Ringworm Treatment With Iodine
Iodine is a common antiseptic classically used to kill bacteria and fungus in medical situations. Ringworm is not a worm-it is a fungus and can be highly contagious between people and even pets. Although prescription medications exist to treat ringworm, a good cheap alternative cure is to use an iodine scrub.
Treating Ringworm Using Iodine
Purchase Iodine scrub at a local super market. Purchase "tame" iodine such as povone iodine also known as Povidine or Betadine. Do not use tincture of iodine as it is too harsh. Start by using anti-bacterial soap and water to clean the infected area. Do not wash the towel used to dry the washed area in the normal wash bin. Instead wash it in a hot water and bleach bath. Use paper towels to dry the infected area and throw them away in a separate plastic bag if you can.
Use a cotton swab and apply the iodine to the infected area. Cover the area with a band aid if planning to go out in public to avoid spreading the fungus. Swab the area three times a day, in the morning after bathing, at lunch and before bed. Do not swab the area more than three times a day because this may lead to iodine poising which can cause thirst, vomiting, inability to urinate and fever. The iodine should destabilize the cells in the fungus, effectively killing it in a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the fungal infection. To avoid spreading the fungus, make sure to dispose of the band aids that are used to cover the fungus in a plastic bag separate from the normal trash receptacle.
After the ring worm has gone away remember to clean any sheets, towels and anything else the ring worm may have come in contact with during the fungal infection. Ringworm can be very contagious and a person could easily be re-infected if she comes into contact with any leftover spores.
Tags: infected area, avoid spreading, avoid spreading fungus, contact with, fungal infection, ring worm, Ringworm Treatment