Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
"Nature itself is the best physician"- Hippocrates.
Have you ever felt itching or discomfort around the mouth, skin, or any part of your body? It could be a fungal infection, typically treated with antifungal medications. However, despite their effectiveness, these medicines may come with adverse reactions, making them vulnerable to use against the fungus. To overcome these, simple home remedies are very effective in treating the fungal infection without causing any unwanted reactions. Continue to read for more information!
Know About Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are mainly caused by fungi that are found in the environment. It can cause common colds or flu, like other viral or bacterial infections. Most of them are not contagious and can cause infection, mainly in people with weakened immune systems.
It is estimated that nearly billions of people are affected by skin, nail, and hair fungal infections, and over 150 million people are affected by serious fungal disease, which shows the prevalence and impact of fungal infection worldwide.
Common Type Of Fungal Infection
Some of the common fungal infections which affect people are given below:
- Fungal nail infection: It is otherwise known as onychomycosis can lead to discoloration, thickening, brittleness, or cracking of the nail.
- Vaginal candidiasis: It is an infection caused by Candida fungi, which are normally present in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina without causing any problems. However, it can specifically affect the vagina, where it may show a favor for fungal growth.
- Ringworm: It is known as tinea or dermatophytosis, which can cause a circular rash that is usually red and itchy. When it comes to feet, it is known as athlete's foot.
- Candida infection (mouth, throat, and esophagus): It is a common fungal infection that can affect the mouth and throat (thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis) and esophagus (esophageal candidiasis). Esophageal candidiasis is the most common infection in HIV/AIDS patients.
8 Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
- Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Tea tree oil is known as a topical antiseptic agent which helps to treat vaginal candidiasis, dermatophytosis (skin or scalp infection), and even oral candidiasis in fungal infections. It can stop the growth of fungus and helps to treat the fungal infection in individuals.
- Yogurt: It is estimated that yogurt has the highest antifungal activity among dairy products. The acidity of the product helps to inhibit the growth of the fungus in the individuals. Consuming probiotic yogurt will help to reduce the frequency of salivary candida colonies.
- Apple cider vinegar: It plays an important role against the candida spp. Its antifungal activity helps treat denture stomatitis. Especially when it is mixed with acetic acid, it shows significant antifungal activity against most the aspergillus spp., like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and also against Candida albicans, and Non- Candida albicans.
- Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate): Sodium bicarbonate is effective in treating superficial infections, which can grow in dark and moist areas and cause infection in various body parts. It also helps to prevent the spread of mucormycosis (black fungus) in patients with DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).
- Coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil can help treat fungal infections like candidiasis by affecting the growth of fungi. Applying coconut oil is helpful in managing atopic dermatitis (chronic, itching, inflammatory skin disease) in individuals.
- Neem: Neem is an excellent antimicrobial agent which can involve in antifungal activities against aspergillus niger and candida albican. Neem has shown a wide range of antifungal activities against Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Trichosporon, Geotrichum, and Candida which are responsible for various hair, nail, mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands, and lungs infection.
- Garlic: Garlic shows antifungal activity against Candida albicans which can lead to oral or vaginal candidiasis in individuals. Oral intake of garlic can help to fight against S.schenckii fungus, which can cause lung and skin infections.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is known for both antifungal and antibacterial properties. The curcumin in turmeric has the ability to inhibit the growth of most candida fungi in individuals.
When To Seek a Doctor!
It is important to seek your doctor if you have symptoms of fungal scalp infection, like small scaly patches on the scalp, patchy hair loss, and itchiness. It is recommended to inform your doctor immediately if you have a weak immune system during a fungal infection. It can cause serious complications in individuals who have a weak immune system.
Do's And Don'ts
Do's
- Maintain personal hygiene.
- Wear masks in highly polluted areas.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Wash your hands after touching the pets.
- Stay away from birds and bat droppings.
- Wear loose cotton clothes.
Don'ts
- Don't share your personal items (combs, hairbrushes, towels, clothing)
- Don't scratch the affected area.
- Don't walk barefoot.
- Don't touch the soil with bare hands.
End-Notes!
Fungal infections are common and can cause various discomforts in people. Incorporating simple home remedies, which are common in our day-to-day lives, can help combat fungal infections in an effective way. Moreover, it will help to overcome any drug resistance during fungal infection naturally. It is crucial to remember that these home remedies are used only under certain circumstances, like mild or non-serious fungal infections. Always remember that most people are not affected by serious fungal infections, but it is essential to be proactive and seek your doctor at the right time to avoid complications caused by the infection.
