There are numerous types of fungi in our environment. Some of them even reside on our bodies. Most of them are not particularly harmful. But those that are can cause many health problems. One of the most common problems is a fungal infection on the skin. It can happen to anyone and is treatable. But as we all know, prevention is better than a cure.
Why does it happen?
Fungal infections of the skin usually happen in the parts of our body where we sweat the most. This can also coincide with the place where we have the most folds in the body like the groin area. That is one of the most vulnerable parts of our body to fungal infection.
Besides that, our feet are also just as much in danger of getting infected. Unbeknownst to us, there are several micro-cuts in our skin — especially between the toes. One of the most common ways to get this is from public swimming pools. It usually enters through the micro cuts of the feet and causes the infection.
Fungal infections can also be triggered by being exposed to a new environment. Apart from that, another significant commonality found amongst the sufferers of fungal skin infections is that they have diabetes. Especially if they are young adults. The high level of sugar acts as food for the fungus.
While it is normal to have some amount of fungus on your body, the slightest excess can put you in danger of contracting a fungal infection.
Symptoms, remedies, and preventive measures:
Some of the common symptoms of a fungal infection are the urge to itch the area, redness, and infection of the hair follicles that resembles pimples. When these happen in the areas mentioned above, it is likely to be a fungal infection. But there are ways to battle this infection.
1. Amla or Indian Gooseberries:
One of the easiest ways to prevent fungal infections of the skin is to consume amla. Its nutritional properties make our immunity systems strong and activate them to fight against any fungal infections.
2. Apply coconut oil to the affected area:
Coconut oil is a very effective remedy for fungal infections of the skin. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. These can help to fight mild fungal infections. However, it must be noted that it should be virgin coconut oil — the first press of oil from the coconuts.
3. Neem and turmeric:
Turmeric and neem are wonderful for treating a plethora of ailments. This is more true when skin ailments are in question. Blend a handful of neem leaves with turmeric and some water and apply it over the affected area. Wash it off after thirty minutes and do it at regular intervals. One can also add the mixture to their bathing water and wash with it. Or, alternatively, the affected area can be soaked in this water for relief.
They are so powerful that Ayurveda suggests that one should blend them with Manjistha, another potent herd for skin ailments, and consume them to detoxify the blood. If one’s blood is healthy, then the probability of contracting fungal infections goes down by a lot.
Ayurvedic skin remedies therefore mainly focus on keeping the blood healthy. Skin detox is one such combination of herbs and spices which will keep your skin healthy and radiant.
4. Tea tree oil:
The fragrant tea tree oil combats the effects of fungal skin infections. It is replete with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is not to be applied directly. A few drops must be mixed with some other oil, like olive oil or coconut oil, and then applied to the infected area. This has to be repeated three to four times a day for maximum effect.
5. Honey and garlic:
Honey and garlic are a very potent combination to fight fungal infections. Raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which kills the fungus, aiding the healing process. Garlic has similar properties. It is full of anti-fungal properties. Crushing them together and applying them on the affected area for half an hour can speed up the time required for healing.
While these are remedies for mild fungal infections, it is always better to check with a healthcare professional if the condition is too persistent. But taking care of one’s hygiene, not repeating the same socks without washing and drying, avoiding damp clothes, and wearing flip-flops when one is around a swimming pool can go a long way to avoiding fungal infections.
Detoxifying one’s body on a regular basis is also advisable. Build your immunity against fungal infections today.