Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes red, ring-shaped patches on the skin. Ringworm is highly contagious and can affect anyone. This disease can even be transmitted from dogs. Ringworm can cause itching and swelling, it can even lead to scarring. If you have a ringworm scar, there are several things you can do to get rid of it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Medications or Medical Procedures
Step 1. Exfoliate your skin with homemade products
Use a mixture of water and baking soda, lemon juice, mashed fruit seeds and nuts, sugar, papaya, or coffee grounds regularly to get rid of the scars that ringworm leaves little by little. Apply the mixture on problem areas of the skin and massage gently. Then, rinse with warm water.
If you don't want to use homemade products, you can buy an over-the-counter exfoliating kit at a pharmacy or drugstore
Step 2. Talk to a dermatologist about microdermabrasion options
Dermatologists can help remove minor scars caused by ringworm using the microdermabrasion technique. Microdermabrasion is a gentle nonsurgical procedure that works to exfoliate the outer layer of skin with a fine abrasive tip or micro crystals and a suction device for the skin.
You can also buy a microdermabrasion kit at the pharmacy, but make sure you understand how to properly use the supplied kit before trying it
Step 3. Follow the laser treatment
This procedure is often effective for scar removal, but you may need to go through several sessions before you notice a significant difference in the appearance of the scar. Laser treatment can damage a small amount of skin tissue to stimulate the growth of new skin that will replace the ringworm scar.
Step 4. Consider dermabrasion for severe scars
Unlike microdermabrasion, this procedure is invasive and must be performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In this procedure, the doctor uses instruments to “sand” and remove damaged skin. Make sure you choose this procedure to remove ringworm scars as a last resort or if the scar is very deep.
Avoid this method if you have black skin. Dermabrasion can sometimes cause scarring or discoloration of dark skin
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Methods Topically
Step 1. Apply lemon juice
You can apply lemon juice to lighten dark-colored scars from ringworm. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the normal wound healing process. So, you can use it to help disguise the appearance of scars by applying it to the skin.
- Dip a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply it directly to the ringworm scar.
- Wait for the lemon juice to dry, then rinse with warm water.
- For best results, apply lemon juice on the scars once a day.
Step 2. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel
You can also massage the scar with aloe vera gel to help soften the tissue. Aloe vera is so effective for burn scars that it can help treat other types of scars.
You can also apply a small amount of aloe vera gel evenly over the scar and leave it on. Do it several times a day
Step 3. Compress the scar with an old green tea bag
You can apply a brewed green tea bag to the scar to help reduce the size of the scar and reduce discoloration due to the antioxidant properties of green tea.
- If you want to use green tea to treat scars caused by ringworm, steep a green tea bag in hot water for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze out the excess water.
- Then, compress the scar with a tea bag for about 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a day.
Step 4. Try St John's wort oil
You can also mix St John's wort oil with castor oil and rub the resulting mixture on the scar. St John's wort oil has been shown to speed up wound healing after a cesarean section so it is thought to help treat other types of scars.
- Mix 2-3 drops of St John's wort oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil and stir until well combined.
- Then, use your fingers to massage the oil mixture on the ringworm scar.
- Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a day.
Step 5. Massage the scar with honey
Honey can also help reduce the size and color of scars because it acts as a natural moisturizer. Manuka and Tualang honey are good choices for medical purposes. If you don't have one, you can go to a health food store or online store to look for a similar type of honey.
- To use honey on ringworm scars, apply a thin layer of honey and massage the area for about 5-10 minutes.
- Leave the honey on the scar for about 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, rinse the honey with warm water.
- If you want, you can cover the honey-smeared area with gauze while you let it sit.
Step 6. Look for vitamin D oil
This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the appearance of surgical scars. Vitamin D has also been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis, and that means it can help treat minor skin disorders like ringworm scars.
- Consult a doctor or dermatologist before taking vitamin D to see if this treatment is a good option for treating ringworm scars.
- If you decide to use vitamin D to treat scars due to ringworm, take a 2,000 IU vitamin D capsule, remove the contents and mix it with 4-5 drops of castor oil. Then, apply the mixture on the ringworm scar and massage it into the skin.
Step 7. Consider using vitamin E oil
Vitamin E is very popularly used to heal scars, but some studies suggest that vitamin E may not be effective in treating scars. In some cases, vitamin E even causes scars to look worse or causes a negative reaction on the skin.
- For safety reasons, consult your doctor or dermatologist before deciding to use vitamin E to treat ringworm scars.
- If you decide to use vitamin E oil, take one 400 IU vitamin E capsule, remove the contents and mix it with 4-5 drops of castor oil. Then, apply the mixture directly on the scar and massage it so that it absorbs into the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Using Supplements
Step 1. Take vitamin C
taking vitamin C supplements can help heal ringworm scars because vitamin C is very important in the wound healing process. Doses between 500 - 3,000 mg are used to treat wounds in adults, but consult a doctor first because it is a high dose.
Step 2. Add a vitamin B complex supplement
Vitamins B1 and B5 have been shown to be effective for wound healing. Therefore, taking vitamin B complex can also help reduce the size of the scars caused by ringworm. Talk to your doctor before taking B-complex vitamins.
Step 3. Take a bromelain supplement
Bromelain is an enzyme that is naturally produced in pineapples, but you need to take it as a supplement for its healing benefits. Ask your doctor for advice before taking bromelain supplements. The normal dose is 500 mg, taken 4 times a day on an empty stomach.
Step 4. Consider asking for a prescription for InflammEnz
InflammEnz supplements are proven to be effective in accelerating wound healing by 17%. This supplement contains a blend of vitamin C, bromelain, rutin, and grape seed extract and is only available online with a doctor's prescription.
If you want to take this supplement to treat ringworm scars, talk to your doctor first
Tips
- Be sure to consult a doctor if the scars from ringworm are severe or if they keep coming back.
- Always apply sunscreen to a healed scar.
