How to Treat Ringworm With Iodine
Iodine is an antiseptic used to treat bacterial infections. It was a first-aid staple across America, before the advent of antibiotic soaps and washes. In those times, the dark brown liquid prone to staining was used to treat bacterial and other infections, including those of a fungal nature. In fact, people looking for an inexpensive (iodine is often less than a few dollars at the drugstore) home remedy for ringworm can use the liquid to get the job done.
Instructions
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Wash the area. Soap and water will cleanse the excess dirt and skin from the site of the ringworm. Do not pitch the towel used in the hamper afterward. Instead, wash in bleach and very hot water. Use the sanitize cycle if your washer has one. Ringworm is very contagious. You do not want to transfer spores on the rest of the laundry by co-mingling inside the hamper. Dry the area thoroughly.
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Obtain iodine 7 percent, because it is a high concentration needed to treat a fungus like ringworm. However, if there is a cut or the skin has been broken, do not use this particular iodine as it will burn badly. Pour a small amount of iodine onto the cotton ball. Be careful not to spill, and keep in mind that the iodine will stain.
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Rub the iodine onto the ringworm site. Some people advise actually scrubbing the site, but others find that swabbing the area is sufficient. When iodine encounters bacteria and fungi like ringworm, it destabilizes the cells that cause the infection. This causes the cells to die. Thus, a thorough application is necessary in order to kill ringworm.
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Apply daily, no more than three times per day. Over-application can lead to iodine poisoning, which results in symptoms such as diarrhea, inability to urinate, seizures, thirst, vomiting and fever. Iodine is absorbed into the body through the skin so heavy application isn't needed.
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Cover the ringworm area when in public to avoid spreading the fungus. Also thoroughly clean your home to rid it of ringworm spores that may linger. Use a fresh filter or vacuum bag, throwing it away immediately afterwards. Sanitize sheets, slipcovers and towels used for bathing. It is best to treat this ringworm infection as if it is a lice or flea infestation. The only difference is that no heavy chemical area needed to eradicate the spores.
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