Natural Remedies for Fungal Infections in the Skin
Fungal infections can include candidiasis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections known as athlete foot and fungus on the hands, to name a few. Even if, for most people, they are harmless, they may become fatal for a person whose immune system is weak: Particularly cancer patients with burns, who have undergone organ transplants, diabetic patients who are taking antibiotics in the long term, and those with AIDS.
Fungus can enter and weaken the immune system through breathing or skin cracks. The familiar "itching" in the groin, feet or other parts of the body is a typical symptom. Once inside the body, it can travel anywhere, especially if your immune system is weaker than normal.
Natural Remedies
For various fungal infections, whether in the skin, hair, nails or other body parts, there are some natural remedies that can help us to combat them.
Athlete's foot: Initially appears as redness and peeling of the skin, which then develops into blisters and scabs and constant oozing. To prevent and treat it, use clean white cotton socks and change them frequently. Avoid sneakers for some time. Spread aloe vera gel for dry skin on it daily, which can help improve the infection and eventually treat it.
Ringworm of the scalp: Also known as tinea capitis, there may be thickening of the scalp and even hair loss, so never share combs, brushes, hats or caps to prevent this infection. A popular choice is boiling cloves in one litre of water and washing our scalp with this remedy at least 3 times a day.
Cracked hands: If your hands are cracked and appear broken, you probably have a fungal infection, especially if you wash or get your hands wet frequently. A popular choice is to use vegetable butter because it is an excellent moisturiser, covering and blocking the introduction of water. Use a little amount and rub well so you will not have greasy hands. You can also use cocoa butter, lanolin and light mineral oil as alternatives to vegetable butter.
At night, you can mix a few drops of glycerin with lemon essential oil and rub it into the skin before sleep. This ointment moisturises and heals skin while you sleep.
Crotch itch: Also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that occurs in the pubic region, worsened by friction and moisture. Usually, it does not spread beyond the groin region and affects more men than women. The problem should be treated by avoiding the factors that generate it, such as friction and moisture. It is therefore recommended in these cases to use boxer type (wide leg) underwear. Generally, applying talc and switching to this kind of underwear can be sufficient to treat this type of fungal infection.
Salt Soaks
To stop a fungal infection that starts showing its symptoms anywhere in the body, it is generally advisable to take a salt bath. To prepare one you can follow the instructions below:
Fill the tub with warm water and add a cup of salt. You must take this bath for 15 minutes at least twice a day. Salt water helps to fight fungus infection on the skin, combats excessive sweating and also relieves skin affected by the fungal irritations.