in predicting how long ringworm will take to heal.
The appearance of ringworm is similar to other skin conditions, giving confusion to people who have it. Its lesions may be confused for psoriasis, eczema, tinea versicolor, contact dermatitis, or Lyme disease. Its lesions also look similar to cutaneous systemic lupus erythematosus, secondary syphilis, and granuloma annulare. If you have any of the symptoms stated above, see a medical professional for diagnosis.
See related: What to put on fungal rash: topical treatment salves
Who can get ringworm?
Ringworm is common and anyone can get it. Certain conditions make a person more vulnerable to this condition, like being in a hot and humid environment, coming into direct contact with an infected human/animal/object, wearing tight clothing, and having a weak immune system.
What to do when you have ringworm
If you have ringworm, consult a health provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment of ringworm includes the following:
- Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or sprays are often sufficient.
- In more severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a prescription-strength oral antifungal medication.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry to have a higher chance for ringworm to heal. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding the sharing of personal items is very important in preventing the spread of the infection.
- If you need relief from ringworm itch, you can use a cool compress or apply a soothing salve. CANhaveTODAY’s all-natural products are made of essential oils that can help fight fungal infections, as evidenced by several scientific studies.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
The answer to this question depends on various factors. Typically, healing durations of mild range between 2-4 weeks. However, it may also last months. To ensure effective treatment and potentially may healing time shorter, seek help from a healthcare professional to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Using CANhaveTODAY Products to Alleviate Ringworm Itch
CANhaveTODAY’s products featuring essential oil blends can potentially offer relief if you’re struggling with ringworm itchiness. While these products may alleviate itching, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any product to treat a medical condition.
Key Ingredients in CANhaveTODAY’s Products
All of CANhaveTODAY’s salves are enriched with aloe vera extract and tea tree oil, widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, as studies suggest. This property may help relieve the itchiness caused by ringworm. In addition, aloe vera treatment groups showed faster recovery from ringworm in this study. Meanwhile, this review article shows several studies that prove the ability of tea tree oil to fight ringworm-causing fungi.
Additionally, each product boasts unique essential oil combinations:
Waters Mist
Waters Mist features lemongrass, cinnamon, and the highest concentration of tea tree oil among all CANhaveTODAY products. These essential oils are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially inhibit fungal infection and assist in reducing inflammation and soothing the skin. This review paper discusses the antifungal activities of lemongrass essential oil against those that cause ringworm.
See related: Waters Mist, A Natural Bug Repellent for Skin
Soothing Juggernaut
Soothing Juggernaut incorporates frankincense, arnica, and cypress essential oils. These essential oils are proven to have strong anti-inflammatory properties [Table 1] that may help with the itch caused by ringworm. Additionally, they have strong antimicrobial properties. This research paper shows that frankincense essential oil has antimicrobial activities, with maximum activity against Trichophyton species while cypress essential oil has activities against dermatophytes, as shown in this study.
Healing Legends
Also having frankincense essential oil as one of its main ingredients, Healing Legends combines its powers with myrrh and bergamot essential oils, which are known as good anti-inflammatories [Table 1]. Myrrh oil was evidenced by this study to have potential as a topical treatment for ringworm, being able to inhibit the growth of dermatophytes. Bergamot oil, on the other hand, has in vitro activities against dermatophyte species studied in this scientific paper, which may suggest its possible use in treating dermatophyte skin infections topically.
