Fungal infection is a common human disease and many people may face the issue at least once in life. Though it is not a big issue to treat various fungal infections as many home remedies are readily available, it causes many problems and inconveniences. If not properly and timely taken care of, fungal infection may multiply the skin issues and it may get so enormous that the home remedies become ineffective and one has to visit medical man and undergo a full-fledged medical procedure. Therefore, sooner attention gives better results.
WHAT CAUSES FUNGAL INFECTION?
Various types of fungi, that are microorganisms, are all around in the environment and thrive in certain environmental conditions such as warm, damp and dark, are cause of various types of fungal infections. Certain parts of the body are more prone to fungal infections because of various reasons which are as under;
- WEAK IMMUNITY
The persons with weak immunity are the easy target of the fungal infections. Immunity may suffer due to certain reasons such as medical treatment, illness, stomach disorder, disturbed routine, sleeplessness and others.
- HUMID CONDITIONS
Humidity and warm weather are the suitable condition for the fungi to grow and thrive and the fungal bacteria find public toilets, swimming pools, sweaty undergarments, shoes and socks as the breeding place.
- POOR HYGIENE
Inadequate and poor personal hygiene is one of the big causes of the fungal infection and thus risk of increased infections gets multiplied.
- CONTIGUITY
Fungal infection is a contagious disease and spread through physical contact with the affected person or contaminated surfaces such as towels, clothes or other such things.
- TIGHT CLOTHES
Tight clothes and undergarments through which air does not pass and trap moisture are the places conducive for fungal infection fungal growth.
- WET FOOTWEAR
Wearing sweaty socks and shoes for a long time may cause fungal infection like athlete’s foot.
- WEAKENED NAIL
Weakened or damaged nails area also a major cause of fungal infection.
WHICH ARE SYMPTOMS OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS?
The symptoms of the fungal infection vary from person to person, body to body and varied nature of intensity. However, some common symptoms are as under;
- Itching
- Redness and inflammation
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Peeling and cracking skin
- Pain or discomfort
- Unpleasant smelling
- Damaged nails
- White patches
- Body ringworm
- Athlete’s foot
- Jock itch (Infection that occurs in groin and thigh areas)
- Scalp ringworm
WHICH ARE HOME REMEDIES FOR FUNGAL INFECTIONS?
- YOGURT
Yogurt has the properties which ward off all types of fungal infections on the body. Yogurt and other probiotic foods have plenty of good bacteria which are the most effective shield against the fungal infections. It should be kept in mind that the yogurt should be eaten in the morning or at least at noon and should not be eaten in the evening or at night.
- TAKE SHOWER DAILY
Daily shower and bath must be an integral part of life and there should be no compromise on it. This routine has many health benefits apart from keeping the fungal infection away. For shower, a good soap should be used.
- TURMERIC POWDER
Turmeric has the powerful properties to treat the fungal infections. It can be used outwardly and inwardly. Its paste by mixing it with honey is the most effective home remedy for the fungal infection. The turmeric powder can by consumed by mixing its one spoon with lukewarm milk and a tea spoon of olive oil. Turmeric tea should be prepared and taken by mixing a table spoon of honey in it. Turmeric powder can cause constipation to some people so it should be taken cautiously as twice a week is preferable. Either outward or inward, the best time of the use of turmeric powder in any way is well before going to bed for maximum results.
- APPLE CEDAR VINEGAR (ACV)
The organic apple cedar vinegar is one of the best home remedies to treat the fungal infection particularly the scalp ringworm that usually causes dandruff. It is equally effective for other bodily infections. The ACV should be taken organic one with ‘mother’ and should be used by diluting with water. One table spoon of ACV should be mixed in half cup of water as raw ACV may cause rashes and itching.
- GARLIC AND GINGER
Garlic and ginger should be necessary part of every meal as both are the most potent antifungal home remedies. Both should be added to the meal during cooking or both can be taken separately. However, both should be a part of lifelong routine to keep oneself healthy. Apart from treating fungal infection, both have other health benefits as garlic is the best one to lower blood pressure.
- Garlic Paste: Some pieces of garlic should be crushed and mixed with the honey to make a paste for applying on the affected area.
- Garlic Tea: Garlic tea by adding a spoon of honey makes a fine drink to treat fungal infection.
- Raw Garlic: A piece of garlic should be soaked in a cup of water and should be eaten in the morning with the same water. It is necessary to avoid odor of garlic and other negative effects.
Ginger should also be used in the same way for making paste to apply on affected areas and to drink it as ginger tea. However, soaking ginger is not a good idea.
- BAKING SODA (Sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda is also an effective home remedy to prevent fungal infection particularly athlete’s foot or the infection caused by damp socks and wet shoes. It should be applied on the feet and inside the shoes as it absorbs the moisture and thus helps in preventing the fungal infection.
BOTTOMLINE
Some of the home remedies for fungal infections have been discussed here but there many other home remedies available for the purpose. These are preferable as these have no side effects and negative aspects if taken in a proper way keeping in view certain precautions. Despite that the home remedies have effective properties but, in some cases, these become ineffective when infections have already got enormous. In that case, the medical man should be consulted. The home remedies are effective when the problem is detected at early stage and treatment should be started promptly. The home remedies should be taken as preventive measures.
FAQs (Frequent Asked Questions)
Have home remedies for fungal infections any negative effects?
The home remedies have no negative aspects or side affects if taken with certain cautions
How long should home remedies be taken?
The home remedies should be used as long as the problem persists and can be used continuously with certain intervals
Can fungal infection become a sort of cancer?
No research has any indication in this regard