Fungal Infections – Ayurvedic Treatment
There are four different types of skin infections bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, folliculitis, boils and carbuncles, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and other minor bacterial skin infections. Fungal infections of the skin include candidiasis (yeast infections), ringworm and tinea versicolor.
Fungal Skin Infections
You will find fungi living on your body in moist areas like the toes, breasts and groin. Symptoms of a fungal infection may include itching, swelling, blisters, and scaling.
Candidiasis or yeast infection is usually harmless occurring in the digestive system or the vaginal area. Those who have depressed immune systems are susceptible to these infections. If you have the infection in the folds of your skin or in the naval you may experience itching, burning, a rash or patches of rough skin that ooze white fluid.
If you have this infection in your vagina you may have itching, burning or redness in the external area of the vagina. You can also get this infection on the underside of the penis where there may be redness, scaling or a painful rash. In the mouth this infection is call thrush and can be detected by seeing white patches on the tongue or side of the mouth that are painful. perleche are cracks and tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth. You can also get fungal infections in the nail beds that will cause swelling, pus, pain and even separation of the nail from the skin.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that looks like a ring is red and scaly. Persons who are malnourished, have poor hygiene or have had contact with someone with ringworm are at increased risk for ringworm. Athlete’s foot is ringworm, so is jock itch and scalp ringworm.
Tinea versicolor are patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the normal skin tone and occur mostly in adolescence or early adulthood. These patches become worse in the heat and humidity or when the individual are on steroid therapy or in individuals who have weakened immune systems.
All about Fungal Infections of the skin, hair, and nails.
TINEA CAPITIS
Tinea capitis, or ringworm on the scalp, is a common fungal infection in children. The main way it’s transmitted is by coming in contact with an infected person or animal, but there are other ways a child can get it. Find out more about what tinea capitis looks like and how it’s treated.
FUNGAL INFECTION
Most people cringe at the thought of having a fungal infection but in reality, we all have many types of fungi that live on our skin all the time. Most of the time these fungi don’t cause any problems, but sometimes a fungus will change and cause an infection. These are some of the more common fungal infections people experience.
TINEA VERSICOLOR
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection caused by a yeast that normally inhabits the skin. Find out more about why this yeast causes a rash in some people and what this rash looks like.
It is made up of fine scaly white patches on the skin. It may appear on your face, neck, shoulders, arms, trunk or legs. These spots are active fungi infecting your skin. The medical name is Pityriasis versicolor.
White Spot
It is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, which is common in children and adults. It may be itchy. It is also called Pityriasis Alba.
Intertrigo – Yeast Infection in Skin Folds
Intertrigo is a yeast infection that occurs in skin folds. Find out more about what this yeast infection looks like and how it is treated.
Ringworm – Tinea Corporis
Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. Find out more about what the ringworm rash looks like, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated
Jock itch
Jock itch is a common fungal infection that affects more men than women. Find out more about this infection and what can be done to treat it.
Athlete’s foot – Tinea Pedis
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a very common fungal infection experienced by up to 70% of the population at some time in their life. Learn more about the types of athlete’s foot and how they are treated.
Nail Fungal Infection
Also known as Onychomycosis and Tinea unguium, nail fungal infections are the most common diseases of the nails, making up about 50% of nail abnormalities. Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to the infection, which usually manifests as discoloration and thickening of the nail and crumbling edges. The condition most commonly occurs in toenails.
Nail fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms called fungi that do not require sunlight to survive. Most commonly, a group of fungi called dermatophytes (such as Candida) is responsible for nail fungal infections. However, some yeasts and molds also cause these infections.
Prevention of superficial fungal infection
1. Fungus grows when the skin is warm and moist. The space between your toes, the skin folds in the groin and the armpits must be kept dry to prevent such fungal infection.
2. Do not walk barefoot in areas where the floor is wet – eg. bathroom, lavatory, and swimming pool as the fungus tends to be present. Wear Slippers.
3. Avoid borrowing personal napkins, towels, combs and hair brushes as they may be infected. Make sure you use your own personal items because fungal infections are easily transmissible. Any item that comes into contact with the affected areas must be sterilised before use.
4. Nylon socks and covered shoes make your feet sweat. Wear cotton socks to absorb the sweat, or open-toe sandals if your feet sweat profusely.
Keep a healthy life-style with a balanced diet, exercise and have time for rest, to increase your body’s resistance. You will catch fungal infection easily if you are weak.