Local herbs can fight ringworms
Nankya was depressed one whole weekend because her friend had discovered spots on her cheek and neck. They turned out to be ring worms.
By Rashida Nandawula
Nankya was depressed one whole weekend because her friend had discovered spots on her cheek and neck. They turned out to be ring worms.
Dr. Fred Kambugu, a skin specialist at Mulago hospital was quoted in the press saying ringworms are a fungal infection on human skin, which can affect anybody.
Kambugu said people who have relatively oily and moist skins and live under high humidity and moisture conditions are more likely to get ringworms. It is also likely to occur among people who regularly wear occlusive clothes and those who work outdoors like in agriculture or workshops. People who habitually apply oily substances like petroleum jelly also predispose themselves to ringworms.
Because of the social stigma associated with ringworm infections, it is important to get it treated as soon as you notice the light patches that it forms on the skin.
Nankya was using creams when her aunt advised her to contact a friend, Mutesi Rukia, 68, of Kakajjo Zone, Bweyogerere. The elderly lady easily treated her with ssere (black jack), a local herb that she rubbed on the affected area of the body. Her face is now as clear as it was before.
Rukia says there are other herbs that eradicate ringworms easily. “You can also use ekyangwe (natural sponge). You apply its sap on the affected part.
According to Dr Ssali David, a dermatologist at Dama Medical clinic, any food stuff that is rich in Vitamin C can prevent and ward off ring worms. “They are usually triggered off by lack of Vitamin c in the body. People do not want to eat fresh fruits! There is a culture, here, of shunning eating raw onions and garlic because of their pungent smell,†he said. That is why ringworms can occur and if not given the appropriate treatment in time, cover the whole bodyâ€.
Dr Jjuko Ndawula, of the International Institute of Alternative and Complementary Medicine agrees with him. “Keep clean and eat well,†he says. “When you eat right, no doctor will be needed.†He says other preventive methods should include hygiene and regular bathing especially in the skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes.
Nankya was depressed one whole weekend because her friend had discovered spots on her cheek and neck. They turned out to be ring worms.
Dr. Fred Kambugu, a skin specialist at Mulago hospital was quoted in the press saying ringworms are a fungal infection on human skin, which can affect anybody.
Kambugu said people who have relatively oily and moist skins and live under high humidity and moisture conditions are more likely to get ringworms. It is also likely to occur among people who regularly wear occlusive clothes and those who work outdoors like in agriculture or workshops. People who habitually apply oily substances like petroleum jelly also predispose themselves to ringworms.
Because of the social stigma associated with ringworm infections, it is important to get it treated as soon as you notice the light patches that it forms on the skin.
Nankya was using creams when her aunt advised her to contact a friend, Mutesi Rukia, 68, of Kakajjo Zone, Bweyogerere. The elderly lady easily treated her with ssere (black jack), a local herb that she rubbed on the affected area of the body. Her face is now as clear as it was before.
Rukia says there are other herbs that eradicate ringworms easily. “You can also use ekyangwe (natural sponge). You apply its sap on the affected part.
According to Dr Ssali David, a dermatologist at Dama Medical clinic, any food stuff that is rich in Vitamin C can prevent and ward off ring worms. “They are usually triggered off by lack of Vitamin c in the body. People do not want to eat fresh fruits! There is a culture, here, of shunning eating raw onions and garlic because of their pungent smell,†he said. That is why ringworms can occur and if not given the appropriate treatment in time, cover the whole bodyâ€.
Dr Jjuko Ndawula, of the International Institute of Alternative and Complementary Medicine agrees with him. “Keep clean and eat well,†he says. “When you eat right, no doctor will be needed.†He says other preventive methods should include hygiene and regular bathing especially in the skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes.