RINGWORM

Photo: Papaya could help remove warts.

Ian.
Last week you mentioned ways to get rid of warts. My three-year-old child has circular marks on her arm, which people tell me is ringworm. How can I clear these up, as they appear to be spreading? C.B. by e-mail

Reply.
As I mentioned last week if you are in any doubt about your ailment or how to treat it then consult the experts. If you are sure that it is definitely ringworm that your child has then there are some natural solutions to choose from. But firstly, let us look at what ringworm is.

What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a general term for a common fungus infection on the skin. In scientific terms it is called ‘Dermatophytosis’. The infection is called ringworm, as it appears as round or ring like in shape. Pets, such as dogs or cats, may be a source of transmitting the disease to humans. Although ringworms are common among the children, any body can be affected by it. Ringworm is a highly infectious fungus (not a worm). The spores of ringworm fungus are found primarily in the soil and around people or animals that have the disease. Ringworm of the skin usually appears 4 to 10 days after contact. !) If the spot of infection is scratched, the hands should be washed, especially under the nails. After bathing, you need to dry the skin completely.

Common Causes of Ringworm
o ·Infections can get into scratches or cuts in the skin
o ·Affects damp areas of the body where sweating is common
o ·Swimming pool
o ·Pets
o Walking in the countryside, you can pick up the infection simply by touching barbed wire fences that sheep have been in contact with.

SIMPLE REMEDIES
As with removing warts the treatments could be a bit hit and miss. If you see any irritations at all stop the procedure immediately. Under no circumstances must you use any product with bleach in it.

Papaya: Rub a slice of freshly cut raw Papaya on the patch. You can get this fruit in any large supermarket
Mustard seed: Make a powder with Mustard seeds. Add some water and make a paste. Apply on the patch till it clears up.
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak the ringworm for about 15 minutes several times a day.
Tea tree and lavender essential oils: Use a few drops of Lavender or tea tree Pure Essential Oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. The other essential oils are not recommended for little ones. Apply a few drops onto a cotton bud three times a day
Clear nail polish: Apply clear nail polish to the area. This will stop air getting at the infection and will suffocate it. Caution: This could cause irritation so be careful!
White vinegar: Apply a small amount of vinegar to the infected area with a cotton bud everyday until it has cleared up.
Echinacea. The tincture I mentioned last week for warts is said to be very effective. You can pick this up at the health shop
Chewing tobacco: As horrible as it may seem some people recommend chewing tobacco to be put on the infection. It is said that the tar kills it, much the same as it does to lungs! If you have the warts as well someone suggested rubbing in cigarette ash to get rid of them…. Lovely!

Household.