Archive for August, 2009

Antifungal Creams Ringworm

Dermatophyte infections can greatly affect quality of life, but rarely do they pose serious or life threatening problems.  With the use of an antifungal fungal creams ringworm, which is a dermatophyte infection, can be healed. Treating the fungal infection may be a long drawn out procedure, as different types of ringworm infections need different treatments.  Even with proper treatment instances of reoccurrence are not unheard of.  Discontinuing the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Be sure to use the products exactly as directed and to keep the skin area dry and clean.

Tinea Corporis or Ringworm, the more common term used for a superficial dermatophyte infection characterized by either itchy inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions on the skin.  Another typical factor found in most antifungal creams is that it contains a second active ingredient to reduce the itching. Ringworm infections can be avoided by keeping the skin clean and dry, changing socks and underwear each day.  Other measures include not sharing clothing or towels and wearing some type of shower shoe or sandal when in public showers or locker rooms.

While there are numerous home remedies for ringworm, antifungal creams are readily available over the counter and easy to use to treat all types of ringworm infections.  Be sure to use the products exactly as directed and to keep the skin area dry and clean. You should always follow the directions given for the specific antifungal cream you choose. Whether or not your condition is not improving within a few days of use, you should continue to use the antifungal product for the length of time recommended before trying something else. If it is obvious that a condition is not improving, a simple solution may be a variation of strength of the active ingredient. Another option is try a different antifungal ingredient. There are different strengths available and they will also have recommendations for length of use.

If you use an antifungal cream to treat ringworm, you should first wash the infected area with soap and water.  Next remove flaky skin and dry thoroughly. If there are large areas of blistered sores, use compresses to soothe and dry out the blisters. Completely cover the site with antifungal cream beyond the edge or border of the fungal infection.  The directions on the package should be followed carefully. Treatment will probably need to be continued for at least two to four weeks.

Tea Tree Oil Ringworm

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic. It is also a germicide, antibacterial, fungicide. It is used by many people for a wide variety of things.  There is no end to the uses of tea tree oil.  It is used to treat things like athletes foot, cold and flu, oral thrush, cold sores and canker sores, tooth ache and gum infections, ringworm, candida, head lice or louse, cleanser additive, gum problems, mosquito bites, bug repellent, cockroaches, deter flees, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, after shave, sunburn, anorectic or vaginal yeast infections, unwanted body odors, acne, toe nail infections, and believe it or not, the list goes on.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a multi-purpose herb that goes back to the Aboriginal people of Australia. For thousands of years now they have used theses leaves as an antiseptic and antifungal by crushing the leaves and creating mudpacks.  In 1770, the name tea tree oil was given to the herb by the British explorer Captain James Cook and his crew. The Australian natives kept it relatively secret for years but their government considered tea tree oil a World War II essential ingredient in their armed forces’ first aid kits. Increased use of pharmaceutical antibiotics decreased tea tree oil’s popularity everywhere except in Australia after the war. Tea tree oil started to regain favor in 1960 and today is also grown in California.

As mentioned above tea tree oil can be used to treat fungal infections. Tea tree oil is an excellent antifungal agent and can be used to treat Candida albicans, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, thrush, and onychomycosis, which are nail infections.  When using a treatment of tea tree oil ringworm will respond favorably by putting a few drops of tea tree oil in a handful of water as a rinse after thoroughly cleaning the area with soap and water, or tea tree oil can be added to a liquid soap or shampoo.  There are also shampoos and soaps available that already contain tea tree oil that can be bought just about anywhere.

For ringworm and nail infections, bath and laundry water can be disinfected by adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the tub and washing machine.  Applying a tea tree gel, cream, or essential oil are other ways to use tea tree oil on fungal infections such as ringworm.   Tea tree oil’s natural solvent properties make it a great product for washing cotton diapers; as a deodorizer, or disinfectant; to remove mold; and to treat houseplants for molds, fungus, and parasitic infections.

Ringworm Nail Polish

There is a new home treatment for ringworm, nail polish.   Believers suggest painting the infected area with clear nail polish and letting it dry.  Clear nail polish is the color of choice since colored ones will take longer to dry. The dried layer of nail polish is supposed to smother the fungus and cause it to die. Use a black light is recommended to locate and identify the fungus so the nail polish can be applied to the exact areas of infection.

