Ringwormis a skin disease that may develop on any part of the body. It is not caused by a worm but by a fungus that is somewhat similar to the mould that is sometimes
seen plate of cooked rice that has been allowed to stand overnight.The disease is caused by coming into contact with the body, or with the clothing, towels, or bedding of some person who has ringworm on their body. It is easily spread; so children who have it on the body or head should not be sent to school until it is been cured.
Ringworm begins as a small red or brownish spot and spread out on all sides. After some times the centre of the spot may return to the normal colour of the skin. When this happens it presents the appearance of a ring.
TREATMENT: apply whitefield'ointment by rubbing lightly the affected part. In case of ringworm on a delicate skin area or on small children, use half strength whitefield's ointment. If there is an extensive and stubborn condition, grisovin in dosages of one table three times a day for about three weeks will clear up the infection.
Ringworm of the scalp is common among children. It causes the hair to turn white or to drop out. Large crusting sores are also formed on the head. Sometimes all of the hair on the head falls out.
Treatment: Ringworm of the scalp cannot be cured without cutting the hair short. The best method is to shave the affected places. After shaving off the hair the same treatment may be used as was recommended above for severe cases of ringworm on the body. There is one form of ringworm of the scalp that is very difficult to cure and if the above methods do not cure, a physician should be consulted; otherwise the disease will increase and may cause baldness.
