Ringworm Risks

Dermatophytes is the name of the fungi that causes the infection called ringworm. This infection can affect nails, skin, and hair. This infection is not dependent on sunlight in order for it to thrive and if one leaves it untreated, it has the ability to cause serious infections.

Dead skin cells, toe nails, finger nails and hair contain keratin that dermatophytes live on. This infection is known as tinea capitis when it reaches the scalp. It is circular in shape and can extend with time. This rash is greyish or red in color and results in scaly skin. This form of infection is highly contagious and mostly occurs in young children, especially young girls, when they use borrowed hair clips or hair brushes. This infection can be passed on from one child to another. When the infection becomes severe it can reach the subcutaneous region and results in a condition called kerion. Now this form of infection makes the scalp spongy. It appears as inflamed skin, accompanied by a cavity filled with pus around that area and can result in permanent hair loss or scars when the pus bursts. There are chances of small pimples forming around the infected area. When the kerion bursts, the pus gets drained and can leave behind scars.

Dermatophytes is found on healthy skin too, and can cause infections when it gains access to the areas where it can thrive. When it comes to the nails and the nail beds, this form of fungi can access the areas through the smallest microscopic tear in the cuticle, under the nails and in the skin around the nails.

It is also known by the name tinea unguium or onychomycosis. It is estimated that around 10% of the population is affected by this form of infection. In its milder form, it can lead to the discoloration of the nails. In more severe cases, it can lead to nail deformity as well as to the crumbling of the nails.

In the typical case of a ringworm infection, the infection causes a rash on the skin along with a scaly appearance. The small tears in the skin provide easy access for this form of fungi to enter the skin’s layers and cause infections. Infections caused by bacteria of the secondary type are a common complication that is found in ringworm infections. Bacteria like streptococcus or staphylococcus can be found on healthy skin and they then enter the skin through minor tears.

They can also enter when the chemical barrier on the skin, which repels the pathogens, gets compromised. Cellulitis is the name of the infection that is caused by this particular form of bacteria. The common symptoms that accompany this form of infection are pain, fever, fatigue and tenderness. When it is a severe case, the infections can spiral into bone infection, gangrene and meningitis.

Essential Oils for Treating Ringworm

There are a few oils that are very helpful when it comes to the treatment of ringworm, and they are:

Jojoba Oil- This type of oil is used to treat skin infections like eczema, warts, psoriasis, acne and ringworm. Since it is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory in nature, it works so well on the skin. It is considered to be good for hair and used in the treatment of baldness. In order to treat ringworm, one should apply the oil daily on the affected area. Regular use of the oil can lead to a cure of skin infections. In a few cases, people also add lavender oil to make the treatment more effective.

Lemon Grass Oil– This oil was used in ancient times in countries like China and India. It is used to treat various medical conditions. Since it has anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties, it is a good oil to try. In order to treat ringworm infections, there are three ways to use this oil. One can apply a paste made from the plant on the affected area. It can also be used as an oil, and it is advisable to mix it with oils like almond or jojoba oil. It can also be consumed in the form of tea. If you choose to use this extract as an oil or paste, you should rub it in two to three times a day until it completely cures the infection.

Coconut Oil– This form of oil is used to cure many skin-related infections and is highly recommended to be used by people who suffer from ringworm on the scalp.

It is anti-fungal due to lauric acid that it contains as well as its anti-inflammatory and that is why it is perfect for treating the scalp. It is recommended that this oil be used three to four times a day. One should keep in mind to use only the best quality coconut oil, otherwise it will not work effectively.

Tea Tree Oil – This form of oil is widely used to treat a lot of infections like a sore throat, colds, nail fungal infection, athlete’s foot, vaginal infections and ringworm. This oil works for so many conditions because it is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-septic and anti-microbial. This oil can only be used topically and should not be taken orally. To treat ringworm infections, use this oil two to three times a day and until the infection is completely treated.

Lavender Oil– This form of oil is known to treat anxiety and stress and is also effective in treating skin infections like ringworm.  Since it has anti-septic and anti-fungal properties, it is an effective way to treat ringworm. This oil should be used either externally or through aromatherapy. It should be used like the rest of oils that have been mentioned on the list above, at least two to three times a day. It is recommended to add jojoba oil to make it more effective.

