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Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Ringworm

| Modified on Feb 15, 2024
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Apple cider vinegar works for ringworm. This inexpensive and highly effective natural remedy is easy to use. Apple cider vinegar can be used internally or externally for ringworm. Our readers have also reported success using apple cider vinegar capsules.

How Do I Use Apple Cider Vinegar Externally for Ringworm?

Most of our readers report using apple cider vinegar straight without diluting it on their ringworm infection. Apple cider vinegar can be applied with a cotton ball or q-tip, depending on the size and number of ringworm spots that there are. Another option would be to put apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the infected areas.

Apple cider vinegar should be applied 2-3 times day. If you use a spray, it may be convenient to spray even more often; 4-5 times a day. Some of our contributors cover the lesions with a Band Aid. This may be helpful to keep ringworm from spreading to others, especially school age children, but since fungus thrives in a moist environment, if it is possible to leave the patches uncovered, do so.

How Do I Use Apple Cider Vinegar Internally for Ringworm?

Some of our readers have used apple cider vinegar internally for ringworm and did not have to do any sort of external treatment. A typical tonic is 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water twice a day. This helps to alkalize the body and is helpful for the skin, even taken internally.

Apple cider vinegar capsules can be taken instead, according to package directions.

For a serious ringworm infection, it may be necessary to use apple cider vinegar internally and externally.

Cautions When Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Ringworm

The most common side effect of using apple cider vinegar for ringworm is that it can burn the skin. Sometimes the skin is broken with a ringworm infection. In this case, apple cider vinegar may be uncomfortable, especially for children. To resolve this problem the vinegar can be diluted. Use 1 part of apple cider vinegar and 1 part of water. Alternately, you can use coconut oil or castor oil on the ringworm infection after the apple cider vinegar has dried. Coconut oil and castor oil both have anti-fungal and skin soothing properties.

Have you tried apple cider vinegar for ringworm? Please send us some feedback! And continue reading to find many success stories for this easy home remedy for ringworm!

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.
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Posted by RVillarreal (South Texas) on 08/24/2019
 ★★★★★

I adopted a kitten from the Humane Society and it had ringworm. Once I had the kitten treated, I found one on my jaw area. I put a dab of ACV on a cotton ball and pressed it on the area and attached it with a band aid. After a few minutes, I felt it burning. So I took it off, let it dry and did the same thing the next evening. The edges dried up and scabbed. but it looks like the ringworm is gone.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Omaha) on 12/11/2017
 ★★★★★

We adopted a kitten a few weeks ago, and about 2-3 days ago I noticed ringworm on my arm. I had read about using ACV but also used Lotrimin. The only thing between the two that seems to be working and providing itch relief is ACV. Whenever I've treated the spots with the Lotrimin they just seem to swell and still itch. Cleaning with soap and then swabbing with ACV seems to dry out the spots immediately. I've heard Lotrimin can take up to 8 weeks to totally heal, which sounds miserable. Our kitten will be quarantined for a week (until the vet says she won't be contagious), I'm trying to disinfect our home using a clorox spray for furniture then doing laundry and vacuuming. No way to know if its working until none of us is ringworm free for a while. Any tips on home cleaning and prevention?

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gus Amongus (Asheville, Nc) on 11/17/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

ACV is clearing my ringworm, thank heavens. I started putting it on undiluted, using cotton balls, and sometimes soaking a thick doubled piece of toilet paper and placing it over the area for 30 seconds or so. I would both blot the cotton balls on the rash and surrounding areas, and also I would hold the soaked cotton ball on the itchy area for a few seconds until it stung a little. I had a failed attempt with the cream...the ringworm went away almost, but then came back worse even before the cream treatment was over.

