Ringworm and other skin diseases

The remedies used against skin diseases are, internally, infusions of molarinha, pansy, sorrel, stinging nettle, teijeira (lesser burdock), shepherd’s purse and walnut leaves; and, externally, paraffin, sea water and the somewhat caustic juices of celandine and trovisco. The use of sublimed sulphur is becoming widespread, and very hot water poured over the affected part of the body gives excellent results in soothing herpetic itching. Ash and spittle are considered useful in treating ringworm, and it is customary to accompany their application with the following words: ‘Ringworm with a tail, what have you come here to seek? Spittle from the mouth and ash from the hearth to cure you.’ (Impigem rabicha, que vieste aqui buscar? Cuspo da boca e cinza do lar para te curar.) Toasted flour moistened with forge oil is applied externally to eczema of the face, which Madeirans call cobro.