Essentail Oil: Manuka

Leptospermum Scoparium is the scientific name for this oil and is expensive in comparison to the Australian Tea Tree Oil. The reason for it being costly is the amount of medicinal properties that it contains and it is also antifungal, as well as anti-allergenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.  It is relatively new in the field of aromatherapy and has been used for years in New Zealand, where this tree comes from. The oil is extracted from the Manuka leaves by using the method of distillation by steam.  The oil is made of these ingredients: linalol, pinene, caryophyllene, leptospermone, humulene and geraniol. The interesting feature of this oil is that the concentration in which the components of this oil are available depends on the height of the tree.

This oil is used to treat dandruff, as it maintains the oil and moisture balance of the scalp. It is the lack of both these things that result in dandruff. You can blend it with another oil before using it on your head and it can be put in bath water. One can blend the oil with essential oils of Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium, Lavandin, Lavender, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Pine, Rosemary and Ylang-Ylang.

It is also used for treating insect bites by applying the oil on the affected area.

Since it is anti-bacterial, it is also used to treat infections that can be caused by bacteria in the respiratory tract, the colon and the urinary system. This oil is highly effective in treating fungal infections and other types of infections as well. One example is ear infections, which can be cured by putting one or two drops of the oil in the infected ear.

The oil is capable of treating any form of inflammation, be it respiratory or nasal. It can also treat the digestive tract if one has eaten spicy food. It also treats inflammation in the circulatory system, which is caused by the ingestion of toxins.

Histamine is a condition that cause a really bad spell of coughing and this oil is believed to treat this condition, as it reduces the histamine production in the body. This oil is also used to treat various allergies, since allergies are a reaction to certain foreign elements of the body. This oil is helpful in reducing the appearance of scars by promoting the growth of new cells and it protects existing wounds from further infections. Since it promotes the growth of new cells, it is even used to heal the wounds and is given to patients who suffer from serious injuries, like after a major surgery or accident.

The oil acts as a deodorant and a relaxant by providing freshness to the body. Moreover, the aroma helps keep the mind calm and at peace. The oil is very good for hyper-sensitive people.

Apart from the above listed benefits, the oil is also good at curing rashes, chafing and itching. One should remember to consult with a doctor before using any new oil, even if it is extremely safe.

Essential Oil: Citronella

This is a kind of grass which is grown in a few islands of the South Pacific and in some Asian countries. This has been named Citronella because of the fresh, lemon smell that is produced from the grass. There are two types of this grass from which the essential oil is extracted. One is from the Java region and its scientific name is Cymbopogon Winterianus and the essential ingredients of this oil are citronellal, geraniol, geranyl acetate and limonene. The other one is grown in the Ceylon region and its scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus. The essential ingredients of this oil are methyl isoeugenol, geraniol, citronellol, citronellal and limonene. The oil is extracted by a process that requires the plant to be steam distilled.  Indonesia and China are considered the major producers of this variety of oil. In a few other countries, the oil is produced in smaller quantities.

The oil is an antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory substance.  It is also used as a deodorant, insect repellent, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.  It is also used to flavor foods and there are many medical benefits that are listed here.

Citronella has a tonic property which means that the essential oil of citronella has a toning effect on the body. The oil tones up excretion, digestion, the brain and the nervous system and at the same time makes the body strong and immune.

The essential oil of Citronella has a stimulating effect on blood circulation, secretions and discharges like enzymes and hormones. It also increases the activity in the nervous system of the brain.

Citronella is useful in removing intestinal worms. One should give it to children in mild doses as they are prone to these kind of worms. This oil is highly effective on tape worms and round worms. These worms cause a lot of harm on the physical and mental growth, by affecting the nutrient absorbing qualities of the body. You can improve your quality of life by removing such parasites, with the help of this oil.

The lemony aroma of the oil removes bad body odor and is typically used for body sprays and deodorants. One can also use it while bathing by mixing it in bath water.

This oil is good for those suffering from depression and provides relief from depression, anxiety, and negative feelings.

Citronella essential oil reduces inflammation, particularly in situations which include the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system.

