Photo: Allure.com
Skin infections are widespread and can be caused by a variety of germs. The effects can be anywhere from mild to severe; some of them are easily treatable, while others require medical attention. A fungal skin infection is caused by fungus and tends to develop in moist areas, such as the feet or armpits. There are various types of fungal infections, some of them spread from one part to the other, and some don’t.
Common types of fungal infections
- Athlete’s foot or Tinea pedis: this fungus is usually found around the pools and floors of the shower rooms, grows on the feet, and is extremely contagious. It can spread to the toenails as well as the hands. To prevent this, avoid visiting public places barefoot or sharing someone else’s damp clothes, keep your feet clean, and avoid sweaty socks and shoes.
- Yeast Infection: Mostly seen in women in the form of vaginal infection, is caused by the outgrowth of a type of yeast called candida.
- Ringworm: A condition commonly called dermatophytosis, makes the affected skin look like red patches. It can happen on any part of your skin, from feet to scalp, anywhere.
- Nail fungus: The medical term for this is Onychomycosis, which affects either fingernails or toenails. It is generally caused due to itching in some infected areas or warm and moist weather.
- Oral Thrush: It occurs when a yeast infection happens inside of your mouth, also called oral candidiasis. It makes the inner cheeks yellow and has red bumps, mostly happening with toddlers and children, and can indicate an upset stomach.
- Rashes: The primary reasons are sweating and moistness in the affected area, which can even happen to infants due to unchanged diapers and wetness.
Some common symptoms
There are some common possible symptoms which may include,
- Itchy skin, stinging and burning sensation
- Blisters
- Cracking, dry, and peeling skin
- Discolored skin on the affected part
Can I do something at home?
Here is a list of 7 most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections
Garlic: An antifungal, anti-inflammatory ingredient, is a proven remedy for treating fungal skin infections. All you need is to take a few cloves, crush them and mix them into some carrier oil, apply the mixture on the affected area for 10-12 minutes, and rinse with water. If it causes any uneasiness, wash it immediately.
Aloe Vera: Research loves that it contains amazing antiseptic agents, scoop out the fleshy part from a fresh aloe leaf or buy some natural gel and apply it over the affected area two to three times a day, it will soothe the rashes and reduce redness.
Coconut Oil: This is a rich source of fatty acids and is beneficial to calm damaged and irritated skin. Please make sure you use organic coconut oil, and apply it several times a day over the affected area. It will also prevent the infection from happening again.
Turmeric: An anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial spice, that works equally amazingly if consumed or applied topically. Mix a pinch with a drop of coconut oil and apply it on the affected area for a few minutes, rinse with water, and pat dry.
Apple cider vinegar: It has incredible antifungal properties, dips a cotton pad in some undiluted vinegar, and wipe it on the affected area. Wash immediately if burns, a little tingling sensation is okay.
Powdered licorice: It is a rich source of antiviral ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties; this can treat fungal infections effectively. Mix three tablespoons of the powder with a cup of water and boil it, once cooled it will form a paste, apply it over the affected area for 10 minutes and rinse with water afterward.
Grapefruit extract: This is a fantastic anecdotal ingredient to treat fungal infections, mix a tablespoon of water with a drop of grapefruit extract and apply it on the affected skin, it will even help to prevent them from reoccurring.
Essential oils to help and calm
- Tea tree oil: Known for its amazing antibacterial properties, it can treat almost any kind of skin infection effectively.
- Oil of Oregano: It is one of the effective essential oil for antifungal infection. It contains thymol and carvacrol, two incredible antifungal ingredients. It can stop the growth of the fungus and calm the irritated skin.
- Lemongrass: It has some of the most effective results over ringworms and other fungal infections, a rich source of anti-inflammatory properties; it nourishes the skin and kills the growing fungus.
For using the oils, mix around 12/drops with an ounce of carrier oil like coconut jojoba or almond. Using undiluted oils can increase allergic reactions. Also, if the symptoms don’t calm within 2 weeks, medical assistance is necessary.
