Symptoms

The symptoms and appearances of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of the body affected.

They can cause rashes with a variety of different appearances. Some are red, scaly and itchy, whereas others can produce a fine scale similar to dry skin. The fungus may infect just one area of the body, or there may be several infected areas.

Fungal infections of the scalp or beard can lead to hair loss. Fungal rashes can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

Causes

Fungal infections are caused by contamination with fungi. Spores are the reproductive form of fungus; you can compare it with the seeds of a plant. Spores are very resistant towards external influences and therefore, they can live on - almost invisibly - while their growth form has disappeared completely.

Furthermore, fungi as such are not contagious, but spores can be transmitted from one person to another and cause a fungal infection in the latter.

Thus, treatment should also aim to wipe out spores completely; otherwise the disease may flare up again after a while or may contaminate other people.

Usually, fungi and fungal yeasts are not dangerous. Problems only occur when our resistance is weakened. In humans and animals, fungi grasp the opportunity when the skin is broken or our resistance is weakened due to illness or medication.

Home Remedies

Wear flip-flops in varied areas. Apply antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and feet. Dry the feet and between the toes last after a shower to prevent spread to other parts of the skin.

Avoid tight or closed footwear specially in warm climates. Don't wear tight pants or underwear's.

Curds and yogurt are foods empathized to be the most effective home remedy for yeast infection.

For healthy toenails, soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The herbal oils in Listerine, such as thymol and eucalyptol, have antifungal activity. Many have found that it can help fight nail fungus. But the alcohol in regular Listerine (26.9 percent) might cause your nails to dry. Moisturize after trying this method. When soaking your toes for the first time try for a few minutes only making sure that there are no ill effects.

If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.

Tea tree oil has many uses for healing, so it's not surprising to find that it has anti-fungal properties as well. Candida albicans is really a fungus, although most people refer to it as a yeast.

Research shows that tea tree oil is quite effective on fungal infections. It works by attacking the cell membrane, which makes it easier for anti-fungal agents to get through the cell membrane and kill the fungus.

It's best not to use tea tree oil full-strength, as it can irritate the skin. Always dilute it with olive oil, or another carrier oil. Use one part tea tree oil to three parts carrier oil. Like most essential oils, tea tree oil seems to work better when it's used in lower concentrations. And of course, tea tree oil is for external use only. Don't take it internally.

Origin of tea tree oil: It is a small tree from New South Wales in Australia, similar to Cypress, with needle-like leaves and heads of sessile yellow or purplish flowers and grows to about 7 meters (20 feet) high and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in plantations.

Even when this tree is cut down, it flourishes and is ready for cutting again in two years. The oil is only produced in Australia where the Aborigines used it for a long time for a variety of medicinal purposes.

In World War II, the producers and the cutters were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. Each soldier and sailor was issued with some as part of their kit, to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

Tea tree oil is an ingredient of soaps, creams, lotions, deodorants, disinfectants and air fresheners.

Myrrh has been used for centuries by cultures across the world to treat thrush, candida, and other yeast infections. Now research is backing up myrrh's reputation as an anti-fungal. It seems to work by stimulating the immune system to fight off candida overgrowth, along with other disease-causing organisms, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Echinacea is a really good all round remedy, against all types of infections. It also helps to improve your immune function.

Peppermint is a great herb, which you can use to prevent and treat yeast infections.

Aloe Vera is a natural way to treat itchy skin. It has anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which can help in the treatment of itchy skin. Along with helping you get rid of itchy skin, it also helps in the treatment of skin burns and sunburns.

If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.

It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your immune system has to function properly at all times. Take the time to understand your own body and make the right decisions when providing yourself with needed helpfull vitamins and herbal remedies.

Contact a professional health consultant or doctor it you believe you are a victim of fungal infection.

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