A fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a skin disease caused by fungi. There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the soil, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. At times, they can cause skin problems such as rashes or hives. Fungal infections can affect anyone, and they can appear in many parts of the body. A jock with athlete’s foot, a child with thrush, and a woman with a vaginal yeast infection are just a few examples. Fungi are microorganisms characterized by a substance called chitin in their cell walls. Some fungi, such as many types of mushrooms, are edible. Other types of fungi, such as Aspergillus, can cause very serious and life-threatening diseases. Fungal Infection
Fungal infections are common in most parts of the natural world. In humans, a fungal infection occurs when an invading fungus takes over an area of the body and becomes too much for the immune system to handle.
Common Types of Fungal Infection
Fungal infections are also called mycosis. Although most fungi are harmless to humans, some have the potential to cause disease under certain conditions. Fungal Infection
Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact or inhalation. Therefore, fungal infections are more likely to affect your skin, nails, or lungs. Fungi can also penetrate your skin, infect your organs and cause systemic infections throughout the body.
Some common types of fungal infections include:
- Player’s feet
- jock itch
- ringworm disease
- Yeast Infections
- Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail
Some types of fungi do not usually cause infection in humans but can cause illness in people with weakened immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.
Risk of Fungal Infection
There are several things that can increase your risk of a fungal infection. These include environmental factors as well as what is happening in your body when you are exposed to the fungus.
Moisture And Humidity
Sweating a lot or working in hot, humid environments can increase your risk of fungal infections.
Walking barefoot in moist places, such as gyms, locker rooms, and showers can also increase your risk. These public places are often full of fungal spores.
Poor Blood Circulation
Any condition that causes poor blood circulation can increase your risk of infection. Poor circulation suppresses your immune response and reduces your body’s ability to fight infection.
If you’re a postmenopausal woman, hormonal changes can reduce your vaginal acidity. This can make you more prone to vaginal yeast infections.
A Suppressed Immune System
If your immune system is not working properly, it can make you prone to fungal infections. For example, malnutrition, immunodeficiency disorder, smoking, and even stress can impair your immune function. Learn more about immunodeficiency disorders. Fungal Infection
Nail and Skin Injury or Fungal Infection
Even a small nail or skin injury or infection can allow the fungus to get under your skin and infect deeper tissues. Therefore, it is important to wash the wounds and cover them with a sterile dressing or bandage. Learn how to treat minor wounds and prevent infection.
Certain Medicines for Fungal Infection
Certain medications can reduce your body’s ability to fight off fungal infections. This may allow the fungus to thrive, free of competition.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can also increase your risk of fungal infections. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can also put you at higher risk.
If you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor what steps you can take to limit your risk of fungal infections.
Home Treatment for Fungal Infection
Fortunately, an athlete’s foot can be very amenable to home treatment. Here are 10 home remedies that are proven effective.
Over-the-counter Treatments
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for athletes’ feet. These may come as powders, sprays, ointments, and lotions. Many cases of athlete’s foot respond well to OTC treatment and may never require other options.
You can apply these remedies directly to the affected area and use them for at least 1 week after the symptoms are gone to prevent the infection from returning immediately.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is why it is commonly used to treat many fungal infections (including both ringworm and candidiasis).
A 2002 study from a reliable source found that daily application of tea tree oil can treat both the symptoms of athlete’s foot and the fungus that causes it within a few weeks.
To treat athlete’s foot, mix a carrier oil such as warm coconut oil with tea tree oil for a concentration of 25 to 50 percent tea tree oil.
Neem oil
Both neem oil and neem leaf extract have incredible antifungal abilities and are reliable sources that can help fight an athlete’s foot. You can apply neem oil (or extract) directly to the affected area two to three times a day, massaging it into the skin. It can also be helpful for treating infections that develop under the toenails.
Rubbing Alcohol
As with hydrogen peroxide, many families will have to rub alcohol on their hands to clean the cuts.
You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in 70 percent rubbing alcohol and 30 percent water for 30 minutes.
Garlic
Garlic may have a pungent smell, but it can be an effective topical treatment for an athlete’s foot. One older study even found that garlic extract completely cured 79 percent of participants after just 7 days.
Once broken, rub them on the affected area. Do this twice daily.
Sea salt baths
Sea salt has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and is a trusted source, making it an excellent natural treatment for athlete’s foot and any complications it may cause. This can actually inhibit the growth and expansion of the athlete’s foot.
Some treatments involve mixing sea salt with other natural remedies, such as vinegar, to form a paste. The most effective way to use this remedy may be to dissolve a cup of sea salt in a warm foot bath. When you’re done soaking, dry your feet thoroughly.
Talcum powder
Talcum powder, cornstarch, or baby powder work well to treat athlete’s foot by keeping the affected area dry and clean. This keeps the sweat and humidity under control, making it difficult for the fungus to thrive and spread.
To use this remedy, apply talcum powder (or antifungal powder) directly to the dry, infected area before putting on socks each time.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub can not only ease the symptoms of a bad cough, but it can also help treat an athlete’s foot.
Rub Vicks on the affected area every night, massaging the feet. Do this every night for at least a month, or until a week after the infection is gone.
Keep your feet dry and clean
The athlete’s foot must be stopped. The fungus can grow in dark, moist areas, making your feet a perfect place for an athlete’s foot to develop. If you have an athlete’s foot (or even if you want to prevent it), keep your feet as dry and clean as possible.
Change your socks regularly. As soon as you’re done exercising, clean your feet and put on a fresh pair of socks. Dry the area between your toes. Do not go barefoot in public pools or gym areas.
You should also use shoes that are well-ventilated and allow your feet to breathe so that athlete’s foot can settle more quickly.
Symptoms of Fungal Infection
Changes in skin appearance and itching are common symptoms of many fungal infections.
Skin changes, including skin, cracking or peeling
itchy
Read on to learn more about some common types of fungal infections, their symptoms, and treatment options.