HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM OF SCALP OR TINEA CAPITIS

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts. The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp may vary, but it usually appears as itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head.

Ringworm of the scalp, a highly contagious infection, is most common in toddlers and school-age children.

Treatment for ringworm of the scalp includes medications taken by mouth to kill the fungi, as well as medicated shampoos that may lessen the spread of infection.

Some cases of ringworm of the scalp result in severe inflammation at the site of infection that may cause scarring or permanent hair loss

Causes

Ringworm of the scalp is caused by one of several varieties of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi attack the outer layer of skin on the scalp and the hair shaft.

Ringworm isn't caused by a worm. The common name for the disorder refers to the ring-like or circular appearance of the infection on the skin.

Methods of transmission

Ringworm is contagious and can spread in the following ways:

·         Human to human. Ringworm often spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

·         Object to human. Ringworm can spread through contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has touched, such as clothing, towels, bed linens, combs or brushes.

·         Animal to human. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, are often carriers of ringworm. Other animals that are often carriers of the fungi include cows, goats, pigs and horses. Your child can contract ringworm by grooming or petting an animal with ringworm.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp include:

·         One or more round patches of scaly skin where the hair has broken off at or just above the scalp

·         Patches that slowly expand or enlarge

·         Scaly, gray or reddened areas

·         Patches that have small black dots where the hair has broken off at the scalp

·         Brittle or fragile hair that easily pulls out

·         Tender or painful areas on the scalp

Risk factors

Risk factors for ringworm of the scalp include:

·         Age. Ringworm of the scalp is most common in toddlers and school-age children.

·         Exposure to other children. Outbreaks of ringworm are common in schools and child care centers where the infection easily spreads through close physical contact.

·         Exposure to pets. A pet, such as a cat or dog, can have the infection without showing any signs. Children can get the infection by touching or petting the animal

Complications

In some cases, ringworm of the scalp causes kerion — a severe, painful inflammation of the scalp. Kerion appears as soft, raised swellings that drain pus and cause thick, yellow crusting on the scalp.

Instead of breaking, the hair falls out or can be easily pulled out. Kerion may be caused by an overly vigorous reaction to the fungus and can lead to permanent scars and hair loss.

Prevention

Ringworm is difficult to prevent because the fungi that cause it are common and highly contagious. You can help reduce the risk of ringworm by taking these steps:

·         Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected persons or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid the infection.

·         Shampoo regularly. Be sure to wash your child's scalp regularly, especially after haircuts.

·         Keep clean. Be sure your child washes his or her hands often to avoid the spread of infection. Keep common or shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms.

·         Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. In some cases, though, you may not notice any signs of the disease. Ask your veterinarian to check your pets and domesticated animals for ringworm.

·         Don't share personal items. Teach your children not to let others use their clothing, towels, hairbrushes or other personal items, or to borrow such items from other children.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When ringworm of scalp   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

Effective Homoeopathic medicines are available for ringworm of scalp, some of the main remedies are given below-

ARSENICUM ALBUM 200—Arsenicum alb is one of the top remedies for ringworm of scalp with severe itching of scalp. Scalp with circular patches of bare spots, rough , dirty and covered with dry scales. Burning and itching of scalp , more at night. Hair becomes gray early, falling of hair. Falling of hair in patches.  Arsenic person is fastidious , upset about his disorder. Anguish and restlessness is another character of Arsenic patient. Thirst for small quantities of water frequently at short intervals is another leading symptom of Arsenic alb.

PSORINUM 200—Psorinum is another important remedy for ringworm of scalp with severe itching. Humid eruptions are seen on scalp. Moist , suppurating fetid eruptions.  Dry, lusterless, rough hair. Hair matted. Tangled hair. Wants the head kept warm, wants warm clothing even in summer. Extreme sensitiveness to cold. Profuse sweating  with filthy smell  throughout the body is characteristic to Psorinum.

ARCTIUM LAPPA 30—Arctium lappa is effective for ringworm of scalp , where the scalp is completely covered with grayish white crust . Most of the hair gone. Eruptions spread to the forehead , face and eras. In children bad smelling eruptions are seen on head. Suppuration of axillary glands are seen.

BROMIUM 30—Bromium is prescribed, where malignant scald head , oozing profusely , in places where the eruptions are dry, skin throws off with extreme tenderness of scalp.  From the eruption s there is an unbearable offensive odor  . Bromium is suited to especially children with light hair and blue eyes.

CALCAREA CARBONICUM 30—Calcarea carb is best for ringworm of scalp with yellow scabes upon the vertex, covering nearly the entire top of the head. Thick scabs on the scalp , bleeding when picked. Itching with dry encrusted foul smelling on head, better from scratching.  Profuse sweating of head, especially at night. Unhealthy ulcerative skin , even small wounds suppurates. Swelling of cervical region is another symptom. Cacarea carb patients are susceptible to cold , catches cold easily. Craving for eggs and indigestible things like dirt, chalk, coal, pencils etc  are characteristic to Calcarea carb.

MERCURIUS 30—Mercurius is indicated with pustular fetid eruptions on head with intolerable itching with yellow crusts. Hair falls out in temples and in sides.  Severe itching , worse at night and when warm in bed.  

MEZEREUM 30—Mezereum is best for ringworm of scalp , where dry eruptions are seen on head with intolerable itching, as if the head were in an ants nest. White scales peeling off from the eruption. Eruptions spread over the forehead, temples , eras and neck. Head covered with thick, leathery crusts , under which pus collects . Skull painful. Hair falls in handfuls.

VIOLA ODORATA 30—Viola tricolor is indicated with cracked, gummy, crusts on scalp, exuding profuse tenacious yellow fluid , matting of the hair together with swelling of cervical glands.