This oil inhibits fungal growth by killing the fungus. This is highly useful when it comes to infections in the nose, throat and ears by treating the fungal infections common to these parts of the body.

The oil contains antiseptic properties and it helps in fighting infections in open wounds, as well as in the urethra, urinary tracts, kidneys and prostate. At the same time, it protects these organs from becoming sepsis. The use of this oil leads to sweating, which is good for removing toxins from the body.

Apart from all these benefits, one should keep in mind to not use it on children or pregnant women. If it consumed in high concentration, then it is said to cause dermatitis or skin irritation.

Fighting Fungus with Vitamins

Fungal infections will rarely cause any serious infections and will go away on their own.  This is thanks to the body’s internal defense system. There are certain types of vitamins that fight fungal infections, as well as prevent them from reoccurring. There is a lot that needs to be studied in this area, but it is advisable that one speak with a medical practitioner before deciding which vitamins should be taken to fight these fungal infections.

Below are three of these vitamins that are known for their anti-fungal properties and studies are still being done to understand how they fight fungal infections and to what extent.

Vitamin C – Research was conducted to check for the anti-fungal properties of this vitamin and there were positive results. C. albicans were suppressed by Vitamin C to stop the growth and proliferation of fungi in the body.

Vitamin B-3 – This vitamin is the best source for fighting fungal infections. In animal research Vitamin B-3 has proven to reduce the ability of fungus to grow and multiply.

Vitamin D – According to a review published in October 2011 in an issue of the Dermato Endocrinology Journal, this vitamin is believed to have antimicrobial qualities and can fight against various pathogens, including fungal infections.  The authors of the article have written that Vitamin D can reduce the risk of infection.  However, it is not clear if this will be helpful if one already has a fungal infection. There have been studies which claim that when Vitamin D is taken in higher doses, it reduces fungal infections.

Since research in this field is still new and ongoing, there is still a long way to go in order to prove whether or not these vitamins have any effect on the prevention of infection and fighting them. It is highly recommended that if  you are suffering from a fungal infection you should consult a doctor and not treat the infection on your own. Some vitamins are hard to flush out of the body. You should be cautious because if one takes high doses of this vitamin then there is a serious and dangerous risk of increasing the toxic levels in your body.

Treat Foot Fungus with Tea Tree Oil

Many people use tea tree oil to cure common ailments. It has been recommended by generations of people in Australia over several hundred years. The oil is made from a type of plant called tea tree that is native to the lands of Australia and New Zealand. It is well known for having both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it ideal for treating common foot ailments like foot fungus and infections. Many researchers have performed studies on tea tree oil but this home remedy works quite slowly. This affects the results of these trials because many patients drop out before the test is complete, because it may often go on for weeks or even months at a time. As such, most of the data that scientists receive from clinical trials is worthless because the test was not complete when the patient dropped out.

Some studies have shown that there has been considerable success in treating fungal infections on the feet. Fungal infections that respond positively to tea tree oil include toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. By applying tea tree oil at least twice a day, you may be able to see improvements in the spread and side effects of fungal infections. It can clear up serious infections in around six months, but many people experience improvements well before the six-month mark. While tea tree oil is not the best smelling oil, many people do achieve the desired results by using this oil.

When you are using tea tree oil, it is best to follow some best practice tips. These tips include the following:

• Make sure you clean your feet very thoroughly before you apply tea tree oil. You should always clean your feet carefully, to prevent the spread and growth of the fungus. This is because fungal infections thrive in areas that are dark, warm and moist and keeping your feet clean and dry destroys their comfortable environment. If you have toenail fungus, try to keep the nail area clean and keep your nails in good condition, avoiding nail polish.

Keep your nails long to cover your skin so you do not cut the infected area. Make sure you switch out your nail file regularly because these will harbor germs when you are trying clear up a fungal infection.

• Make sure that you apply the tea tree oil at least twice a day. You have to be consistent with the treatment if you want it to work properly. This is why you must apply it at least twice a day every day. You will see results quickly, but for the tea tree oil to have its full effect, you must use it regularly for at least six months. Otherwise, you are taking the risk of the infection returning. Before you use tea tree oil, make sure that you are not allergic to it by testing some of it on your skin. Should you find that it irritates your skin, consider diluting it with some water or another oil. If you are not bothered by the oil, then you can apply it all over the infected area. If you are applying the tea tree oil to the nails, make sure you cover the whole nail. After you apply the oil, let everything dry and avoid putting on shoes for a while.

