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This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
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Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red circular patch to develop on your skin. It is a contagious condition that even your pets can transmit to you.[1] Ringworm may cause itching and swelling, and possibly even scarring. If you have a ringworm scar, then there are several things that may help to treat it.
Steps
Exfoliate your skin with a home remedy. Use a water and baking soda mixture, lemon juice, ground fruit seeds and nuts, sugar, papaya, or ground coffee on a regular basis to remove your ringworm scars over time. Apply the mixture to your scarred area, gently massage the mixture into the skin, and then rinse it well with warm water.[2]- If you don’t want to use a home remedy, you can also purchase over-the-counter exfoliation kits at drugstores.
See a dermatologist about microdermabrasion. A dermatologist can help you remove mild scars caused by ringworm through using microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a gentler, non-surgical procedure that exfoliates the outer layer of your skin with a fine abrasive tip or by applying crystals and vacuum suction to the skin.- You can also find microdermabrasion kits at drugstores, but make sure you understand how to use the included tools correctly before attempting this yourself.
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Undergo laser treatment. Laser treatments are often successful at removing scarring, but you may have to endure several sessions before you notice a major difference in your scar’s appearance. Laser treatment would destroy little pieces of your tissue to promote the growth of new skin that will reduce the look of your scars.[3]
Consider dermabrasion in severe cases. This procedure, unlike microdermabrasion, is invasive and must be done by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In this procedure, instruments are used to sand down and remove disfigured skin. Only consider this option for removing your ringworm scars as a last resort of if they’re very deep.- Avoid trying this method if you have a dark skin tone. Dermabrasion sometimes causes scarring or discoloration on darker skin.[4]
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Apply lemon juice. You can apply lemon juice to help lighten dark areas of your ringworm scar. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for normal wound healing, so it might help to minimize the appearance of a scar when applied to the skin as well.[5]- To apply lemon juice, soak a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply the lemon juice directly to the ringworm scar.
- Let the lemon juice dry and then rinse it away with some warm water.
- You can apply lemon juice to a ringworm scar once per day.
Smooth on some aloe vera gel. You can also massage aloe vera gel into a ringworm scar to help soften the tissue. Aloe vera works well on burn scars, so it might help to improve other types of scars as well.[6]- To use aloe vera gel, smooth a small amount over your ringworm scar and leave it on. Do this a few times per day.
Hold a green tea bag against the ringworm scar. Applying a steeped green tea bag to a scar may also help to minimize scarring and discoloration due to ringworm. Green tea may help with scars due to its antioxidant properties.[7]- To use green tea as a treatment for a ringworm scar, steep a bag of green tea in hot water for about three minutes.
- Remove the teabag from the water and squeeze some of the excess water from the bag.
- Then, apply the tea bag to the ringworm scar and hold it there for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat this process three to four times per day.
Try St John’s wort oil. You can also mix St John’s wort oil with castor oil and massage it into a ringworm scar. St John’s wort oil has been shown to promote C-section wound healing, so it may help with other types of scars as well.[8]- To use St. John’s wort oil, place two to three drops of the oil in two tablespoons of castor oil and stir the oils together until they are combined.
- Then, use your fingers to massage the oil into the ringworm scar.
- Repeat this process two to three times daily.
Massage in some honey. Honey may also help to reduce the size of scars and discolored areas because honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Manuka honey and Tualang honey are good choices for medicinal use, but you may have to go to a health food store or check online to find these types of honey.[9]- To use honey on a ringworm scar, apply a thin layer of honey and then massage it into your skin for about five to 10 minutes.
- Leave the honey on the scar for about one hour.
- Rinse away the honey with warm water after time is up.
- If desired, you can cover the area in a thin gauze pad while you leave the honey on.
Look into vitamin D oil. Vitamin D oil has anti-inflammatory properties that seem to improve the appearance of surgical scars.[10] Vitamin D has also been found effective for treating psoriasis, which indicates that it may benefit a more minor skin condition such as a ringworm scar.[11]- Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before using vitamin D to see if this treatment is a good option for getting rid of your ringworm scars.