Once I started the ACV 3-5 times a day, I could tell right away it was helping. At first, the ACV made the rash start to spread with new dots appearing in the vicinity, which freaked me out, but I just kept going...hitting the new spots hard with the ACV and being vigilant. It took 7 or 8 days to really feel certain I was probably on top of the situation. I cut back to 3 times a day or if I felt an itch, i'd hit it. My skin got fairly irritated and then rough and flaky, but I kept going. After the 10th day I noticed it was hardly ever itching anymore and slowly fading. It's been 12 days now and it's DEFINITELY faded a lot, though still discolored and rough feeling. It took a while, and it's still not gone...but I feel I see light at the end of the tunnel.

I've suffered with ringworm my whole life, fairly chronically the last 6 years when I'm active at all... feet and jockitch. ACV is clearing up my feet also, but my toenails are still a big work in progress. I've gotten 3 "ringworms" on other places (leg, arm, neck) in isolated incidents over the past 4 years...but this recent one on my neck was the worst ever, motivating me to attack it harder. Anyway... just wanted to add another positive review and method for ACV...it is really working, when the cream definitely didn't.

Replied by Robert Henry
(Ten Mile, Tn)
11/17/2017

GUS,,,,,, suggest you consider that you have an internal fungus that is manifesting itself on your skin. To confirm this, you might want to do the candida spit test, or the mouth swab test.

My tractor driver gets a ringworm ever few years and solves her problem with a mixture of Oregano oil and DMSO. Suspect your ACV would also work better by either mixing or coating the spot with DMSO, a powerful carrier solvent.

Wish you well. ====ORH=====

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ana (California) on 08/18/2017
 ★★★★★

A couple of years ago my teenage daughter started getting round red weals on her upper thigh at first we thought it was an allergy but they kept spreading on the thigh and buttocks. So we went online and diagnosed as ringworm fungus. She looked up natural remedies on various sites including EarthClinic as we don't like conventional medicine with all its toxic pharmaceuticals. So we decided on Apple Cider Vinegar which we soaked cotton balls and napkins with, then dabbed on the affected areas and let air dry. It did sting a bit, because it's an acid and was killing the bacteria We did this 2-3 times a day, they started drying up in a few days. In a week they were all mostly drying up, dying, leaving, etc....By 2nd week they were mostly all gone. We kept it up for about 2-3 weeks till they were all gone, with practically no scarring. Best remedy ever! We love, love Apple Cider Vinegar and EarthClinic! Thanks so much!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia) on 08/10/2017
 ★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Apple cider vinegar works for ringworm. But I soaked it in cotton balls and taped it to my skin and left it over night. Do not do what I did. When I woke up my skin was scabby and had scarred later on. About 1 year I noticed that later most of my scars have faded without me even trying to fade them. I didn't use shea butter or anything so if you did what I did your scars will probably fade away too. But I do have just a few scars that are visible by not noticeable like they were b4. Also, it's possible that my scars faded sooner than a year cuz after some time I just forgot about them and didn't even realize that they were fading. The point is that apple cider vinegar works wonders, but do not leave on too long cuz it is very powerful.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alei14456 (Texas) on 09/29/2016
 ★★★★☆

Dilute definitely dilute! I had the bright idea of using a bandaid damp with Apple Cider Vinegar undiluted overnight to cure my ringworm faster. I let it breathe at work and put one on when I got home and changed it before I went to bed. After the second night, it started burning as I put the bandaid on. I dealt with the mild irritation for about 30 minutes and it only got worse. My ringworm is now half cured scaly, itchy, dry and full of scabs due to the acv. I love Apple Cider Vinegar to death and am all for home remedies, but next time I'm using a ringworm ointment.

Replied by Reyna
(Seabrook)
12/12/2016

I have never had ringworms. So, when I got home from my vacation in Hawaii I had no idea the "bit" or so I thought it was would spread all over my breast and stomach area. I have tried to use the antifungal creams and it started to clear the one on my neck but that was once they spread all over. I continued trying to use the creams and nothing happened. I read online about ACV and today is my first time trying. I rubbed it all over my body and almost cried because it burned so bad. But I am willing to suck it up to get rid of these dang things. I rubbed some on each one with a cotton ball. I am also going to drink some everyday. Twice a day should be sufficient right? I just want them to go away ASAP. Anyone have any thoughts on addition Apple Cider Vinegar cleansing?