Ringworm is a contagious, fungal infection of the skin. It is characterized mostly by scaly red rings which appear on the skin. Breakouts can occur anywhere on the body and the infection can range from minor all the way to a major where a goodly portion of the body is affected.  Ringworm is not necessarily a serious condition but it can be frustrating to stop the spreading and to get rid of the infection. Over-the-counter creams, drugs and doctor visits do not always work for everyone, so more and more people are opting for home remedies such as nail polish.

Use caution when choosing this route. There are some people that may be allergic to the contents in nail polish so this method should be used with care.  For people with delicate skin, this ringworm home treatment may not be their best solution option. Another thought to consider is the fumes for the polish itself. The majority of commercial nail polish still contains toxic elements such as toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.   These elements can affect the nervous system.  They can also cause liver damage, kidney damage and cancer.

Some steps to follow if using nail polish for ringworm treatment is apply clear nail polish to the ring worm site. Be sure to completely cover each fungal site with a layer of the polish. This suffocates the fungi.  Leave it on all day.  Remove the polish after eight hours with nail polish remover. The recommended way to do this is to soak a paper towel or napkin in the remover and hold it over the infected area for a few minutes. Dispose of the paper towel after use to keep from spreading the infection.  Let the area dry out thoroughly for about fifteen minutes.  Reapply the clear nail polish to the infected site. Repeat these steps until the ringworm disappears. Colored nail polish should be avoided as it stains clothes. Remember, be consistent with whatever home remedy you choose for best results.

Cure Ringworm

Depending on who you talk to, there are as many remedies for ringworm as there are types of ringworm infections, more actually.   Over the counter creams and ointments can provide relief for ringworm and oral products can be taken for effective treatment of severe cases of ringworm skin infections.  Do-it-yourself home remedies are also touted as just the thing to cure ringworm.

What is ringworm?  Fungal infections that are on the surface or top layer of the skin are referred to as ringworm.  These are called dermatophytes which mean “skin fungi.”  Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. The Greeks called it Herpes meaning circular or ring form.  In Roman times the disease was believed to be associated with the larval stage of Tinea, the genus for clothes moth. The two names were eventually combined to the term “ringworm”.

Fungal infections like ringworm, while contagious are not necessarily dangerous to a person or the people around them.  It is rarely serious, but in most cases requires treatment of some kind. Most people who come down with ringworm infections are healthy.  There is sometimes a problem with infection and re-infection within families, communities, and schools.

What happens when ringworm starts to develop is a small area of infected skin tends to spread outwards. It typically develops into a circular, red, inflamed patch of skin. This infection can affect both animals and humans. The appearance of the rash may vary depending on which type of fungus causes the infection.  The fungi can travel around the body in the blood stream which enables them to spread to the warm, moist areas of the body.

Precautions can be taken to avoid ringworm type infections.  Staying away from and avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with a human infected with ringworm or contact with an animal infected with ringworm is always a good idea.  Sharing another person’s towel or bedding could cause ringworm to spread. Things like playing in the dirt, while very rare, have even been thought to cause the spread of ringworm infections.

To cure ringworm infection is a process.  Trial and error play a big part in coming up with a solution that works best for each individual.  Whichever ringworm remedy you choose to use be consistent.  Follow the directions carefully and continue the treatment for awhile even if symptoms disappear.  This will ensure that the infection is completely gone and lessens the likelihood of reoccurrence.

Get Rid Ringworm

Fungal infections like ringworm have been around for centuries and for just as long people having been searching for ways to get rid of ringworm and other ailments that plague us.  Some people are more susceptible to fungal infections than others. The tendency to get fungal skin infections or to have them return after treatment seems to run in families. These are some of the most commonly contracted minor medical conditions.  Treatments for this type of dermatophyte infection run the gamut from prescription pharmaceuticals to over the counter products like creams and powders, and even to a myriad of home remedies.  One such example of a home remedy used to get rid of ringworm is apple cider vinegar.

