The Nation's Health

Health Tips: RINGWORM

Ringworm most commonly occurs in children, and may be seen on the trunk, extremities, or scalp. It is highly contagious and easily spreads from one child to another. The skin appears red with a slightly raised border, and the lesions seem to continually expand.

Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm of the feet. It is particularly common in warmer climates, and in individuals whose feet are constantly wet because of excessive sweating. When the disease is present over a long period of time, the toenails may become thickened.

Ringworm infection occurs in the scalp, the body, the feet, and the nails. Ringworm of the scalp is common among children because of the lack of protective fatty acids in their scalp. The disease spreads on the skin and extends deeper into the hair roots, and also up along the hair. The affected hair becomes dull and breaks off near its root. This leaves bald spots on the scalp

Ringworm is an infectious disease. It spreads from the affected person the person who comes in contact. It can also spread through the articles used by the affected person.

HOME REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM

Apply on the entire infected area with nail polish, any kind works but preferably use clear. Cut a lime and dip the inside part in salt and scrub the infected area (tingles a little) after that rinse the infected area with water. Soak cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide (the brown bottle) and rub affected area vigorously. Apply Neosporin right after cleaning. Put a spoon in the freezer for about a day then put it to the spots. Raw papaya is one of the most effective home remedies for ringworm. The slices of this fruit should be rubbed on the ringworm patches. A paste can also be prepared from dried papaya and can be applied on the affected areas. Another home remedy for ringworm is mustard seeds. A paste should be prepared from these seeds and applied externally over the ringworm patches after thoroughly washing the skin with hot water. The seeds of the herb butea are very effective in ringworm. A paste should be prepared of the seeds and mixed with a little limejuice. This paste should be applied externally over the skin affected by ringworm The leaves of the cassia tree are useful in treating the irritation of the skin and in decreasing swellings and pains. The juice of these leaves or a paste made from them can be applied to ringworm patches with very good results The leaves of holy basil (Tulsi) are also useful in ringworm treatment. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and applied over ringworm patches Turmeric is very effective in the treatment of ringworm. The juice of raw turmeric should be applied externally to the parts of the skin affected by ringworm. Simultaneously, one teaspoon of turmeric juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey should be taken orally Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot juice in addition with spinach juice, have proved very effective in the ringworm treatment. The patient should take a well-balanced diet with emphasis on seeds, nuts, wholegrain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, all condiments and highly flavored dishes, as well as sugar, white flour products, and tinned or bottled foods

Coconut oil may be applied to the parts with ringworm spots. It will make the skin soft. Sunbathing is also beneficial and should be resorted to early in the morning, at the first light of dawn. A light mudpack applied over the areas of the ringworm is also helpful. The pack should be applied for half an hour, twice daily and this is very useful home remedy for ringworm. Fresh air is very necessary for the patient. He should drink plenty of water, and take bath twice daily. Black walnut has a long tradition of being used for skin problems from ringworm to psoriasis. The hulls are rich in tannins and also contain a compound called juglone that has antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Therefore black walnut is also very helpful in eczema. this is also very useful home remedy for ringworm. The skin, with the exception of the part affected with ringworm, should be vigorously rubbed with the palms of the hands before taking a bath. Avoid sharing of personal items, such as hair care articles, towels and clothing

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