It is almost summer and it is not uncommon for children to pick up an infection at various places. The swimming pools and the gym are breeding grounds for infectious fungi. The children can also get ringworm from pets, contaminated soil, or person to person contact. The better the immune system is the less chance it is to get an infection. I always build health first to make sure the little bodies can handle various challenges.
Ringworm
Ringworm is not a worm, it is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It has a special ring formation that grows outward from the center and develop a red ring appearance on the skin. It is most common on the scalp but it can also appear on the body. It is contagious and can be spread from person to person. They can be stubborn to treat, and patience and consistence are required.
Some essential oils that show anti-fungal properties are tea tree, chamomile, geranium, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, and sandalwood.
One of the most powerful anti-microbial essential oil is tea tree/melaleuca.
Valerie Ann Worwood recommends to apply 1 drop tea tree neat on the affected area three times a day until it is clear. It normally takes 10 days, and after that, mix 30 drops tea tree with 2 tablespoons of massage oil. Rub this blend over the area daily.
Valerie Gennari Cooksley suggests the following blend. The blend is a 10% dilution, as Cooksley thinks a concentrated blend is needed since fungal infections can be very resistant.
Ringworm Treatment Oil
vegetable oil 2 tbls.
tea tree 25 drops
lavender 15 drops
geranium 5 drops
peppermint 5 drops
Vitamin E 400 IU
Add the essential oils and the vitamin E to an empty dark glass bottle, add the vegetable oil. Shake the bottle to mix well. Use a Q tip to apply to the area. Cover the patch.
Soaking in the ocean or taking a sea salt bath have been useful for many skin conditions.
Anti-fungal bath
1-2 cups of sea salt
lavender 4 drops
geranium 1 drop
tea tree 1 drop
Fill the bath wit water. Add the essential oils to the sea salt and mix. Add to the bath water and stir well.
Athletes foot
It doesn't take much for small little feet to get athlete's foot. Walking barefoot in places like swimming pools where someone infected has been can be enough.
Worwood's suggestions for athlete's foot are tea tree, lavender, and tagetes.
She suggests a foot bath daily. Add 5 drops of tea tree to a cup of salt and put in a large bowl of water. Let the child soak the feet for at least five minutes daily.
Worwood also suggests to make a foot powder by adding 10 drops of tea tree to a cup of dry green clay. Mix it really well, and powder the feet everyday.
A massage oil can also be made of 30 drops of tagetes to 2 tbls. of vegetable oil. Massage the feet before bed.
When dealing with fungal infections it is important to avoid food that feed yeast, change towels frequently, use only cotton socks, and drying the skin well. Consider adding immune boosting nutrients, and repopulate the friendly flora with Probiotics.
Don't forget to check the safety and dilution chart to make sure the oils are suitable for your child.
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