Replied by Mildred
(University Park, Illinois)
12/20/2016

I don't know, but I hear apple vinegar is the best medicine. Good luck.

Replied by Smokymtnlady
(Tn)
08/06/2017

Breast and stomach area? This sounds more like Pityriasis Rosea, which can be treated with a sunlamp.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nina (Tennessee) on 08/30/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had several bouts with ringworm in the last six months. It took a while to figure out what it actually was because at first I thought it was poison ivy. After researching a bit I figured out that it was ringworm.

On this first episode I decided to attack it with tea tree oil. Although I could see that it was helping it was extremely slow and felt like a rather weak approach. Finally it went away after about six weeks of itchy agony. I thought that would be the end of that. Several months passed and I began to itch again in the very same location that I had ringworm before. The spot began to get bigger and then to my horror it moved to a new location. The spots began to grow to the size of a half dollar and were very red and itchy. The tea tree oil was helping at a snail's pace so I decided to look here for ideas.

Many people were suggesting apple cider vinegar with the "mother" for ringworm so since I already had it I decided to give it a try. To my delight the cider began to work immediately!

All I did was apply the vinegar to a tissue and press and hold it to the ringworm area for about five minutes right before I went to bed. There was a slight sting to the area after I removed it but it was minimal. The next morning I would apply it again in the same way. Even after the first 24 hours I could tell a great difference. Much more effective than the tea tree oil. I continued the same routine with noticeable results each day until it was gone in a total of six days.

Wanted to share for those considering it. At this time I want to prevent this from reoccurring again and so I am now looking for clear direction in that area. If anyone has suggestions that would be great.

Replied by Mz. Independent
(Los Angeles)
01/15/2016

While treating the ring worm you must also wash everything you have come in contact with, bedding, clothing ect. weekly until you are completely cured.

Replied by Nancy
(Uk)
02/03/2017

I have ringworm on my chest. I'm using ACV, it's slowly working but it's so itchy. I'm also following an anti-Candida diet as this all flared up after really slacking on my diet sugar wise. I want this gone so no sugar, breads, yeasty foods plus acidophilus + oregano oil - hitting it from all angles! Very grateful for this forum as it's quite distressing having this yucky rash that's 'alive'.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (England) on 03/05/2015
 ★★★★★

I tried the Doctor's creams for three weeks and they did nothing to remove the ringworm, they just stopped the fire of the itch. Anyway, after finding this site I applied the apple cider vinegar very vigourously until the area bled then I pated it dry. The itching stopped immediately and I am now applying a cream twice a day and the ringworm is clearing; the wound is scabing over. My question is that I am left with light red blemishes where the ringworm has been, can anyone advise of a good cream to get rid of the blemish and help my skin get back it's normal colour?

Many thanks for everyone's advise, this site is very helpful.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
03/05/2015

Dear Chris,

I would use castor oil on the blemishes once or twice a day. You could make a mixture of half castor oil and half extra virgin coconut oil, if you want it to be less greasy. Both are healing for the skin.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Chris
(England)
03/06/2015

Thanks for your advice, I will try the castor oil. Best wishes.

Replied by Debbie
(Alabama)
12/28/2015

Use vitamin e oil to get rid of the circles and any scar you have. AWESOME stuff.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (New York) on 06/09/2013
 ★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar really works when all else fails because you are removing the outer most layer of the skin.