If you decide to try this some things you will need on hand are apple cider vinegar, band aids, clomitrazole, soap, water, and a wash cloth.   The first step is to clean the affected area with soap and water, and let it dry. Do not scratch, and make sure you are using a separate towel and do not re-use it before laundering to avoid a greater chance of the ringworm infection spreading.  Next, apply or dab the apple cider vinegar with a q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm. Be prepared for a slight stinging sensation.  This normal and is a sign that it is killing the infection.

Apply the clomitrazole next with a different q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm completely cover the affected area even going past the edges of the site.  Cover the ringworm completely with a band-aid or bandage if necessary.  It is recommended to follow these steps for seven to ten days.  When the ringworm is gone it will appear flat, but just to be on the safe side keep applying the clomitrazole for another week to be sure the fungus is gone

Things to remember when dealing with a ringworm infection are if you come in contact with the ringworm make sure you wash your hands to prevent spreading it. If the ringworm has not gone away after the seven to ten day period days you may choose to go to the doctor as soon as possible or try another remedy.  Be consistent with whatever home remedy you choose. There are many personal examples of persons who have treated ringworm.  Educate yourself, get as much information as you can and then choose the option to get rid of ringworm that suites you best.

Bed Bug Treatment of Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Bed bug bites will usually affect only the skin surface.  Bed bugs inject an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck, along with a numbing agent to keep you from feeling them while they are feeding off of their victim. The bites appear as small itchy red bumps known as papules or wheals. If you find the bumps in a linear or clustered fashion this usually indicates repeated feedings by a single Bed bug. Bed bugs do not carry pathogens like ticks and mosquitoes.  Bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease to humans, although they may be carriers of the organisms that cause hepatitis B and Chagas’ disease.

Adult Bed bugs are generally flattened and reddish brown in color. They closely resemble apple seeds in appearance and size. Newly hatched nymphs look very much like the adults of the species but they are almost colorless. The reddish brown color is gained as they mature. The adult Bed bug is capable of laying up to 5 eggs daily. These eggs are extremely hard to see with the naked eye and resemble a speck of dust on a dark surface.

Bed bug treatment as pertains to bites is aimed at relieving symptoms. Bites usually resolve within one to two weeks. Topical creams can be used to relieve itching.  Those with cortisone or a similar ingredient work well. Scratching should be avoided if at all possible to prevent infection. Consult your doctor if you have severe reactions. Some people are actually allergic to Bed bugs. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids may be recommended for severe allergic reaction. Antihistamines are suggested to help relieve allergic reactions symptoms. A rare possibility exists that anaphylactic shock may occur as an allergic reaction to the substances the Bed bug inject while feeding. Bed bug bites do not normally require medical attention. They will go away in a few days. If you have bites that do not go away or that look infected, see your doctor for Bed bug treatment.

When trying to prevent Bed bugs some factors to consider that will increase your chances of a Bed bug infestation are climate, type of housing, and living with pets in your home.  Bed bugs love tropical areas, although they are not limited to these areas.  Infestation is more likely in apartments and homeless shelters where there is a high turnover.  This is much more so than in single-family homes.  Pets like cats and dogs can carry Bed bugs right into the home.

Because of their small size of less than one fourth of an inch Bed bugs can hide in the seams of baggage when you travel or boxes shipped from an infested source. College dorms, hotels, motels, shelters and even apartment complexes are a great food source for the Bed bugs. Anywhere where there are plenty of mattresses and warm blooded bodies are the favorite spots.  Even renting to a new roommate could be an invitation to Bed bugs. The Bed bugs can come along in boxes, bags and hidden in furniture. Use of a high quality Bed bug spray is a good idea for frequent treatment in any hotels, motels, personal dwellings and anywhere Bed bugs could pose a potential problem.

If you suspect Bed bugs are already present in your home and you haven’t been able to get rid of Bed bug yet, wearing nightclothes that cover as much skin as possible is a viable option until you can kill Bed bugs living in your home.  Look for these signs that will let you know that Bed bugs are present:
-    Small bloodstains on sheets and mattresses
-    Specks of blood behind wallpaper or other sites of heavy infestation
-    Insect excrement at the entry to hiding places in furniture crevices and walls
-    A strong pungent odor caused by Bed bugs’ oil secretions

Most people would rather not have Bed bugs or Cimex lectularius more formally, for houseguests. These parasites are usually no more than one fourth of an inch in length in their adult state and can stuff themselves with human blood in less than fifteen minutes. This causes their bodies to fill to as much as three times its usual size. When stuffed to the max, bed bugs bear little resemblance to their original state. They are often mistaken for a different insect altogether.

