Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, similar to athlete's foot. A number of different fungus organisms may be responsible. It can occur on any part of the body, but is particularly distressing when it affects the scalp, causing temporary patches of baldness.

An anti-fungal oil, such as Myrrh or Lavender should be prepared in a cream and applied to the infected areas of skin four times a day. Some of the organisms respond better to Myrrh and others to Lavender, so you may wish to combine the two rather than wait to see which is more effective. A fairly high proportion of the oils in a cream is needed: about 5% is usually effective.

Both these oils also have a healing action on the skin, so they will help to restore the dry flaky rings that persist after the fungus has been eradicated. If the ringworm has affected the scalp, you may need to replace the cream with a preparation including oil of Rosemary once there is no more sign of infection, to encourage new hair to grow. You could use small amounts of Rosemary oil neat rubbed into a small area, Rosemary water as a friction for the whole scalp, or make up a mixture of Rosemary oil in alcohol and use this as a friction. Tea Tree can be used instead of Lavender and Myrrh, or alternated with them.