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| - Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post promotes a product named Leebord, claiming that it can permanently cure ringworm. Our fact check says it’s false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, Leebord ointment, marketed as an Ayurvedic formulation, promises to permanently cure fungal infections, eliminate itching within two days, and prevent recurrence. It claims to treat chronic fungal infections like ringworm within 15 days by penetrating multiple skin layers and completely eradicating the fungus. Additionally, the product asserts that it provides instant relief from itching and ensures long-term protection against recurrence.
Fact Check
Does Leebord ointment’s claim of permanent fungal cure hold up?
Not really. The claim exaggerates the ability to permanently cure fungal infections. Ringworm and other fungal infections occur due to dermatophytes that infect the skin’s outer layer. A warm and humid climate, especially during the monsoons in India, can increase the risk of skin infections like ringworm. While antifungal treatments can effectively clear these infections, the possibility of recurrence depends on factors like hygiene, immunity, and exposure to contaminated surfaces. The lack of a complete ingredient list for Leebord (on all 3 platforms Amazon, Flipkart and its own website) makes it impossible to verify whether it contains active antifungal compounds strong enough to achieve these results. Without supporting scientific evidence or clinical trials, no one can guarantee the product’s effectiveness.
Some people recommend neem and guava leaves as remedies for finger fungal infections, but these claims lack scientific evidence. Similarly, emerging claims suggest using bee venom for nail fungus, but there is no scientific backing to support its effectiveness.
Is it true that Leebord relieves itching within one or two days?
Unlikely. Relief from itching depends on the specific ingredients in the ointment. Conventional antifungal creams often include proven agents like clotrimazole or terbinafine, which gradually reduce itching as the infection resolves. The claim that Leebord provides 70–100% relief in one or two days seems like an exaggeration, especially without verified information on its active components. While some Ayurvedic herbs might have soothing properties, their effects are generally not instantaneous.
Is it safe to rely solely on this product for fungal infections?
No, it may not be safe. Using an unverified product like Leebord as the sole treatment can delay proper care and lead to complications. Fungal infections often require a combination of approaches like antifungal creams and, in some cases, oral antifungals for full recovery. The product’s claim to work only when “other antifungal treatments are discontinued” is medically not sound and could worsen the condition. Lastly, the lack of a transparent ingredient list makes potential allergens or irritants in the cream unknown, raising concerns about skin sensitivity or adverse effects.
We connected with Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her take on the recommended approach for treating ringworm. She explains, “The right approach can effectively treat ringworm, a common fungal infection. The first step usually involves using a clinically tested antifungal cream or ointment, which is available over the counter or by prescription. For more stubborn or widespread infections, doctors may recommend oral antifungal medications. It’s also crucial to keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid sharing personal items like towels, and wash clothes and bedding regularly. If the infection doesn’t improve within two weeks or gets worse, consult a dermatologist for a proper evaluation.”
What makes Leebord’s claims questionable?
The product lacks transparency regarding its formulation and testing. While it advertises itself as an Ayurvedic cream, it does not list all ingredients or provide scientific evidence to back its claims. Furthermore, the suggestion that the cream penetrates “4–5 layers of skin” to kill fungus is misleading. The skin’s structure only allows topical treatments to act on the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum), where fungal infections usually occur. Any deeper penetration is not only unnecessary but medically inaccurate. Additionally, the brand name differs on the cap (Leebord) and the body of the ointment (Lebroid), which raises concerns about the product’s authenticity and quality control.
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, says, “The skin is made up of multiple layers, with the outermost being the epidermis, which is the layer most commonly affected by fungal infections like ringworm. Topical treatments such as creams or ointments are designed to target this outer layer, offering relief where the infection is located. However, claims like Leebord’s, stating that their product penetrates 4-5 layers of skin, are misleading. The skin’s structure doesn’t allow such deep penetration, and treating deeper layers is unnecessary for infections like ringworm, as these occur only in the epidermis.”
Dr Shekhar adds, “For infections deeper in the skin or more serious conditions, oral or intravenous treatments are needed. There’s also a risk that excessive absorption of topical products could cause harmful effects on the body. While Ayurvedic ingredients may have some benefits, there is little scientific evidence supporting their ability to treat fungal infections. Furthermore, there are no clinical trials to back Leebord’s claims, and its usage instructions, such as applying the cream only at night, are not based on solid evidence. Mixing Leebord with other treatments could also lead to negative reactions.”
Apart from this, we have seen claims which suggest the use of Mexican prickly poppy plant for curing ringworm. However, this is also largely inaccurate.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Leebord ointment permanently cures fungal infections like ringworm and provides instant relief from itching is exaggerated. Therefore, we term this as false. While Ayurvedic formulations can support skin health, this product’s lack of transparency, incomplete ingredient information, and questionable medical claims make it unreliable. Dermatologists recommend proven antifungal treatments for effective and safe recovery from fungal infections.
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