Why Use Pine Tar Soap for Ringworm and White Spots on the Skin?

Caused by a fungus (not a worm), ringworm is a nasty condition that may affect different parts of the body. There are four basic types of fungal ringworm: ringworm fungus (called Dermatophytes) affects skin on the body (tinea corporis), the groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), scalp (tinea capitis) or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot). For decades, washing the infected area with pine tar soap has offered relief from the intense itching that accompanies the fungal infection.

Symptoms

• Ringworm appears on different parts of the body.

  Red, itchy and raised scaly patches that may ooze or blister indicate ringworm on the skin. The patches normally have sharply defined edges and are redder around the outside, with normal skin tone located in the center. These patches often look like a ring, hence the name. The skin may appear lighter in the center or have white spots or patches. Ringworm on the scalp or beard will show up in bald patches. When finger or toe nails are infected, they become yellowed and discolored, thick and crumbly. Do not scratch the patches. Doing so invites infection. Wash the areas frequently with pine tar soap, dry well then apply pine tar salve. Keep the area dry and covered with a clean cloth or bandage. Use pine tar shampoo on the scalp and beard. Pine tar is a sticky, black substance produced by burning pine wood at high temperatures and under great pressure. The tar is used for a wide variety of medicinal applications, mainly in animals. The tar is used to coat the hooves of horses and cattle, as well as to treat mange and close wounds. Naturopathic medicine often recommends pine tar for treating skin conditions, including ringworm, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. It is added to soap, shampoos and salves.

Ringworm Is Highly Contagious

• Cats are carriers of ringworm.

  Ringworm is a common malady, especially in children that have body contact with each other. It quickly spreads when the area is itched, and the fungus is then transferred by the fingers to other children. Ringworm is highly contagious, transferred by skin to skin contact, contaminated clothing, socks, shoes, combs, communal showers and swimming pools. Pets are often infected with ringworm and can transfer the fungus to humans. Cats are common carriers of ringworm fungus so it's recommended to use a pine tar shampoo to wash them.

Prevention

• Do not share grooming tools between family members. Combs, razors, brushes, towels and bedding can transfer the fungus. Wash all items frequently in hot, soapy water. Wear foot coverings (sandals or socks) in communal areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms and health clubs. Avoid touching animals with bald spots. Share this advice with your children as well.

Anti-fungal Medication

• Pine tar products made with creosote-free, kiln-burnt pine tar imported from Sweden (also known as Stockholm Tar) are pure and soothing to irritated skin. Pine tar has been used since ancient times, known for its gentle antiseptic properties and healing effect. Any brand of over-the-counter athlete's foot medication can be used on other parts of the body. However, avoid eye contact or inhaling medicated foot powders. Most cases of ringworm respond to treatment within seven to 10 days.

White Spots

• The white spots that appear in the center of the ringworm fungus will typically disappear within a few weeks of treatment. Continued use of a pine tar salve will keep the area hydrated and help return skin to normal.