Bed bugs are not newcomers and have been around for centuries. Records going back well into the 17th century have documented infestations of bed bugs and bed bug treatment. In the United States, bed bugs were very commonplace until the Second World War. With the introduction of such pesticides as DDT there was a decrease in infestations.  It was not until the last decade that reported cases gave an indication of a possible rise in bed bug infestations.

Experts believe that the growing number of reports can be attributed to the tactics used to kill Bed bugs by the pest control companies today. Baiting tactics by pest control experts are used for home infestations of such things as ants, roaches, and spiders. These tricks with baiting work well for this type of pest, but since bed bugs are blood feeders you can’t get rid of Bed bugs this way. This change in exterminating technique has contributed to the rise in reported bed bug infestations.

Bed bugs are able to lay between one and five eggs per day with an incubation period of ten days in warm weather. This period is slightly longer when the weather is cool. These newly hatched bed bugs will need five significant feedings of blood to become adult size. Bed bugs shed their exoskeleton during a molting process in between feedings. Once they reach maturity they will start the process over and lay new eggs.  Adult female Bed bugs can lay more than 200 eggs during their lifetime.   The newly hatched young will immediately look for their first meal.  When they are finished eating they leave tiny itchy sores. The good news is Bed bugs do not carry pathogens like mosquitoes or ticks do.

Furniture, neighbors, and even your pets can be unwitting transferees of Bed bugs. One common way that homes are infested is by bringing used furniture home that has been left on the sidewalk, bought from a neighbor or even bought from a secondhand furniture store. If someone has an infestation, they will more than likely toss out any suspect items. Keep in mind that Bed bugs can survive a year or more without feeding. Check the item carefully and use a Bed bug spray to prevent Bed bugs from access to your home.

Bed bugs can bum a ride home on your clothes or in anything you bring back with you from travels, like a suitcase, or even a visit to the neighbors down the street. A neighbor can bring the bugs into your home on their clothes, in even boxes or bags they bring over.  Apartment dwellers that are close to another that has an infestation, beware. Take note that the Bed bug can crawl along pipes, on wires, through heating and cooling vents or just through the dead spaces between walls. Laundry rooms are another area where it is common for a transfer to occur.  One of the first things that a person is urged to do when they have a Bed bug infestation is wash bed linens and clothes. Make sure bags are tightly closed when transporting infested linens.  Wash with hot water, above 97 degrees is considered best when trying to get rid of Bed bugs.  It is also important to use a Bed bug spray of high quality for frequent treatment in any hotels, motels, personal dwellings and anywhere Bed bugs could pose a potential problem to kill Bed bugs.

How to Suffocate Head Lice
With so many different methods of eliminating head lice recommended it is difficult to know which will be successful and which won’t, but attention is being drawn more and more to the suffocation methods, which use a very vital part of the louses anatomy and biology to help kill it.
There are many substances used to suffocate head lice, and all are readily available household goods. This explains part of the popularity of the method as it does not need the use of dangerous insecticides and chemicals, and is entirely safe – unless you happen to be a head louse!
While the process itself makes sense the substances used sound rather bizarre: mayonnaise, Vaseline and olive oil are frequently cited as the best at smothering head lice, and the choice is yours as to which to use first. All three, it must be said, will result in a mess, but that is little price to pay if the lice are eliminated.
It works like this: the patient’s head is smothered with the chosen substance – liberally and in full quantity – and it is left on the head for several hours. It works its way into the holes through which the louse breathes, effectively suffocating it on the spot.
It is simple and very straightforward, but is not without problems. One problem is that the louse has breathing holes that it can close, albeit only for a set length of time. The several hours spent waiting are so that this time elapses and the breathing holes are successfully filled. Indeed, this waiting time is another downside, as it severely limits the times at which the treatment can be carried out. Going to bed with a head covered in mayonnaise, no matter how well covered, is not recommended hence it is best carried out during the day.
The major downside is the aforementioned mess, as getting congealed olive oil from the hair involves a serious wash, although it will leave the hair fresh and clean afterwards.
It will also, inevitably, leave some lice as survivors, and it does not necessarily kill the nits, the head louse eggs. This means that repeating the routine again in around a week’s time is absolutely essential if complete eradication is to be achieved, and that another day wasted will be necessary.
Nevertheless, the suffocating method is one that is said to work, and is absolutely and utterly risk free – all good reason to give it a go.

