Efficacy Issues of Ringworm Treatment Using Essential Oils

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects various parts of the body including the feet, hands, groin and the scalp. Your treatment option includes conventional anti-fungal solutions as well as natural treatment alternatives. Specifically, you may seriously consider using essential oils in managing and controlling this skin condition. Ringworm – An Overview of the Fungal Infection Ringworm or Tinea does not have anything to do with worms. It is a fungal infection that is characterized by the presence of ring-shaped skin bumps or rashes. These reddish round-shaped rashes can affect the face, neck, scalp, hands and groin. Athlete’s Foot is actually a specific type of ringworm that affects our feet. Ringworm or tinea can affect the scalp, hands, feet, groin as well as other areas of our body. Natural antifungal essential oils can be used to treat skin fungal infections. The specific types of ringworm are as follows:

• Tinea capitis – ringworm that affects the scalp and head;
• Tinea corporis – ringworm that affects the body; and
• Tinea pedis – ringworm that affects the feet.

When the pathogenic microorganism involved in the infection, Tinea corporis, affects a larger part of the body, you will observe distinct “rings” of raised skin that are itchy. The inside rings are normally scaly and dry, while the outside rings are inflamed and reddish in color. This indicates active infection and persistent growth and proliferation of the fungal infection. Ringworm Treatment Using Essential Oils While you can use mainstream anti-fungal products in treating ringworms, you have to remember that such treatment alternative involving systemic drugs and topical creams can lead to toxic or harmful side effects. Further, this treatment option does not provide 100% guarantee that you can be cured of the fungal infection. Advocates of holistic treatment approach consider essential oils as effective tools in treating and eliminating ringworms. Essential oils possess strong anti-fungal properties and are effective in promoting the natural healing process of the skin. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are derived through the distillation of curative components of plants. These fragile molecules that are found in essentials are known for their virucidal and fungicidal properties. Essential oils also help in the overall healing process as well as in the restoration of better health with the release of sufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Choosing the Right Essential Oils for Ringworm Treatment You can choose from a selection of essential oils for your ringworm treatment. The best way to use essential oils is by diluting and mixing an equal part of the essential oil to base oil such as jojoba or olive oil and you simply apply the solution on the infected skin.