Ringworm
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Romelle
Posted on: January 28, 2000

My grandaughter has had ringworms for about two years now. I have tried over the counter medicines of every kind. Also I have tried several perscription medicines. Nothing has stoped them. She just keeps geting more and more. What am I to do now? Is there some kind of herbs that may help?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin that is encouraged to grow under warm, moist conditions or where the skin is irritated. One source is from animals. It may spread by contact with infected clothes, combs or brushes. Ringworm on the body is often easily healed by keeping the area scrupulously clean, dry and exposed to air, and with an external application of anti-fungal herbs such as diluted Tea Tree oil or Calendula tincture applied three times a day. On the face and scalp, especially in children, it may be more difficult.

As well as the external treatment, ringworm is usually treated internally with anti-fungal herbs and herbs that increase the body’s resistance to infection and encourage lymphatic drainage. A tea or tincture of Echinacea, Cleavers (Galium aparine), Calendula and Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), three times a day, will work to boost resistance and improve lymphatic drainage and elimination to help clear the infection. You should be able to find such a mixture at a health food store.

Where ringworm is resistant to anti-fungal treatment, it may be caused by underlying disease, which should be explored by your doctor.

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