What’s a Good Diet for Ringworm?

If you have those rough, red patches characteristic of ringworm, you're probably searching for anything that will help.

Claims that a diet can reduce ringworm may seem too good to be true — because they are. While no foods have been proven to specifically treat ringworm, eating foods to boost your immune system when you have ringworm might help.

No worm or parasite is behind ringworm. A fungal infection causes ringworm, also called dermatophytosis or tinea. It gets its name from the red, itchy, circular rash it produces.

Is There a Diet to Treat Ringworm?

"Unfortunately, diet alone is not able to treat ringworm," says Kristi King, MPH, RDN, a senior dietitian at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. "Typically, with fungal skin infections such as ringworm, you’ll need to use topical medications to make sure you’ve completely removed the infection."

But your diet may still play a role in your healing. "Eating with the mindset to promote anti-inflammatory responses will help support your immune system while it is fighting off [a ringworm] infection," King says.

To reap anti-inflammatory benefits, she recommends consuming:

• Proteins, such as lean meat, eggs, and beans
• Omega-3 sources, like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
• Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa
• Vegetables
• Plain yogurt
• Plenty of water
• Limited caffeine (to avoid dehydration)

Sugar and Fungal Infections

No evidence confirms that a low- or zero-sugar diet prevents ringworm or helps you get rid of an infection. However, King still recommends watching your sugar intake. "Fungus — just like bacteria — loves sugar, so you want to make sure to eat a diet that is lower in added sugar," she says.

Can Herbs or Supplements Help Ringworm?

King advises against trying to treat ringworm with natural remedies, such as herbs or supplements. "There is no study that supports their use, and if you eat them in large quantities, you may find yourself uncomfortable, with gastrointestinal symptoms and bad breath," she cautions.

King says it's the same with other supplements that are sometimes touted as antifungal treatments for ringworm, such as caprylic acid from coconuts, vitamin B3, and olive leaf extract. "While there may be some laboratory and animal studies on these, I've seen no evidence that they have any real effects in humans with a ringworm infection," she says.

• Clotrimazole
• Ketoconazole
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine

For ringworm on the scalp or an infection that doesn't go away with an over-the-counter remedy, you'll need a prescription medication. Speak to your doctor for advice.

The Takeaway

• While diet alone cannot treat ringworm, reducing added sugars in your diet and consuming anti-inflammatory foods may support your immune system during an infection.
• Some foods that promote an anti-inflammatory response include lean proteins, nuts and fatty fish, whole grains, and yogurt. You can incorporate these into plans like the DASH diet for their potential inflammation-reducing benefits.
• No strong evidence supports using herbs or supplements for ringworm over antifungal creams, lotions, or powders containing active ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole.
• For persistent infections, consult a healthcare professional for a prescription cream, powder, or lotion.