DEAR READER:
Ringworm (tinea) is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, not by a worm as the name implies. There are several forms that present with itchy, red, scaly patches that can blister and ooze. Areas commonly affected are arms, legs, nails, the scalp, groin, and feet. Those that occur around the groin area are commonly known as jock itch; those of the feet are commonly known as athlete’s foot. Bacteria and fungi live on the body. While some are useful, others are not; those that aren’t have the ability to multiply rapidly and form infections.

Ringworm is contagious and can be passed easily from person to person through direct contact, by sharing a hair brush, comb, unwashed clothing, or in common shower areas. Dogs (and more commonly) cats also carry the fungus.

Ringworm is ordinarily diagnosed by an exam. It is most often eradicated without physician involvement by using over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or powders, specifically those that contain miconazole. One such product is Miranel that contains 2% miconazole nitrate as its active ingredient. It is promoted as an anti-fungal for areas around and under nails, but can be applied directly to areas where ringworm exists. Treatment with this or other brands available at your local pharmacy should show results within a four week period. Your pharmacist will be able to assist you with the brands he or she carries.

Affected areas of the body should be kept dry. Hair should be shampooed regularly. Pets should be treated if they the offending source. Towels and bedding should be washed regularly. If the fungus were acquired at a community pool or similar facility, sandals or shoes should be worn in those areas to reduce the risk of exposure.

If any lesion is questionable, a physician should be consulted. He or she can test with a blue light in a darkened room. If a fungus appears, it will appear fluorescent and will provide the proper diagnosis. A physician should also be consulted if patches worsen in intensity, become warm to the touch, if a fever occurs, or if red streaking appears near the site of the ringworm.

I had an experience more than 60 years ago with ringworm. I suffered for months and months with it. I had seen several dermatologists and tried several medications but nothing seemed to work. It continued to itch and grow.

An acquaintance then told me of an old remedy she knew of after seeing the growing rash on my arm. She told me to apply sap from the brittle stem of a common nasturtium flower. Simply break the stem and dab the “goo” onto the entire affected area.

It burned like the dickens but I stuck with it. After a few applications and less than a week, the whole thing dried up perfectly. No more itching! It was wonderful.

DEAR READER:
This truly is a natural remedy! I had not heard of this before and therefore have printed your letter for my readers to try.

Ringworm isn’t really a worm at all. Rather it is a fungus that affects the skin. It can cause itching, scaling and rarely, painful tumors.

As for the nasturtium flower (also sometimes known as the Tropaeolum), it is a common flower. It is easy to grow in most gardens and is often grown by children because it can tolerate a little neglect. I have also heard it can be used a flavoring for butters, vinegars or even stuffed and eaten! Therefore, this sounds like a safe and lovely remedy. Thanks for writing.

I do have cats and one dog. I’ve tried several things at home and even bought something at the drug store for athlete’s foot. Please give me some advice.

DEAR READER:
This contagious fungal infection is difficult to prevent. It can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact of an infected person or pet or contact with an object or surface either has touched.

Eradication is often achieved through the use of topical antifungal creams applied directed to affected areas or with oral fungus-killing medications.

I recommend you take your pets to a veterinarian to be checked and treated if they are the culprits. Then return to your physician for appropriate medication. In the meantime, you wish to try Vicks VapoRub (or the store-brand equivalent). It has proven its antifungal properties with toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and jock itch. I recommend you give it a try while waiting for the results to come back from your veterinarian.