| Waters Mist | Soothing Juggernaut | Healing Legends (with Frankincense) | |||||||
| Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) | Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) | Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) | Arnica (Arnica montana) | Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) | Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) | Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) | ||
| Antibacterial | Mild to Strong [1,2] | Strong [25] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [62] | Moderate to Strong [77] | Mild to Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [102] | |
| – Acne | Mild to Moderate [3] | Strong [26] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [63] | Moderate [42] | Moderate [90] | Mild to Strong [102] | |
| – Cellulitis | Mild to Strong [1,2,4] | – | Strong [42] | – | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | – | |
| – Itch | Mild to Strong [1,2,3] | – | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [62,64] | – | Strong [91] | Strong [103] | |
| – Skin infections | Mild to Strong [1,2,3] | Mild to Strong [27] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate | Strong [78] | Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [104] | |
| Anti-inflammatory | Strong [5] | Strong [28] | Moderate to Strong [43] | Strong [56] | Strong [65] | Strong [79] | Strong [92] | Strong [105] | |
| – Acne | Mild to Moderate [3] | Strong [26] | Strong [42] | – | Strong [65] | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [90] | Strong [106] | |
| – Swelling | Strong [5] | Strong [28] | Strong [118] | Strong [57] | Strong [65] | Strong [79] | Strong [92] | Strong [105] | |
| Antifungal | Strong [5,6] | Mild to Strong [29] | Moderate to Strong [44] | Mild to Moderate [55] | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [80] | Moderate to Strong [93] | Moderate to Strong [107] | |
| – Athlete’s foot (Foot itch) | Strong [7,8] | Strong [29] | Moderate to Strong [45] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | Strong [81,82] | Moderate to Strong [94] | Strong [108] | |
| – Itch | Strong [9,10] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [81] | Moderate [90] | – | |
| Antimicrobial | Mild to Strong [1,2] | Strong [30,25,31] | Strong [42] | Mild to Moderate [53,57,55] | Moderate to Strong [57, 42] | Strong [83,84] | Mild to Strong [90,93] | Mild to Strong [102,107] | |
| Antioxidant (fights skin damage and aging) | Strong [11,2] | Strong [32,33,25] | Moderate to Strong [46] | Strong [58] | Mild to Strong [66] | Strong [80] | Mild to Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [109] | |
| Antiparasitic | Strong [12,13] | Mild to Moderate [34] | Strong [47] | – | Mild to Strong [67,68] | Strong [80] | Mild to Strong [95] | ||
| Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms) | Strong [14] | Mild to Moderate [35] | – | Moderate to Strong [57] | Moderate to Strong [69,70] | Strong – Muscle spasms – Menstrual cramps – Restless leg syndrome | Strong [96] – Intestinal spasms | Strong [110] – Intestinal spasms | |
| Insecticidal (Kills insects) | Strong [15] | Strong [36] | Strong [48] | Mild to Moderate [59] | Strong [71] | Strong [80] | Moderate to Strong [97] | – | |
| Moisturizing (for dry and/or cracked skin) | Moderate to Strong [16] | – | Moderate to Strong [49] | – | Strong [72] | Moderate to Strong [85] | Strong (Very Strong with Frankincense) [98] | Strong [111] | |
| Reduces bruising | Moderate to Strong [17] | Strong | Strong [50] | Moderate to Strong [60,56] | Strong [73] | Strong | Moderate | Moderate to Strong | |
| Very Strong | |||||||||
| Reduces cellulite | Strong [18] | – | – | – | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | – | |
| Reduces hyperpigmentation | Moderate to Strong [19] | Mild to Moderate [37] | Strong [51] | Strong [61] | Strong [74,63] | Moderate [86] | Moderate [63] | Strong [112] | |
| Very Strong | |||||||||
| Reduces or relieves pain | Strong [20] | Strong [28,38] | – | Strong [56] | Strong [75] | Moderate to Strong [87] – Joint pain – Arthritic pain – Muscle pain | Moderate [99] | Strong [113] | |
| Repels Insects | Strong [21,22,23] | Moderate to Strong [39,40] | Strong [48] | – | Strong [76] | Strong [88] | Strong [100] | Mild to Moderate [114,115] | |
| Treats cramps | – | – | – | Strong [57] | – | Strong [89] | – | – | |
| Wound Healing | Strong [24] | Strong [41] | Moderate to Strong [52] | Strong [56] | Strong [63] | Strong [42] | Strong [101] | Moderate to Strong [116,117] | |
Using CANhaveTODAY’s Products for Ringworm Itch
While using these products, consider the following:
- Seek professional advice. Before applying any product, consult with a healthcare professional about the appropriateness and safety of use given your specific situation.
- Follow the instructions. Use our products as per the guidelines on the packaging for optimal results.
- Monitor for potential side effects. While our products are made from all-natural ingredients, you might have allergies to certain ingredients. Discontinue usage and contact a healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur.
FAQ
No. Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection. Its appearance is ring-like, appearing as a round rash with a red border and a pale center. The border may be slightly raised and is progressing outwards like a creeping worm.
Ringworm typically disappears from 2-4 weeks, but may last months if the environment is favorable for the growth of the causative fungus.
If your ringworm persists even after treating it with over-the-counter antifungals from the pharmacy, seek help from a medical professional.
Related resources