I had the most stuborn ringworm. I tried coconut oil, lavendar oil, tea tree oil, terbinafine, Lamisal, Lotrimin Utra, cloromitrizole. The also helped in making the ringworm dramaticlly subside but not entirely eliminiting it. I finally decided to use ACV but not just rubbing it on gently. I kept rubbing ACV on it with my finger until most of the outer layer of my skin had come off and it started to bleed. I really didn't care because it was on my let. After a few hours, it was very red and brown and as begining to scab over. ACV is very acidic and will eat through skin if you leave long enough. It actually doesn't hurt. Afterwards, I applied the over the counter antifungals and honey. Honey is great for helping wounds to heal. Within 4 days, the raised area and ring of the ringworm were completely gone and my skin was totally healed. The problem with these creams are tht they don't get deep enough under the skin and the ringworm just ends up hiding under that layer and come out when the weather gets very humid. On a side note, I also dramatically reduced my intake of sugar ate lots of yogurt and cocounut oil and garlic. That may have helped but I only saw major results after I thoroughly rubbed Apple Cider Vinegar on my skin.

Replied by Linette Sue
(Flower Mound, Texas, Usa)
10/30/2014

Re my son's ringworm in the arm pit with a huge lump infected lymph node. I read many of the posts on here. Thank you. I didnt know how crazy ring worm can be all over the body. Like is previously said, I am in school for Vedic Eastern Astrology, India. And I can see illness & rashes in a persons birth chart simple plain black n white. Meaning must aggressively internally purify the body and build the immune system up. Drinking extra filtered water, even squeezing one lemon in the morning & adding 1/8 tsp of cayenne pepper- will detoxify the body & clean the Lymph nodes in the body, rid fungus & mold internally. Extea liquid Vitamin C each day to boost tge immune system. My uncle has cut hair for over 50 yrs and he has stated my entire life! To clean or say rinse our scalp and brushes & colms once a month (on a New Moon cycle) with Apple Cider Vinegar! This is why I see on here Many people stated that ACV is a miracle cure. We can also add to our bath water & shower with it onto our bodies. Is highly acid & I know it works. I soak my feet in ACV monthly for over a year now. I wish all peace and pure positive health! Determination & discipline to take the aggressive proper actions to be healthy inside & out :) I will post an update in a month to state my Sons progress & what worked for him... We are on a mission.... A fight again RingWorm :) Haaaaaa

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tomas (Albuquerque, New Mexico ) on 04/11/2013
 ★★★★★

Hi all, I first want to THANK everyone that had posted on ACV and it's amazing ability to cure ringworm, and thank this site for creating the space for people to share their experiences. You all are god sent!!! I found your website when I searched natural cures for ringworm, and the posts about ACV were overwhelming. And they are ALL TRUE!!!! I started with what you all suggested: apple cider vinegar rubbed into the ringworm that was all over my back and arms. It burned and started to scab over, from that next day, it started to improve. It's been 6 days and I've seen a complete transformation. The ringworm seems to be gone and now it's the scabs are just flaking off. I've also used tea tree oil, tree tree ointment, and coconut oil. It's all working. I only have one question. Will the areas scar? How can I avoid scars? I researched that tea tree oil and coconut oil is good for scars so I'm just gonna continue my regimen for another week or so.

Thank you all again. What a blessing this site is!

Replied by Anonymous
(Texas)
12/04/2014

If u do get scars use aloe vera ... it helps heal the scar and it is faster as well.

Replied by Maria
(Canada)
06/26/2015
★★★★★

I used the cream my doctor gave me and had used it for more than a year. Itch comes and goes...I'd think that it's cured already then the itch comes back again. So I tried to cure it myself (research online) and applied ACV daily. Within 2 weeks, my dilemma of 3 years ended.

But, I want to know what Aloe Vera you're referring to? Is it the actual Aloe Vera plant? If so, where do I find it? I just noticed the extremely darkened skin due to scratching from ring worm infection and it's an eye sore and makes it look like my arms are dirty. Thanks.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Idahoinwa (Burien, Washington, United States) on 06/29/2012
 ★★★★★

I had ringworm on my belly, chest, and both sides of my neck. I used bleach and it went away, but 2 weeks later it came back. The bleach caused my skin to itch, was not plesant.

This time I tried a mixture of DMSO and [organic] ACV. A mix of 1:1 ratio. On day two it started flacking and was gone in 3 days. PS don't mix a big batch as I only mixed about a teaspoon of each and it got warm when mixed. It mixed it in glass.