The best shoes to wear when you are trying to get rid of afungal foot infection are open-toed sandals so that your feet can breathe and heal.

Another option for improving fungal infections is to visit the nearest beach. Sand will help to exfoliate your feet naturally and it will remove a lot of the dead skin that is a result of athlete’s foot. Salt water is also a great cure for skin ailments.

Can You Inherit Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is an infection that is usually considered a type of fungal infection. It is usually found growing in between your toes and sometimes on the sole of your foot. The rash is usually red and it is often irritated, which causes both itching and burning. The Mayo Clinic says that out of all the fungal infections, athlete’s foot is one of the most prevalent types. It usually responds to the treatment and disappears, but it also grows back at a frustratingly high rate.

Over the years, many studies have been done to better understand athlete’s foot. Two studies, in particular, were particularly useful in explaining this fungal infection. Some scientists discovered that there are actually genetic reasons for athlete’s foot. These researchers from the University College of London as well as Radboud University published results stating that two different genetic mutations can be at fault for stubborn cases of athlete’s foot. When someone has one of these genetic mutations, their immune system is not able to effectively fight off the disease and can even let further infections develop in the body.

Regardless of this study, athlete’s foot is an infectious disease. It is not considered a genetic disease. While your genes and your general health may make you more susceptible to contracting these fungal infections, it does not mean that you will have fungal infections for your entire life. If you do have one of these genetic mutations, you must simply work harder to prevent athlete’s foot.

Preventing athlete’s foot is not easy and using preventative methods is not a guaranteed way to ensure you do not catch the disease. However, you should understand how you can contract athlete’s foot and how to avoid those situations. Most people catch athlete’s foot from areas like pools, gym locker rooms, water theme parks and other changing areas where people often go barefoot.

You may also contract it from infected instruments used for pedicures or from dirty sheets or towels. Maybe someday gyms, pools, and spas will make their floors anti-microbial, but until then you just have to be careful.

Avoiding gyms, spas and pools is ridiculous but there is an easier answer. Do not walk around barefoot on these surfaces. Always bring a pair of sandals or water shoes when you are in these areas, to protect your feet from infected surfaces. You should also avoid sharing your towel with other people. If your shoes and socks get wet, you should let them dry and change them. Shoes and socks are warm, dark and wet and this is the kind of environment that athlete’s foot fungus loves to grow in.

Foot powders are usually recommended to keep your feet dry and to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. A new alternative that is being explored is using ultra-violet light to sanitize shoes. This technique can kill 99.9% of the fungus and bacteria living in your shoes. It is not a sure way to prevent athlete’s foot, but it may help those who have to deal with chronic fungal infections.

Natural Athlete’s Foot Prevention

A scientist from New York University has a message for people everywhere. He wants everyone to understand that you could have a fungal infection lurking somewhere on your foot at any time. He understands that you have been told that athlete’s foot is spread from person to person because it is so contagious. Dr. Rudolf L. Baer says that fungus does not really spread from one person to another, as a result of having stepped on a contaminated mat or floor. In fact, taking normal precautions will not prevent athlete’s foot infections for most people.

The common belief is that you can avoid being infected by athlete’s foot by steering clear of the known causes of it. In reality, when you catch athlete’s foot it is usually your own fault. Athlete’s foot isn’t the rampantly contagious fungal infection that doctors and the media say it is. In most cases, someone who is infected and someone who is not infected can use the same surfaces and the non-infected person will never know the difference. For most people, athlete’s foot has little to do with walking barefoot at pools or locker room areas. In reality, athlete’s foot is actually caused by the following issues:

• People who do not wash and thoroughly dry their feet after participating in sports or walking through water are more likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who wear athletic shoes or other types of shoes that trap water are more likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who wear the same shoes everyday are more likely to get athlete’s foot. This prevents the shoes from being able to dry properly and they can develop mold this way.
• People who share their socks and shoes with other people are more likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who wear dirty socks are more likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who wear the same pair of shoes for sports and for general use are more likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who wear socks that do not release moisture or let air in are likely to get athlete’s foot.
• People who try on sample shoes at a store without wearing socks or a stocking are more likely to become infected with athlete’s foot.

