Neem
has historically been an effective treatment for fungal infections.
Early studies verified scientifically that the fungus that causes
ringworm is effectively controlled with neem
extracts (1).
In
one trial, patients with long term and severe cases of ringworm
were selected for study. They had used commercial ointments containing
salicylic acid and benzoic acid for over three years yet had failed
to stop the infection. They were each treated with alcoholic neem
leaf extract in a carrier lotion. Within just two to three days
after using neem extract on the areas the patients were clear
of the infection and remained so for the one year follow-up period.(2)
Recommendations
Wash
with Neem soap or NeemWell Shampoo if available.
When
dry apply Neem Cream topically to affected area(s).
Taking
Neem capsules to build up the immune system, and oxygenate and
increase blood circulation is also recommended.
Ringworm
Ringworm
is the medical term given to a skin infection, which is caused
by a fungus that can affect various parts of the body. Fungi,
which cause skin infections, are divided into three distinct groups:
geophile (from soil sources); zoophile (from animals) and antropophile
(from humans).
The
fungi which cause ringworm are zoophile and are transmitted primarily
- though not exclusively - through contact with animals.
Ringworm
forms on the skin and can affect any part of the body. However,
it is most commonly found on the scalp, fingers, nails, groin
or feet.
Causes
Ringworm is usually transmitted by coming into close contact with
animals such as cats, dogs, hamsters, farm animals, guinea pigs,
rabbits etc. Children are very prone to ringworm and they can
easily pass it around to other children with whom they come into
contact. Adults can also develop ringworm, particularly those
who work with animals such as farmers and those in the veterinary
industry.
Symptoms
Skin:
The one distinctive characteristic of ringworm is a ring-shaped
or oval patch of scaly red skin. The red scales are confined to
the outer edges of the ring, while inside the ring the skin may
not look nearly as inflamed or scaly. The infected areas are usually
itchy.
Scalp:
If the ringworm is confined to the scalp, there may be bald patches
on the head and the skin will have a bumpy, scaly appearance.
In more severe cases, a kerion may develop on the scalp. This
is a swollen mass discharging pus, which is not only unsightly,
but may also be very painful. If left untreated, this form of
ringworm may lead to alopecia (baldness) and may be very difficult
to cure.
Nails: Ringworm of the nails is caused
by a fungal infection similar to the type which causes Athlete's
Foot. It is characterised by a gradual thickening of the nail
and nail bed, which is whitish in appearance. The nail becomes
thick, discoloured and may eventually be permanently damaged if
left untreated.
Who are the risk groups?
Those
most at risk of
developing ringworm are:
Children,
especially if they are in close contact with animals.
Farmers, and all those working in
close proximity to animals on a farm.
Veterinary industry employees, where
there is daily contact with animals.
Young people, especially on the feet
in those who wear trainers.
Athletes are particularly susceptible
to developing ringworm because of increased levels of perspiration.
Diagnoses
Most
people can recognise ringworm by physical appearance alone. However,
it may be necessary for your GP to take a scraping from the site
of the infection and send it to the laboratory in order to identify
the particular type of fungus responsible. In most cases this
is not necessary because the diagnosis is usually obvious on simple
inspection.
What
is the treatment?
Conventional
of treatment is to prescribe antifungal cream for the affected
area or a course of antifungal tablets.
1.
Narayan, D.S. (1965) The antifungal activity of neem oil and its
constituents. Mediscope. Vol. VIII, No. 6. p 323 - 326
2.Singh, N., Nath, R., Singh, S.P. and Kohli,
R.P. (1980) Clinical evaluation of anthelmintic activity of Melia
azadirachta. Antiseptic. 77: 739-741.
