HOMOEOPATHY FOR RINGWORM

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved.

Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:

·         A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs

·         May itch

·         A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of red bumps

·         Slightly raised, expanding rings

·         A round, flat patch of itchy skin

·         Overlapping rings

Causes

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:

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

·         Animal to human. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It's also fairly common in cows.

·         Object to human. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.

·         Soil to human. In rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans by contact with infected soil. Infection would most likely occur only from prolonged contact with highly infected soil.

Risk factors

You're at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you:

·         Live in a warm climate

·         Have close contact with an infected person or animal

·         Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection

·         Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling

·         Wear tight or restrictive clothing

·         Have a weak immune system

Complications

A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.

Prevention

Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:

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

·         Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean.

·         Stay cool and dry. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.

·         Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm.

·         Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items. And don't borrow such things.

 

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  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.

BACILLINUM: Bacillinum is the head remedy for ring worm .  Glands enlarged and tender. Start treatment with this remedy. No other medicine for 24 hours . It should be repeated only once in a week. If there is no improvement  in two or three weeks , consider the following remedies.

SEPIA: Sepia is another excellent remedy for ringworm and it  should be tried if Sulphur fails. Ringworm in isolated spots. Ringworm on face.  Itching  not relieved by scratching, worse in bends of elbows and knees. Worse in open air and cold weather. Ringworm-like eruptions every spring.

SULPHUR: Intense itching and burning. Burning when scratched. Itching worse when scratching and washing. Worse at night. Unhealthy skin.  

TELLURIUM: Tellurium is very effective for ringworm on face, whole body, worse lower limbs, on single parts. Ring like lesions, offensive odors from the affected part.  Rings intersecting. Itching , worse in cool air.  Small red pimples , very bright red and very sharply defined with minute vesicles on them.  Ring worm with otorrhea

CHRYSAROBINUM: Chrysarobinum is effective for  vesicular ringworm. Foul smelling discharge and crust formation . Violent itching .Thighs , legs and ears are mostly affected. Scaly eruptions around the eyes and ears with pus underneath

CALCAREA CARB: Calcare carb.is suitable for  ringworm in pale and lymphatic  plethoric persons. Ringworm in obese persons.   Ringworm on head. Profuse seat on scalp, especially at night.  Chilly patient, sensitive to cold. Catch cold easily. Craving for eggs and indigestible things like, dirt, chalk, coal, pencils etc.  The person having  cold moist hands and feet

ARSENIC ALBUM: Arsenic alb is effective for ring worm on scalp.  Scalp is rough and dry. Severe itching and burning. The hair falls in patches. The patient feels  general debility, anxiety  and restlessness. Thirst for small quantities of water at short intervals.

PSORINUM:  Intense itching , scratches till it bleeds which give relief. Offensive smell from the affected part. Ringworm   black in  colour.

ARS SULPH FLAVATUM: Ars sulph flavatum is effective in ringworm  with whitish patches.

NATRUM MURIATICUM: Ringworm is black in color.  Intense itching, worse eating salt and at seashore.

SYPHILINUM: Syphilinum is prescribed when the ringworm is present  symmetrically. Syphilitic patients having great  neatness.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS: Skin is  dry, and is very sensitive to touch. The eruptions are accompanied by violent itching or burning. Scratching and cold bathing makes the condition worse.

TUBERCULINUM: Dry, harsh, sensitive, easily tanned skin. Intense itching, worse at night. Itching changes places on rubbing. Bran like scales from ringworm. Patient catches cold easily on slightest exposure, which ends in diarrhea. Very susceptible to changes of weather.