Some Fungi can be found on and in the human body, certain conditions can set it off where it could cause problems but generally it serves its purpose [what it was designed to do] without ever making a person ill or causing discomfort.
The most common fungal infections
* ringworm – a round ring shape infection that is very infectious [can cross infect from person to person], generally found on all skin surfaces but can also infect the nails [as tinea]. Starts slowly but if left untreated can infect the entire body surface and be very itchy and uncomfortable
* Athletes foot/feet – infects mainly between the toes, but can also be found on the sides of the feet or on and around the toe nails
Candida – infects mainly the moist areas of the body [groin and upper thighs] but it is also known to infect the toenails. This fungus is also known as thrush and can cause diaper rash [on babies] and vaginal infections [in women]
Jock itch – upper thighs and groin area are the main areas that are infected with this fungus
Some symptoms
redness
itchiness
dryness
cracked skin
inflamed skin
raised bumps
burning sensation
smelly discharge
hair loss
The symptoms depend on the area the fungus has infected [you will not lose your hair if you have athletes feet for example], care to the infection should be commenced as soon as possible to prevent further infection and cross infection [ringworm, athletes foot etc].
Causes
* Athletes foot – wearing dirty socks [or sharing with an infected person], using public showers or swimming pools, not drying between the toes and having very sweaty and moist feet that are not taken care of.
* Jock Itch – bad personal hygiene in that area could cause this [as well as thrush]. Wearing dirty underwear and having a very sweaty groin area also contribute to this problem.
* Candida – a form of thrush infects moist damp areas, bad personal hygiene and wearing of dirty underwear [diapers in the case of babies with nappy rash] are also a trigger to this problem.
* ringworm [also know as tinea] – generally passed from one infected animal or person onto another by physical contact. This fungus is very contagious and good personal hygiene and avoidance of infected animals or persons is very important.
Antibiotics, a poor diet, diabetes, cancer and a few other serious illnesses may also cause people to be susceptible to a fungal infection; this is due to the ill person already having a weakened immune system.
Home remedies
* yogurt – applied as a topical treatment to the infected area [must be fungal] or taken as food for an internal infection [vaginal infection]
* apple cider vinegar – applied as a topical ointment for skin infections [must be fungal]
* aloe – applied as an ointment alone or mixed with olive oil to the fungal infected area
* vitamin E oil – mixed with baby oil and aloe, applied topically to the fungal infection
* tea tree oil – applied topically to the fungal infected areas
* garlic – apply raw garlic to the area, avoid sensitive areas for this treatment, can be smelly but sure works
Remember to eat correctly and to drink plenty of fluids at this time, this will assist the immune system in fighting the fungal infection.
Over the counter medication will also assist in clearing up the infection, if no noticeable change has occurred after a few days please go see your doctor for a diagnosis and the prescribed medication or treatment for the condition.
