206 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
How to prevent fungal infections:
Ringworm and all other fungus infections are contagious (easily spread). To
prevent spreading them from one child to others:
♦ Do not let a child with a fungal infection sleep with the others.
♦ Do not let different children use the same comb, or use each other’s clothing
or towel, unless these are washed or well cleaned first.
♦ Treat an infected child at once.
WHITE SPOTS ON THE FACE AND BODY
Tinea versicolor is a mild fungus infection that causes small dark
or light spots with a distinct and irregular border that are often seen
on the neck, chest, and back. The spots may be slightly scaly but
usually do not itch. They are of little medical importance.
Treatment:
♦ Make a cream with sulfur and lard (1 part sulfur to 10 parts
lard) and apply it to the whole body every day until they
disappear. Or use an anti-fungal cream (p. 371).
♦ Sodium thiosulfate works better. This is the ‘hypo’
photographers use when developing film. Dissolve a
tablespoon of sodium thiosulfate in a glass of water and apply
it to the whole upper body. Then rub the skin with a piece of
cotton dipped in vinegar.
♦ To prevent the spots from returning, it is often necessary to repeat this
treatment every 2 weeks.
♦ Selenium sulfide (p. 371) or Whitfield’s ointment may also help.
There is another kind of small whitish spot
that is common on the cheeks of dark-skinned
children who spend a lot of time in the sun.
The border is less clear than in tinea versicolor.
These spots are not an infection and are of no
importance. Usually they go away as the child
grows up. Avoid harsh soaps and apply oil. No
other treatment is needed.
Contrary to popular opinion, none of these types of white spots is a sign of anemia.
They will not go away with tonics or vitamins. The spots that are only on the cheeks do
not need any treatment.
CAUTION: Sometimes pale spots are early signs of leprosy (see p. 191). Leprosy
spots are never completely white and may have reduced feeling when pricked by a
pin. If leprosy is common in your area, have the child checked.