10 Smart Ways to Treat Fungal Infections At Home

Skin fungus is a common infection that is caused when certain fungal pathogens breed in moist or warm environments. Fungus usually grows in shoes, socks, public areas like swimming pools or gyms, and in showers. The microscopic fungus lives on toenails, hair and skin and the most common symptoms are usually peeling, itchy or burning skin. If you suffer from some of these symptoms, there are a number of home remedies that can easily treat fungal infections.

1. Stay Clean 

Our feet can easily be our dirtiest body part, and it ins so easy to neglect their health. In order to prevent or cure fungal infections, the first step is keeping your feet as clean as possible. This can be done by regularly having foot baths in which you wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. It is also recommended to scrub and exfoliate your feet each week to remove the dead skin cells that may hold fungal bacteria. 

 

2. Keep Your Feet and Shoes Dry 

As explained above, fungus develops in moist or wet areas, so it is important to make sure that your feet and shoes are dry. Don't wear shoes when you have wet feet (that includes sandals that are not made from plastic), and make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after bathing. If your shoes are wet, place them upside-down by a window or throw them in the dryer before wearing them. 

 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar 

One of nature's most powerful medicines, apple cider vinegar can be used to cure ringworm due to its strong anti-septic properties. When using vinegar to treat fungal infections, clean the affected area well with antiseptic soap before applying the apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball on the same area. Then, to maximize the effect of the vinegar, massage the area gently for a few minutes. 

 

 

4. Nail Polish

Believe it or not, nail polish and nail polish remover, known as acetone, can help remove and prevent the growth of fungus on your nails. Usually, fungus on the nails appears in a yellowish color, and if you experience these symptoms, one good way to fight off the infection is by applying nail polish (either colored or clear) to the affected nails. The nail polish or the acetone will dry out the fungus in the nail. 

 

 5. Don't Wear Your Shoes For Too Long 

Although many of us are on our feet all day, one of the worst things you can do that promotes fungal infection is to wear your shoes for an extended period. Because your feet sweat all day long (yes, all feet sweat), wearing your footwear for an extended period of time keeps your feet moist and fungus prone to growth. Try and remove your shoes when you can, even if it's just for a few minutes, to air out the sweaty area. 

 

6. Powder 

If you need to wear the same pair of socks and shoes more than two days in a row, it is recommended to apply a dash of baby powder into the sock and shoe before slipping them on. This will prevent the dead skin in the sock and shoe from affecting your foot, and will keep any moisture out that will facilitate infection. 

 

7. Keep an Eye Out For Obvious Symptoms 

Some of the most obvious symptoms of a fungal infection are itchiness and burning in your feet or the formation of a crusty layer of skin on the top of the feet. Also, there are commonly small rashes that develop and itch (known as Athlete's Foot) which is another obvious sign. It is important to be aware of these telltale signs because the skin infection caused by the fungus is very contagious, and once you have it, it is hard to get rid of. 

 

8. Don't Wear Tight Fitting Shoes or Clothes 

As mentioned above, fungus develops in your shoes and clothes because your feet and body sweat and the moisture is a thriving environment fo. Another way to minimize the seriousness of the fungal infection is not to wear tight shoes that will prevent air from entering in and will aggravate the infected areas. 

 

9. Tea Tree Oil

This is a magical solution to fungal infections of all sorts! Tea Tree Oil is a natural oil that has an excellent drying and purifying effect. Apply the oil or tea tree ointment to the affected area and leave your feet in the open for a few minutes until it absorbs. It is recommended to apply the oil after you shower to maximize the absorption into your skin. If the smell or strength of the oil bothers you, you can add it to a lotion or other scented oils. Other essential oils that work great are garlic oil and oregano oil. 

 

10. Use Hydrogen Peroxide 

Although this ingredient may seem scary, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water is one of the most effective home remedies for fungal infections. When you have a foot bath, add a bit of hydrogen peroxide into the warm water and soak for about 15-20 minutes. You can also rub the mixture into the affected area but do so carefully and with gloves on. If your skin is sensitive to the hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended to use the essential oils instead that are a bit lighter on the skin. 

