Ringworm.
Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm, not a worm. Ringworm infects the torso and the hands; the feet as athlete's foot; the scalp and the groin, where it is commonly referred to as jock itch. Ringworm can appear in several locations at the same time.
Highly contagious, ringworm is transmitted by both skin-to-skin and item-to-item contact. Dirty clothes or towels can spread the fungus as can water from shared swimming pools or showers. The ringworm fungus thrives in warm, wet conditions.
Honey and Ringworm
The Honey Research Unit at New Zealand's University of Waikato tested pasture honey and Manuka honey on seven different kinds of fungus. They found that the hydrogen peroxide present in the pasture honeys and other anti-fungals in Manuka honey inhibited growth in all the fungi. Try either Manuka or medical-grade honey to cure your ringworm. Both are available online.
Application
Fluids excreted from wounds weaken honey's healing benefits. Because ringworm is not likely to release fluid, you will not have to use as much honey to treat it as you would a burn or cut. You also will not have to change your dressing more than once a day.
The University of Waikato recommends putting about 2 tbsp. or 1 oz. honey on a 4-by-4 inch sterile pad. For a smaller or larger pad, adjust the amount of honey accordingly. Use a non-absorbent pad to make sure the honey stays on your skin. The pad should extend past the edges of the infected part of your skin.
Cover the first dressing with a waterproof second one if necessary. If it is non-adhesive, secure it with adhesive tape or an elastic bandage.
A commercial anti-fungal solution containing Manuka honey is available online, but its active ingredient is tolnaftate. It is simpler to use than the honey dressing, requiring you to wash and dry your affected skin in the morning and evening. You apply the solution for between 2 weeks and 1 month, depending on the type of ringworm you have.
Tolnaftate, however, may cause an allergic reaction producing respiratory difficulty, facial and oral swelling, hives and itching.
Honey and Turmeric
Ayurvedic healing advises treating ringworm with both turmeric and honey. Process a thumb-sized piece of turmeric root in the food processor to extract the juice. Apply some of the juice directly to the ringworm. Combine another teaspoon of it with honey and drink.
Tags: Manuka honey, available online, University Waikato, will have, your skin