I had tried ACV for 3 days but was unable to keep it damp. So used DMSO to take it into the skin. Hope this works for good.

Replied by Heidi
(Sierra Nevada Foothills, Ca)
06/29/2012

Hello, You said you used 1:1 ratio of DMSO and ACV. Was the DMSO 99.9%? And did you apply for all three days? Thanks

Replied by Idahoinwa
(Burien, Washington)
06/30/2012

Yes 99.9 % and applied morning and Night for 3 days. Be sure to mix in small batches as it made the glass bottle warm when I mixed it up. Dont know how long it will be gone. Should probley do it for a few days after its gone to make sure. Also I used raw organic apple cider Vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gardengirl116 (Gallatin, Tn) on 03/17/2012
 ★★★★★

Years ago I had a ringworm on my hand, my mother told me to soak a penny for a day in Apple Cider Vinegar and then put the penny on my hand. Being younger and not wiser , I went to the doctor and got a ton of medicine, finally I tried my mother idea.... It Works!!!! Use a old copper penny and keep soaking with apple cider vinegar. Rub the penny on it about 3x day. Works on mine in 2 days.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julio (Dallas, Tx, Usa) on 01/02/2012

Hi, About a year ago ringworm started on my face's left side cheek. It started as a little itchy thing which I scratched n didn't know what it was. I thought it would go away soon but it didn't instead it started to spread. I went to see the dorctor which prescribed me some cream to apply n a pink pill to take once a week. But the only thing it helped with was the itching. I went back n this time they prescribed me lasimil pills. Which I only was authorized to take for two weeks. Then I bought lamisil cream but none of that helped. The ringworm is visible now.

It wasn't till two days ago that I found this site and saw that apple cider vinegar can help. I been applying it for three days now but I'm not sure if it has helped or if it's going to help me. I scratched it hard till it bled and then applied it. It burnt and now it looks like a wound. I don't wanna repeat the proccess because I don't want an ugly scar in my face but I do wanna get rid of that sht. It's embarrasing. What should I do?? Should I just apply it gentle now since I already made it bleed once?? I'll be waiting for your replies. thank you.

Replied by Nicole
(Glendora, Ca Usa)
05/20/2011

I have a question, I came across this site and read about Apple Cider Vinegar and its a great tool to treat ringworm. I read somebodys situation and what she did was she soaked Apple Cider Vinegar on a cotton ball and rubbed it on the affected site till it bleeds then repeat and after 2 days her ringworm is gone. I did the same thing and it stings so bad and the outer skin just fell off and I can see the skin. Is that normal? My ringworm is at the back of my hand. Pls help

Replied by Dan
(New York, 10017)
06/10/2013

It should bleed. Then you know the Apple Cider Vinegar is going deep enough. You get the skin to bleed by continuosly rubbing it with ACV. What's happening is that the acidic nature of ACV is burning off the top layer of the skin. The skin will eventually scab over and it will heal. There will be no scar when it heals because the Apple Cider Vinegar only burned off the superficial layer of the skin.

Replied by Anonymous
(Texas)
06/16/2013
★☆☆☆☆

Yeah, not so much... Tried the ACV & all it did was create HUGE infections on my body. So now, I have to fight ringworm & an infection... Stick with the proven method peeps - Anti-Fungal cream.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jake (Florianopolis, Brasil, Florianopolis) on 11/10/2011
 ★★★★★

Ringworm and vinegar!

My girlfriend is a vet and she was throwing Itraconazol at me (pill) and cetoconazol (pill) and metaconazol (creme) and cetoconazol (cream) and she thinks I am so dumb.

And one day I looked on the internet and saw vinegar and I tell you what my version of the ringworm hated it and by the next morning he was in retreat and by 3 days he is all but gone running like the coward he is!

The vinegar you just put pure and splash over your corpo whenever you remember to - 5, 6 times per day.

Done!

