Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is most frequently seen on the scalp, body, feet and nails. This infection is very contagious and can spread through direct and indirect contact like combs, clothing and pool surfaces. It can be contracted from other people, pets, the soil or prolonged wetness of the skin.
Symptoms
The most visual symptom of ring worm is the red ring that appears on the skin. This may be more difficult to see when it happens on the scalp. Scalp ring worm can also be rather difficult to eradicate. It is recognized by a red, scaly rash on the scalp, itching, hair loss and possibly a rash elsewhere on the body. Nail worm is recognized by thickening of the ends of the nails and a yellowish color on the nails. It most frequently affects the toenails. Body worm has red, circular lesions with raised edges and itching in the affected area. The middle of the lesions may be less red as the lesion gets larger.
Causes
Ringworm is caused by several different fungi belonging to the group Dermatophytes. This is the same fungi that causes athlete's foot and jock itch. Scalp worm lasts for 10 to 14 days while skin ringworm lasts 4 to 10 days.
Cautions
Scalp worm sometimes develops into a kerion, which is a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial infection. This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm fungus. When this happens, look for tender lymph nodes in the neck and an associated rash elsewhere on the body. When applying remedies, never touch the worm with your bare hands, or if you do, be sure and wash them immediately with hot water and soap. Most remedies can be easily applied with a cotton ball or swab which can be disposed of immediately.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Garlic to treat ringworm, 1 or 2 tablets or cloves can be taken every day. Use caution if you are treating a child as garlic is a potent remedy and may cause blistering.
External Applications
- Oregano apply oil of oregano topically to the affected areas, as it is a potent antifungal herb.
- Tea tree apply the essential oil to the affected areas to kill the fungus. Do not dilute the tea tree oil when treating unless you have sensitive skin or are treating a child. Apply once per day for a week to ten days or until symptoms are gone.
- Walnut apply the extract made from the leaves as a compress to stop oozing of the skin. The powdered extract can be mixed with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the infected area and cover with a bandage for a few hours up to three times per day.
- Garlic crush garlic cloves into a paste with an equal amount of olive oil or honey. Apply this mixture to the lesion and leave it on for an hour. Garlic oil can be applied three times a day.
- Castor apply castor oil to the affected areas on the scalp.
- Lavender add 10 drops of essential oil to the bath water or dilute 10 drops with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and apply it directly on the lesions.
- Mustard make a paste with mustard seeds and warm water. Apply the paste to the ringworm sites and continue every day until they are gone.
- Greater Celandine - take only under consultation of qualified medical herbalist - sap or liquid extract applied to affected areas 3 times a day.
- Manuka - apply few drops of essential oil to affected areas