Ringworm is really not a worm, but rather a fungal infection that thrives on
the outer layers of the scalp, skin, and nails. This is the same fungus
"tinea" that causes “jock itch” and athlete’s foot.
Note that ringworm is very contagious. Like athlete’s foot, it spreads from one person to another
thru things like contaminated gym floors or shower stalls at health clubs, public swimming pools, and other communal
type facilities. Contact with an affected animal will also spread the infection.
This condition typically appears as a slightly scaly lesion on the skin. It starts out as a small round, itchy red spot. The infection heals from the inside of the circle to the outer rim, giving rise to the typical
ring like look. It often spreads from one area of the body to another.
Ringworm is not a serious infection, but it can be persistent. To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may gently scratch off some scaly particles from a lesion and examine them under a microscope. The fungus also tends to have a characteristic glow under ultraviolet light. With prompt treatment, ringworm generally clears up in a few weeks. If the fungus is not treated correctly, however, it can lead to a chronic rash or hair loss.
A related problem, tinea versicolor, shows up as a blotchy white discoloration of the skin. The darker the skin tone of the infected person, the more obvious the discoloration is. In a very light skinned person, it may not be visible at all unless he or she gets a suntan (the affected areas will remain white) or unless it is looked at under ultraviolet light. Other than the characteristic skin discoloration, tinea versicolor produces few if any symptoms. |
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Helpful notes |
|
Multi-vitamin
Mineral supplement |
should
contain B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin
C, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin D, acidophilus, magnesium, and calcium to aid in treatment and prevention of yeast infections and
other related female problems. The nutrients in a daily
supplement are required for general good health and well
being. |
|
Olive
leaf extract |
helps boost the immune
system and has anti-fungal properties works well with
dandelion and myrrh |
|
Flax
seed |
helps with infections
and inflammation |
|
Garlic |
this herb has
anti-fungal properties useful for ringworm fungus and similar infections. |
|
vitamin
C |
strengthens
the body's immune system |
|
Zinc |
for the immune system and
is also required for the proper utilization of vitamin A in
the human body. |
|
Beta carotene |
contain important nutrients for
the skin |
|
Selenium |
mineral helps with immune system
and fungal type infections. |
|
|
All information presented on this web
page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to
administer to any
physical ailments. In all
matters related to your health please contact a
qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by
GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb
Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA |