Ringworm is a fungal skin infection on your skin. The general term for the disorder is tinea; When the fungus grows on the scalp, it is called tinea capitis, and when it grows on skin elsewhere on the body, it is called tinea corporis. Ringworm grows in a circular pattern, with recovering skin at the center of a ring of actively growing fungus, giving rise to the name ringworm. Tea tree oil is a topical remedy with anti-fungal properties that may help combat ringworm. Consult your doctor to discuss whether using tea tree oil is advisable for you.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Ringworm causes a red, circular rash on your skin that is irritated and inflamed around its edge and has normal appearing skin at its center. The reddened skin may be scaly and itchy. Several areas of ringworm may appear, sometimes with the edges of the circular rashes overlapping. Occasionally, ringworm might cause swelling of the skin and a fever. Your risk for ringworm is increased if you live in a humid climate, come into contact with an infected person or animal, perspire heavily, wear tight clothing or have a compromised immune system.
Tea Tree Oil
The tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is native to Australia where its leaves have been used topically in traditional medicine for many years. Today, tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves through steam distillation. The resulting oil is thin, pale yellow in color and aromatic. Traditionally, tea tree oil is recommended by practitioners for many skin conditions, including insect bites, burns, cold sores and acne. The oil also may also combat bacterial and fungal infections and suppress inflammation.
Propereties
Tea tree oil contains a number of biologically active compounds, including several volatile oils. Some of these natural chemicals, called terpene alcohols, have potent anti-microbial properties. One of these, terpinen-4-ol, is particularly effective against several skin bacteria and fungi, including the fungal organism that causes ringworm. It may also suppress production by immune cells of chemicals that initiate an inflammatory response, which is responsible for some of the redness and irritation of ringworm.
Recommendations and Precautions
Pure tea tree oil or skincare products containing the oil are available at many pharmacies and most health food stores. While generally considered safe, tea tree oil or products containing the oil may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Tea tree oil should only be used topically. Never consume the oil or oil-containing products, as it is highly toxic when taken internally. Do not use the oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Exercise care if using tea tree oil on your face since it may burn your eyes, nose or mouth. Discuss its use with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Ringworm (Body)
- FamilyDoctor.org: Tinea Infections: Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Tea Tree Oil
- SkinTreat.net: About Tea Tree Oil
- The Linus Pauling Institute: Tea Trees and Their Properties; A. Carr, Ph.D.; 1998
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol: Ringworm (Scalp)
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