Ringworm Scalp Tinea Capitis
The medical term for ringworm is tinea. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm. Medical terminology adds another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Ringworm scalp tinea capitis, all refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, etc.
Ringworm is a common skin disorder known as tinea. Ringworm is not, in spite of its’ name caused by a worm. It is a fungal infection of the skin. In some cases, but not always, it is a round ring-like lesion, hence the name. The term “ringworm” or “ringworms” refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungus infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name “ringworm” has caught on. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.
A zoonotic disease, ringworm can be passed from animals to humans. Cats are more likely to be infected of all animals. The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs. It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus. A highly contagious infection, ringworm can be passed from animal to person or person to person through direct skin contact as well as through contaminated items like clothing, shower or pool surfaces and toiletry items.
The fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow and thrive in warm moist areas of the body. Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration, skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable. Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp. You may experience bald patches where hair would normally grow on the scalp. The fungus lives on the dead tissue of the skin and leaves a lesion. Skin fungi, like ringworm can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. Rarely do they invade deeper into the body. They cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.
Ringworm Scalp Tinea Capitis
The medical term for ringworm is tinea. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm. Medical terminology adds another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Ringworm scalp tinea capitis, all refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, etc.
Ringworm is a common skin disorder known as tinea. Ringworm is not, in spite of its’ name caused by a worm. It is a fungal infection of the skin. In some cases, but not always, it is a round ring-like lesion, hence the name. The term “ringworm” or “ringworms” refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungus infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name “ringworm” has caught on. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.
A zoonotic disease, ringworm can be passed from animals to humans. Cats are more likely to be infected of all animals. The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs. It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus. A highly contagious infection, ringworm can be passed from animal to person or person to person through direct skin contact as well as through contaminated items like clothing, shower or pool surfaces and toiletry items.
The fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow and thrive in warm moist areas of the body. Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration, skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable. Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp. You may experience bald patches where hair would normally grow on the scalp. The fungus lives on the dead tissue of the skin and leaves a lesion. Skin fungi, like ringworm can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. Rarely do they invade deeper into the body. They cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.
Tea Tree Oil Ringworm
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.