The Head Lice Petroleum Jelly removal technique
With millions of children in the USA suffering from an infestation of head lice every year it is little surprise that a surfeit of remedies is available, and the internet is awash with suggestions and forums that are full of excellent, and often weird, ideas. While there will be those who are happy to use a prescription insecticide lotion or spray, others may be wary of doing so thanks to the chemicals involved and will therefore seek alternative methods of treatment.
It has been suggested that in removing head lice petroleum jelly is a very useful substance, so let’s have a look at how it works, and whether it is a genuine alternative to the medically proven remedies.
To understand why coating the head in petroleum jelly kills head lice a little knowledge of the creatures biological make up is necessary, specifically in the area of its respiration. A head louse breathes through a series of holes down the sides of its body, and these holes can be closed to prevent against drowning when in water (which explains why they do not drown when we wash our hair) and it is these holes that we target when using the petroleum jelly.
Smearing the jelly across the head will undoubtedly have the lice shutting down their breathing holes, so the patient is obliged to wait – sometimes for several hours – before the holes reopen and are filled with the jelly. It is a simple remedy, and essentially suffocates the lice. However, it does have its drawbacks – it is very messy, extremely time consuming and is not guaranteed to rid you of all of the lice as some are more than likely to survive. Furthermore, it will not kill the nits – eggs waiting to hatch – and thus it requires repeating a few days later, when they are likely to have hatched into young lice.
While the technique is messy and takes up chunks of time it does have the distinct advantage of being absolutely safe; the insecticide lotions that the doctor prescribed all have possible side effects – although minor, such as irritation and a rash – and the use of petroleum jelly does not, other than the need to thoroughly wash the hair after each treatment.
The medical community will look down on such treatments in favor of scientifically proven methods, yet if something is absolutely harmless – and has been reported to work – costs nothing and is at hand, then there is no reason not to have a go.

Choosing a Head Lice Lotion
With such a variety to choose from choosing the right head lice lotion for your or your child’s treatment can be time consuming and confusing, and perhaps the best way to get the right information is to look at some of the websites that deal with head lice and have testimonials from people who have successfully used different brands or methods.
However, you are likely to find that there will be two distinct groups of people: those who prefer the insecticide lotions and shampoos prescribed by doctors, and those who opt to use natural or alternative substances for their head lice remedy.
There are arguments for both, and good reasons why you should consider such things carefully before going ahead.
The first thing to remember is that while head lice are potentially embarrassing they are not in any way dangerous; they do not pass on any diseases and they simply go about their daily lives with the worst you can expect being an itchy head. Yes, the thought of them feeding on our blood is gross, but there are many far nastier parasites out there. An infestation of head lice is not something that signifies poor hygiene, either, as up to 12 million children, in America alone, suffer from an infestation every year.
As the danger is nonexistent it is questionable whether using powerful insecticides to combat what is a minor problem makes sense. The three main insecticides used are Malathion, Permethrin and Lindane, and while the first two come with little controversy other than possible minor side effects such as exaggerated irritation of the scalp, the latter is a very controversial substance indeed that has been linked to serious convulsions in patients, and even to possible deaths.
The alternative lotions are those that are made from, or utilize, natural ingredients; Tea Tree oil is very much in vogue, and ylang ylang too, and products using these in their make up – shampoos and lotions both – have been found to be as effective as a Permethrin based lotion in independent trials.
Whether you choose to opt for the medically proven insecticides and have your doctor prescribe one of the safe versions, or whether you are prone to go down the natural route and look at herbal options, the choice is, after all, your own, but many would say that trying something completely safe and without any risk is a more sensible first step, particularly as the condition itself is far from a serious one.