Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection that causes a ring-shaped, scaly rash. MayoClinic.com notes that ringworm of the scalp is more common in children, with toddlers and school-age children the most susceptible. Ringworm is usually treated with topical or oral anti-fungal medications; for ringworm of the scalp, the doctor may also prescribe a medicated shampoo. Take your child to the doctor if he has ringworm symptoms. Some people use homeopathic therapies to treat ringworm symptoms in children. Consult a doctor before using homeopathic remedies on your child.
Tinea Capitis Features
Scalp ringworm, medically known as tinea capitis, occurs mainly in children between the ages of 2 and 10; it is rare in adults. You may see round patches of scaly, gray or reddened skin on your child's scalp, and the hair may be brittle and fall out easily. University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a kerion--a large, tender lesion over the original infection site--may result due to hypersensitivity to the ringworm. Other symptoms include a rash elsewhere on the body and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Ringworm of the scalp can be spread person to person or through shared personal items.
Other Types of Ringworm
Other types of ringworm may affect children. Body ringworm, or tinea corporis, is characterized by a circular, itchy rash anywhere on the body, while tinea pedis--or athlete's foot--strikes the feet and causes whitening of the skin between the toes, scaly, itchy rash and blisters.
Homeopathic Medicine
In homeopathic medicine, based on the principle of "like cures like," homeopathic practitioners attempt to treat symptoms and stimulate the body's healing response by giving tiny amounts of a substance that, in larger doses, would produce the same symptoms in a healthy person. Plant, animal and mineral substances are diluted until only an infinitesimally small amount remains; homeopaths believe that a memory, or "essence", remains in the fluid and retains healing qualities. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, an estimated 3.9 million U.S. adults and about 900,000 children used homeopathy last year.
Sepia Remedy
Sepia is made from dried, highly-diluted squid ink. A homeopathic practitioner is likely to advise sepia for skin conditions, such as ringworm, that feature a scaly reddish or brownish rash. Homeopaths take factors that worsen or aggravate symptoms into account when prescribing remedies; according to Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health, if a child feels chilly and seeks the warmth of blankets but itches more intensely from the resultant sweating and overheating, this is an indication that sepia might be the correct remedy. Symptoms that are worsened with dampness but improved by fresh air are another indication for sepia. Consult a physician before using the sepia remedy on your child.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rhus toxicodendron is made from the highly diluted oils from poison ivy leaves. According to Herbs 2000, leaves are harvested at night, when homeopaths believe they are at their most potent. BSCAH notes that a homeopath is likely to prescribe rhus tox for your child if there is intense burning, itching and stinging from the infection. If symptoms are improved by heat or bathing the area in hot water, it is even more likely the homeopath will prescribe rhus tox. Check with a health professional before giving rhus tox to your child.
Efficacy and Safety
Homeopathy is an alternative therapy and is not intended to replace medical treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says there are few studies proving that homeopathy works for any specific condition but adds that there is some anecdotal and laboratory evidence suggesting that homeopathy can have positive effects. The website adds that homeopathic remedies--if used under the guidance of professionals--are generally recognized as safe and are unlikely to cause serious adverse reactions.