The biggest cause of athlete’s foot is the failure to prevent moisture from building up in their shoes and socks and continuing to wear them even when they are wet. Even when your shoes do not feel wet, if you wore them for a long time or if you were exercising while wearing them, there is probably moisture in them. A second cause of athlete’s foot is when your immune system isn’t strong enough to fight it off. To prevent your immune system from weakening, you should try to lead a generally healthy life.

The scientists from New York University performed tests to prove that most cases of fungal infections are usually your own fault. The scientists tested one hundred staff members who had never had athlete’s foot. Then, they subjected them to 30 minute foot baths in water that was full of athlete’s foot fungus. After 6 weeks of this, they found that almost half of the feet of the staff had the fungus living on the surface. However, none of the subjects suffered from an actual fungal infection.

Contrary to popular belief, people might actually want to avoid the most common measures to prevent fungal infections. Many of them are  not only worthless, but are occasionally harmful. You should avoid using sprays and sterilizers that are made from chemicals on your feet or in your shoes. Some chemicals can be so irritating that they may actually cause infections themselves. Instead, try the following tips to try to naturally prevent future infections of athlete’s foot:

• You should try to wear socks and shoes that are made from a light fabric that lets in air.
• You can try to use a foot powder that is mild to help keep your feet dry.
• If you feel like you have a lot of moisture between your toes, place some lamb’s wool there.
• Never put shoes and socks on wet feet.
• Always change your socks when you change your shoes.
• Use soaps that don’t include harsh chemicals or detergents when you are washing your feet.

Eight Percent of Americans Suffer from Foot Issues

How much do you know about the health of your feet? Almost everyone (nearly 8 out of 10 people) have at least one kind of foot problem that is so bad that it affects their daily life. Out of everyone surveyed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, almost half of them said that have had more than one foot problem and one third said that they have had more than three issues on their feet.

People who suffer from foot issues also have an increased chance in having other health problems as well. 65% of people who have weight issues experience regular foot pain. 59% of people who have back problems also have foot pain. 64% of people who suffer from arthritis also have issues with their feet. 52% of people who have discomfort in their knees feel similar discomfort in their feet. Finally, 32% of people who have problems with their circulation also experience regular foot pain.

Some of the most common issues with feet that people experience include fungal infections, ingrown toenails, smelly feet, heel pain, bunions and high heel pain. Other common issues include bone spurs, stress fractures, tendinitis, hammertoes and nerve issues like pinched nerves.

Almost 51% of the people surveyed about the health of their feet said that their foot problems are so uncomfortable that they actually affect their mobility. They find it difficult to walk and stand. They also find it hard to sleep, play, work, exercise or even travel. While everyone agreed that something had to be done about their foot ailments, only 20% of people actually thought about taking care of their feet to restore their health.

In many cases, small issues become big problems and then people usually end up seeing their doctor. Surprising, no one really thinks about seeing a foot specialist for these issues even when they know a podiatrist will have more knowledge than their general physician. Most people try to avoid going to the doctor altogether by diagnosing their condition online and using products they can buy from their pharmacy. If you can diagnose your problem correctly, this may save you time and money.

One company has even created a new product that uses an ultraviolet light to eliminate disease causing microbes without damaging your shoes. It is specifically designed to help with fungal infections and smelly feet. The device works as a sanitizer. If you put it in your shoes, it is said to kill almost 99.9% of the disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungus that live inside your shoes. This interesting gadget was designed with people who have foot problems in mind and is the most ideal option for those who suffer regularly from fungal infections, like athlete’s foot, warts, foot odor and ulcers caused by diabetes. One of the main reasons that foot infections are recurring is because people treat their feet, but not their shoes. The cause of their infections actually lives inside of their shoes and you infect yourself whenever you put your shoes back on. But often it is hard to clean shoes properly and some shoes cannot be sent through the washing machine.

Podiatrists used to tell their patients to throw away their old footwear to prevent reinfection. But by using UV light to sanitize your footwear, there is no need to throw out all of your shoes when you get an infection.