My girlfriend the vet her soluition was shampoos and all kinds of crap and she said I had to wait for 15 minutes with soap all over me... bla bla bla.

Trust in yourself.

Her solution R$200 serious side-effects like liver damage

My solution: R$1 (one liter of vinegar)

She is no longer my girlfriend!

Replied by Mitzi
(Philippines)
07/05/2018

I'm a vet also and this made me laugh 😄😄. It's her medical mind at work but years of practice in a very remote area in the Philippines, all your medical knowledge will go kaput because no one can afford to buy all those expensive medicines anyway. So, we just make use of those local herbs and plants which actually works.

Vinegar, Acapulco leaves and garlic is as effective in treating fungal infections as those expensive medicines you buy at your local drugstore.
I'm glad you found a cure. Happy for u.

Sorry for your ex gf and the fungus.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bvshah (Mumbai, India) on 10/25/2011

Hi, I am suffering from ringworm since past four months. Hate taken couple of antibiotic creams and medicine but no effect. One doctor gave me steroids and it worsened the case and now no medicines are suiting my skin. The infection is growing and from both the thigh and groain area now it has come on my hand as well. I was thinking of using ACV. Can anyone tell me as to how to use ACV for ringworm? I applied white vinegar yesterday on one of the lesions and itching went away but entire thing is inflamed and turned red. So is it safe to use ACV or this is how skin reacts once ACV is applied? How do I know whether ACV is suiting me or reacting adversely?

Thanks, Miss Shah

Replied by Jay
(Toronto, Ont, Canada)
10/25/2011

To Bvshah from Mumbai, India:

Bvshah, although rinsing the areas with diluted ACV can be of some help, you can completely eliminate the problem with organic extra virgin coconut oil.

What you have is a fungus and coconut oil is antifungal as well as antiviral and antibacterial.

Use the coconut oil both topically on your skin wherever necessary and also eat some every day to help fight the fungus. Start with 1 tablespoon per day and work up to 3 tablespoons per day.

You should see some improvement fairly quickly but continue with the coconut oil for a few weeks beyond the end of obvious fungal irritation to be certain of complete success.

Replied by Bvshah
(Mumbai, India)
10/31/2011

Hi, Thanks for your reply. But I keep on getting new spots of the ringworm and after applying ACV, the lesion has become very dark and ugly. Will this leave a mark on my body amd What about Extra virgin Coconut oil, does it burn when applied on the skin or does it leave a mark?

Replied by Morgan
(Kansas City, Missouri/unite States)
07/01/2012

I used Apple Cider Vinegar (but any vinegar will do) for athletes foot on my hands, and it worked very well. Ring worm is a from of athletes foot, so Apple Cider Vinegar should work on ring worm as well. I too have ring worm on my leg and have been applying apple cider vinegar to it (not daily) so I think it is my body mostly fighting off the infection and not the acv. But it seems it did work for everyone above. When I used it on my hands, there was some burning and the athletes foot began to flake away. I health site where I learned to use vinegar said that burning was normal.

Replied by Rg
(Tx, Usa)
12/17/2013

If you're having that much of a reaction to the ACV I would stop using it, or use it and then apply REAL honey right afterwards. (Real honey, aka organic honey, is expensive but if you have any left over you can use it for treating scars, healing wounds, or pulling out blackheads).

You should try slicing up garlic and taping it to the wound, and then apply organic honey or organic aloe vera gel.

Healing scars with organic honey- mix 4 teaspoons of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of plain yogurt, 4 tablespoons of organic honey, and 1 egg white. Put that mixture in a container of some sort like a jar (store extra in the fridge). Then get some baking soda (about a tblspoon) and pour however much of the mixture you think you'll need that day onto it. Mix together into a paste and let that sit on your scars for at least 15 min, once a week. I did this for 15 min a day, 4 days a week for a month and all my acne scars are gone (and I had really bad acne)!! I'm also using it on deeper scars I've had since I was a kid about once a week, it's working slowly but surely.


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