Ringworm

The form of fungal infection that develops on the outer layers of the body in areas like the scalp, moist skin, and in nails is commonly known as ringworm. In fact, ringworm is caused by the same fungus –tinea, that leads to other conditions such as "jock itch" and athlete's foot in people. This condition is very contagious; ringworm can be rapidly transferred from one person to the other. Children commonly get infected from other children through contact with contaminated gymnasium floors and shower stalls in schools and other communal facilities, thus in mode of transmission it resembles athlete’s foot. Contaminated bedding and shower rooms can infect a child away at camp or when he or she is a part of a communal institution. The infection can also be spread about by contact with an infected animal.

The disease begins on the body of the person by the formation of a slightly scaly lesion on an area of the skin that arises as a small, round, itchy red spot eventually forming into the characteristic raised and round appearance of ringworm. The typical ring like appearance is achieved gradually, and this occurs because the infection heals from the inside outwardly, and the lesion eventually forms a rim or a circle. Ringworm also mostly spreads from one area of the body to another over a period of time.

This condition is very persistent and irritating to the infected person, even though ringworm is not a serious infection. The microscopic examination of the scaly particles from a lesion after they have been gently scrapped off, will give the doctor a correct diagnosis of a ringworm infestation. When ultraviolet light is shone on the lesions, a characteristic glow is given off by the fungus; this method of diagnosis can also be applied to receive a proper diagnosis of the infection. Ringworm in general clears off in a few weeks time if proper and prompt treatment is undertaken. However, a chronic rash or hair loss can also form on the person if the fungus is not properly treated.

A ringworm like condition can also occur in people, this comes about as white and blotchy discoloration of areas on the skin caused by a fungal species; tinea versicolor, which is similar to the fungal agent that brings about ringworm. This form of discoloration is very obvious to the sight in people with a dark skin tone. Unless the condition is observed under ultra violet light it is difficult to diagnose this condition in a very light-skinned person, a suntan may also possibly help in the diagnosis of the condition, as the affected area of the skin will remain white. It is very difficult to be rid of this persistent disease, and symptoms are hard to detect other than the very obvious skin discoloration, which is a characteristic of the condition, the fungus tinea versicolor produces very few symptomatic effects on the person. Unless and until the fungus is completely eradicated from the affected area of the skin and the area is exposed to sunlight, the affected skin does not go back to its normal or original coloration. The condition is treated in a manner similar to the one used to treat ringworm infestations. Another topical treatment for three or four days using an overnight application of a selenium sulfide shampoo, such as Selsun Blue, is also suggested as a treatment option.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

All sorts of skin conditions and infections of the skin can be treated through the use of balsam of Peru as a topical measure. The application of the balsam of Peru can be done by using the supplement full strength, or it can alternately be diluted with the oils of the olive, the almond, or with sesame oil. The solution can be used two or three times each day for a treatment regimen lasting two or three weeks. Ringworm can also be eliminated from the body by the use of a combination herbal formula of the Echinacea and goldenseal herbs along with the burdock root, this herbal combination will strengthen and boost the immune system of the person and give them every chance of recovery. Children can be given this a single dose of this combination formula containing Echinacea, goldenseal, and burdock thrice each day, for ten days at a single stretch.
For your attention: children must not be given Echinacea on a daily basis for more than ten days in a single dosage regimen as the herb tends to lose its potency if used for more than ten days at a stretch. Ringworm can also be effectively treated through the use of the tea tree oil, this botanical antifungal is one of the most powerful fungicide known from plant sources. Prepare the tea tree oil solution, by mixing eight to ten drops of the oil in a pint of spring or distilled water; this mixture can be applied directly onto the affected area till the time the rash disappears. The oil of the tea tree possesses turpentine like strong and penetrating odor.

Other beneficial herbs

• Walnut

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