- If you decide to use vitamin D as a treatment for your ringworm scars, then break open one 2000 IU vitamin D capsule and mix it with four to five drops of castor oil. Then apply the mixture to your ringworm scar and massage it into your skin.
Consider applying vitamin E oil. Vitamin E is a well-known, popular treatment for scar healing, but some studies have indicated that vitamin E may not be an effective treatment for scars.[12][13] In some cases, vitamin E has even caused the scar to look worse or resulted in negative skin reactions.[14]- To be safe, check with your doctor or dermatologist before using vitamin E for your ringworm scars.
- If you decide to use vitamin E oil, try breaking open one 400 IU vitamin E capsule and mix it with four to five drops of castor oil. Then, apply the mixture directly to your scar and massage it into your skin.
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Take vitamin C. Taking vitamin C supplements may help to support healing of ringworm scars because vitamin C is essential for wound healing. Doses between 500 and 3,000 mg have been used for wound healing in adults, but check with your doctor first because these are high doses.[15]
Add a B-complex vitamin supplement. Vitamins B1 and B5 have been found to be effective for wound healing, so taking a B-complex vitamin may also heal to minimize the appearance of ringworm scars. Talk to your doctor about taking a B-complex vitamin.
Include a bromelain supplement. Bromelain is an enzyme that occurs naturally in pineapples, but it is necessary to take it as a supplement to gain its healing benefits. Ask your doctor about taking bromelain. A common does is 500 mg taken four times per day on an empty stomach.
Consider asking for a prescription for InflammEnz. The prescription supplement InflammEnz has been shown to speed wound healing by 17%. This supplement contains a mixture of vitamin C, bromelain, rutin, and grapeseed extract and it is only available online with a prescription from your doctor.[16]- Talk to your doctor if you are interested in trying this supplement help heal scars from ringworm.
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionWhat can I do to prevent a burn from scarring over? What if it's an old burn?
Mohiba Tareen, MDMohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistIf it's a fresh burn, pick up some silicone sheets and cover the burned skin after cleaning it. Those silicone sheets are really great at letting burns heal and they'll reduce the odds that the burn scars over. They're kind of like stickers you layer over the skin. If it's an older burn and it has already left a mark, your best bet is to look into laser treatment. - QuestionI was treated for a severe ringworm infection a few months back. The infection has returned, but it is not as severe as it was. How can I get rid of it quickly?
Marsha Durkin, RNMarsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.
Registered NurseYour best option is to see a dermatologist to get a prescription for pharmaceutical strength cream. - QuestionI have a scar on my nose on the bone that was caused by tinea. It left a horrible sore and now it has scarred. Will anything help?Marsha Durkin, RNMarsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.
Registered NurseThe best option is to see a dermatologist. They will be able to provide you with some treatment options for minimizing the appearance of the scar.
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Tips
- Make sure that you see your doctor if your ringworm scars are severe or if your scars are from ringworm that keeps coming back.[17]Thanks
- Always wear sunscreen on a healed scar.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
- ↑ https://myawesomebeauty.com/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars/
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-dermabrasion#1
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24796079
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003428
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26044054
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20064022
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24393701
- ↑ http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Citation/2014/10001/Vitamin_D_and_Inflammatory_Biomarkers_during.103.aspx
- ↑ http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrients-health/skin-health/nutrient-index/vitamin-D
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781083/
- ↑ http://jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=4067
- ↑ http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrients-health/skin-health/nutrient-index/vitamin-E
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7038579
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20040708/supplement-speeds-wound-healing
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
About This Article
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 274,318 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: November 9, 2023
Views: 274,318
Categories: Skin Conditions | Scars
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Article SummaryX
To get rid of ringworm scars, soak a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply it directly to the scar to help lighten the dark areas. In addition to lemon juice, apply a steeped green tea bag to the scars to minimize discoloration and make them less noticeable. You can also take supplements like vitamin C and B-complex vitamins to heal the ringworm scars more quickly. If you suffer from severe ringworm scars, talk to your doctor about dermabrasion, which involves sanding down and removing the disfigured skin. For helpful tips about how to undergo laser treatment to get rid of ringworm scars from our Medical co-author, keep reading!
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