 

These are all great and almost entirely free home remedies to treat fungal infections of the feet, back and other areas. Once you find one that works great for you, make sure to share your wisdom with your friends and family! 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Rare case of mucormycosis detected in a dengue-recovered patient: What you need to know

Can people be infected with black fungus post dengue?

A rare case of black fungus infection, also known as mucormycosis, was reported in a 49-year-old male at a hospital in Delhi. As per the doctors, the patient had come to the hospital 15 days post-dengue recovery, complaining of a sudden vision loss.

Earlier this year, when the second wave of coronavirus took us by surprise and caused great devastation throughout the country, a large population of diabetics and people with a compromised immunity reported signs of "black fungus" infection, adding to the woes of medical professionals.

Now that the country is witnessing a drop in the number of COVID patients, the staggering rise in dengue cases has become a source of concern. That said, the case of mucormycosis, although 'rare', comes at a dangerous time.

Post-dengue recovery is not free of complications

Dengue infections can range from mild to moderate illness, although in some cases, it can lead to severe complications. Associated symptoms include high fever, fatigue, muscle, bone and joint pain, rashes, throbbing headache, vomiting and nausea.

While there is no particular treatment for vector borne diseases, mild infections can be managed at home. However, if the condition does not improve or the platelets level continues to drop, patients may have to seek medical help.

Just like any other infection, dengue may also leave a lasting impact on your body. Besides taking a toll on your immune system, it may go on to hamper your movement, may continue to make you feel fatigued and weak, all of which makes your post-dengue recovery process more difficult and slow.

Your immune system may suffer

Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease caused by four different viruses and spread by female Aedes mosquitoes. As and when the body is infected with the dengue virus, immune responses work together to fight the virus. The immune system's B cells produce antibodies that recognize and neutralize that foreign particles. However, in the process, there is a chance that the virus may weaken your immunity, which may increase your chances of getting sick easily.

Black fungus infection or Mucormycosis is common in people with compromised immunity

During the second COVID-19 wave, doctors found that black fungus or mucormycosis was common in people with a history of diabetes, compromised immunity and other infections.

Given that the dengue fever can lead to weakened immunity, doctors  suggest that the 'rare' case of mucormycosis could be an outcome of the same.

"Before coming to the hospital, the patient had an episode of nasal bleeding as a complication owing to dengue 15 days prior to his recovery, wherein he noted a low count of platelets with no transfusion history. Mucormycosis in his case is a resultant factor of compromised immunity owing to dengue," said a Dr.

Even in the case of COVID-19, while the fungal infection was predominant in diabetes patients, those with a compromised immunity, on steroids and immunosuppressants were also at great risk of developing mucormycosis.

Vision loss can be a symptom

Mucormycosis, previously known as zygomycosis, is a severe fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes.

According to a senior consultant (ENT),  "It is a deadly infection caused by a group of fungus called mucor. This fungus invades the healthy tissues of the nose, sinuses, eyes and brain so rapidly that any delay in diagnosis and management can lead to adverse long-term complications."

The 49-year-old man who was recently diagnosed with mucormycosis came to the hospital, reporting a sudden loss of vision in one eye post dengue fever.

A senior consultant ENT and head and neck surgery at the hospital, said, "Diagnosing and managing a case of rhino-orbital (involving nose and eye) mucormycosis in a patient who has just recovered from dengue fever is very important, as even after best treatment, patients of mucormycosis can lose their eyesight permanently and in a state of an aggressive infection, removal of eye becomes necessary for preventing any further spread of infection."

Prevention

As per the doctors at the facility, while the case of mucormycosis in dengue patients is extremely rare, patients with a recent history of dengue should stay vigilant and cautious about their health and must consult their doctors immediately if any new symptoms arise.

While there are no vaccines available for this rare fungal disease, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has claimed that the infection is not contagious and can be prevented by taking certain precautionary measures. Ensuring a safe, fungus and spore-free environment can minimize the risk of developing black fungus infection. Apart from that, make sure to boost your immune system regularly, as mucormycosis is prevalent in people with weakened immune response.

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This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement