What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is the name commonly given to an infectious fungal disease medically called Dermaphytoses. This fungus produces symptoms of itching, redness, small blisters and scaly skin on the feet, hands, nails, scalp and arms. Other names for this skin complaint are Tinea or Athletes Foot.
There are many treatment options for helping to soothe and calm the itch associated with ringworm and these may also help to eradicate the fungus from the body also.
Skin complaints often present on the skins surface due to internal environmental changes within the body. Fungi are opportunistic and will arise when the internal conditions are suitable for it to multiply. The ideal conditions for it spreading are an overly acidic digestive system and blood pH, decreased liver function, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, alcohol and limited amounts of good bacteria throughout the digestive tract.
- An alkalising diet is imperative to change the acid PH of the blood and digestion which these fungi thrive on.
- Begin each day with a small glass of warm water with 1/2 a lemon squeezed into it. Lemon has a very alkalising and cleansing effect on the digestion, bowels and skin.
- The homeopathic remedy Thuja is specific for ridding the body of overgrown micro-organisms such as ringworm. You should be able to find the Boiron range of homeopathics easily from your local health food store. You can also buy Thuja as a topical cream from the brand Greenridge.
- Colloidal silver and Olive leaf extract are powerful antifungals.
- Take apple cider vinegar internally and also dab it onto infected area. Apple cider vinegar may help to restore pH balance to the skin and gut.
- Creams which contain Tea tree oil, calendula, manuka honey, colloidal silver, aloe vera and neem may give relief to inflamed, itchy skin and also provide anti-fungal effects straight to the skin when applied topically.
- Plenty of onion and garlic in the diet is important as it contains nutrients to kill bacteria and fungi.
- Specific anti-fungal herbs taken internally such as Olive leaf, Pau D'arco, Wormwood, Golden Seal, Rhubarb and Echinacea may help to eradicate the causative fungi from the system.
Natural supplements for ringworm.
- A supplement containing high doses of a complete probiotic such as Ethical Nutrients Inner Health Plus will ensure more good bacteria grows within the digestive system.
- A supplement containing the herbs St Marys Thistle, Dandelion Root, Schizandra or Burdock may help.
- Some recommended brands which contain these herbs are Fusion Health Liver Tonic, Greenridge Liverplex or Blackmores Livatone. Liver treatment is extremely beneficial to reduce acidity, an underlying candida problems which help to feed the fungi and cleanse the blood and bowels.
I recommend to do the above therapies for at least 2 months to give the body a thorough cleanse and detoxification.
In naturopathic medicine it is common practice to "weed, seed and feed" these conditions of overgrowth.
- Weed = removal of contributing fungus by starving it off the environment it needs to thrive (acid and sugar).
- Seed = planting the beneficial bacteria to support better health (acidophilius).
- Feed = continuing this practice of health by continual cleansing of the liver and digestion and by eating foods that encourage a healthy alkaline balance.
Please also see our newsletter on the www.askanaturopath.com website which focuses on liver detoxification.