Skin Fungal Infection home treatment- know its causes, symptoms, and abstinences

Skin fungal infection: causes, symptoms, and important precautions

Fungus (mycosis), which is commonly found in the environment in abundance, causes fungal infection on skin under certain circumstances. This fungus grows in body when it is trapped in body folds / joints where moisture is usually collected due to sweat or environmental moisture. If that area is not kept dry properly, the moisture helps it to multiply. If fungal infections are not treated properly on time, that can become very troublesome and going to stay in body for a long time. This infection spreads to the other body parts such as inner thighs, groins, armpits, neck, and back of the neck. However, with the help of home remedies, we can cure fungal infections. It might take long time as all skin diseases usually take time unpredictably. 

 

Let’s read about the types of fungal infections, its causes, adoptable important prevention(s), and its home treatment with ayurvedic medicines.

What are the types of skin fungal infections?

1. Athlete's Foot: It affects one out of every four adults. This skin disease is caused by a combination of fungi and bacteria and it makes your skin dry, scaly, red, and itchy. It can cause cracks in skin & skin blisters. The area between the toes is commonly affected by the athlete's foot.
   
2. Nail infections: Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infections in nails. Nails become crumbly, thickened, and malformed as a result of this condition.
3. Ringworm: When adults / children scratches skin too much, a ring shape emerges on the skin causing burning sensation and unbearable itching. Ringworm can also be found on hair scalp. Such type of ringworm typically affects children resulting in hair loss and inflammation around the affected area. Ringworm most commonly affects the exposed body parts. Ringworm generally observed in red patches spread having center part almost unaffected.
4. Jock Itch: This problem normally happens on the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. The person gets circular patches with elevated skin causing itching and pain sometimes.
5. Yeast Infection: Such infections are most common in warm, moist and creased areas of your body including your armpits and groin.

What are the symptoms of skin fungal infection?

The symptoms of a fungal infection vary depending on the type, but common symptoms include:

• Redness, cracking or peeling of skin
  
• Incessant body Itching
  
• Ringworm (Circular marks with raised edges-Itchy)
• Small bumps on skin
  
• Skin rashes or hard skin
• Skin blisters or burning sensations

How to treat fungal infection at home?

NEEM LEAVES

Neem leaves plays a very important role in treating fungal infection and it is used for years in treating all types of skin infections. Neem can be found in nature randomly. With neem leaves, you can treat your fungal infection by following the steps as given below- 

 

(Note:  All steps should be followed carefully and nothing to be missed. If infection symptoms are unbearable, please consult the dermatologist immediately; Highly recommended) 

• During March-April (spring season) in India, the new reddish leaves of the neem tree should be consumed for 21 days approximately to get rid of any fungal infection. (15 leaves for adults while 7 for kids).
•  It can be taken in either way 
• Chew 
• Extracted juice 
• Made into balls and taken with water; By doing this remedy the person will not suffer from any kind of skin problems.
• Pro tip: Take it on empty stomach and do not eat anything at least for two hours after doing this and it is advisable to strictly follow the amount and time of this remedy. By overdoing or exceeding the amount the person can have hormonal dis-balance.
• Neem leaves other skin benefits: It detoxifies the blood impurities resulting in curing various skin diseases like fungal infections, itching, diabetes, malaria, etc.

MUD PACK

How to prepare mud pack?

• First, you must have clean soil from a field or pond, then filter and soak the soil in water.
• After that, mesh the soil by tying a fine cloth in a wooden ladle and creating a bandage around wooden ladle. Now start patting this soil with the cloth without touching it.
• This bandage should be large enough for the affected area plus half an inch in thickness. So to reverse when the upper side dries up.
• Before applying the mud pack, compress the stomach or the area where the bandage will be applied with a hot water bag.
• The clay pack should be applied in such a way that it comes into direct contact with the skin. As a result, this mud solution will be heated to the same temperature as the body.
• Wait 30 minutes after applying it on body. After that, remove the dry mud from body and wipe the affected area with a wet cloth. (As shown in the below figure)
  

(Pro Tip: Maintain a 1-hour gap of the meal before and after doing it. As it can hinder the digestion process.)

Treat yourself with ancient ayurvedic methods 

Skin Fungal Infections : Alternate home treatments

Some of the most common home remedies for fungal treatment that have been used over the years are as follows:

• Garlic: Apply the garlic paste mixed with some olive or coconut oil to the affected area and leave it for a couple of hours before rinsing.
• Apple cider vinegar: For best results, wipe the affected area with a cotton pad soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar three times a day.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is very helpful and appreciated remedy to all kind of skin ailments. It soothes the skin and can be used to treat any type of skin fungus by applying in the form of gel.
• Coconut oil:  Apply coconut oil to the affected area three times per day if infection is at very early stage.
• Turmeric: Apply a turmeric paste made with water or coconut oil to the affected area.
• Powdered licorice: Making a paste of licorice or mulethi powder with water will reduce inflammation and work against the fungus. Use it twice a day or before sleep.
  
• Neem Oil: Replace all oils that is used to massage body or hair scalp. Instead of those oils, use neem oil after drying the skin.
  

Different effective home ingredients best for fungal treatment

What are the precautions that should be adopted in fungal infections?

The best way to prevent the occurrence of fungus is to keep your skin clean-

• Fungus thrives in moist environments, so keep your skin dry.
• Clean clothes made of breathable materials should be washed (especially undergarments and socks)
• Stop scratching on the itch (if any)
• After bathing or swimming, always massage your skin dry.
• Instead of shoes, try wearing sandals or flip-flops.
• Avoid infected animals and filthy environments.
• Avoid eating high-sugar fruits, gluten, meat, or refined oils. 

FAQs

Q. How to cure fungal infection on face?

You can cure fungal infections on the face by maintaining proper hygiene. Take more showers. If you regularly exercise or have a job that requires you to sweat, try showering and changing your clothes right after the gym or work.

Q. What is a black fungal infection?

Black fungal infection (Black fungus / Mucor-mycosis) is caused by coming in contact with fungal spores through a cut, scrapes, burns, or any skin issue. The disease has been discovered in patients who are recovering from Covid-19. High risk for diabetic patients and weak immune system.

Q. What are the signs to identify fungal infection on hands?

1. Tiny blisters: A cluster of tiny blisters that ooze a sticky, clear fluid may appear on the sides of fingers or the palm.
2. Itching or burning: The rash could be mild to moderately itchy, causing discomfort.
3. Skin discoloration: If the rash persists for an extended period, the skin may become discolored.

Q. How much time does it take to cure fungal infection?

The time taken to cure a fungal infection varies depending on the type. If the infection is superficial, it will be cured in a few weeks or at most a few months, whereas a deep tissue fungal infection can take years to cure. Furthermore, if the person has a weakened immune system, the fungal infection may take even longer to heal.