Affecting the smooth skin and scalp, these fungal infections are often accompanied by profound itching and redness of the affected skin. This fungus produces circular ring lesions up to six inches in diameter on the skin and can cause loss of hair in patches of the scalp. Neem has historically been an effective treatment for fungal infections. Early studies verified scientifically that the fungus that causes ringworm is effectively controlled with neem extracts.
In one trial, patients with long term and severe cases of ringworm were selected for study. They had used commercial ointments containing salicylic acid and benzoic acid for over three years yet had failed to stop the infection. They were each treated with alcoholic neem leaf extract in a carrier lotion. Within just two to three days after using neem extract on the areas the patients were clear of the infection and remained so for the one-year follow-up period.
Washing with neem soap or shampoo and rubbing neem lotion onto the affected areas clears this infection in several days.