Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing a fungal skin infection
• Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
• Method 3 of 3: When to Seek Medical Help
• Tips

A yeast infection is caused by a fungus Candida... He prefers warm, moist places - in the folds of the skin and in the groin area, under the arms, breasts and feet. If you have a fungal infection, you probably want to get rid of it quickly. Fortunately, this can be done with natural remedies. However, if the infection persists within three days, you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it is best to see your doctor.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing a fungal skin infection

1. 1 Look for red, itchy patches. See if you have an irritating, red or gray rash that may flake and itch.The rash may be slightly raised, and when scratching, small pustules may form in its place. This type of rash most often forms in the folds of the skin, where it is dark and humid.
   • Fungus in babies Candida often causes a diaper rash in the crease between the buttocks, especially if they remain in wet or dirty diapers for a long time.
   • The fungus also often affects the scalp, nails of the hands and feet, and the areas between the toes and heels (called the athlete's foot).
2. 2 Pay attention to the musty smell of the leather. Unlike other types of rashes, fungal infections cause a musty odor. This odor is especially noticeable if the infection is in the mouth (aphthous stomatitis) or the vagina, although it can also be felt when the fungus grows on the skin or in the folds of the skin.
   • The sweet and musty smell of the skin caused by the growth of the fungus can sometimes be hidden or resemble normal body odors, as they are more felt under the armpits, in the groin and buttocks.
3. 3 Find out if you are at increased risk of a fungal infection. Fungal (yeast) infections are common and can affect anyone. However, those who do not bathe every day or who have a weakened immune system are at greater risk. Also, those people who have large folds on the skin are more susceptible to fungal infection.
   • The main causes of a weakened immune system are age (infancy or old), chronic stress, chronic malnutrition, infectious diseases of the immune system (for example, HIV infection), autoimmune diseases, diabetes, overuse of drugs (for example, antibiotics or corticosteroids), chemotherapy for cancer.
   • The risk of contracting foot and toenail fungus, from where it can then spread to other parts of the body, is also increased in those who swim in public baths and pools and do not protect their feet.

Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Remedies

1. 1 Use coconut oil as a natural fungicide. Coconut oil contains three different fatty acids (caprylic, capric, and lauric acid) that are fungicidal, meaning they kill Candida and other types of fungi. These fatty acids in coconut oil kill the fungus by destroying its cell membrane, so it is very difficult for it to develop resistance to them.
   • Purchase high quality coconut oil (it is likely to be solid rather than liquid) and rub it on infected areas three times a day. You should see positive results (reduced redness and itching) within a week.
   • Coconut oil is also a popular treatment for systemic (internal) candidiasis, although it is taken orally in such situations.
   • Coconut oil is also effective for bacterial skin infections and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which may resemble a fungal skin infection.
2. 2 Try tea tree oil to treat and prevent infection. Tea tree oil, or plant extract Melaleuca alternifoliamay also be effective for fungal (yeast) skin infections, as it has a strong antimicrobial effect and also acts as a fungicide. In addition, tea tree oil helps to strengthen the immune system, which helps to avoid initial infection or re-infection with candidiasis and other types of fungi. To get started, apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the infected area three times a day for at least a couple of weeks and see if that helps.
   • Tea tree oil has been a popular antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent in Australia for many years, and it has only been over the past decade that more has been learned about it in Europe and North America.
   • Tea tree oil can cause both skin irritation and allergic reactions in some hypersensitive people, although this is rare. Therefore, test the oil on a small area of ​​healthy skin before applying it to the infected area.
3. 3 Apply oregano oil to dry out the fungus and kill it. Oregano oil contains a couple of different substances (carvacrol and thymol) that are powerful fungicides. These substances completely deprive Candida and other types of fungi are liquid, as a result, they dry out and die. Oregano oil is quite powerful and can cause a burning sensation when applied to the skin, so dilute it with vitamin E oil or cod liver oil - water is not good for this because it does not mix with oils.
   • Mix 1-2 drops of oregano oil with the same amount of vitamin E oil or cod liver oil and apply to infected skin three times a day for a couple of weeks to see if the remedy works for you.
4. 4 Strengthen your immune system to successfully fight off infection. For any type of infection (fungal, bacterial or viral), the success of prevention and protection depends on how strong your immunity is. The immune system includes special white blood cells (leukocytes), whose purpose is to find and destroy potential pathogenic microorganisms, such as fungus. However, if the immune system is weakened due to the reasons listed above, pathogens can multiply and spread throughout the body almost unhindered. In view of this, take care of your immunity to resist infections and stay healthy.
   • To maintain a strong immune system, try to get enough time to sleep well, eat more fresh foods, eat less refined sugar (sugary drinks, sweets, desserts), reduce alcohol consumption, quit smoking, practice good hygiene, and exercise regularly.
   • The immune system can be strengthened with the following vitamins, trace elements and herbal supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Echinacea and Olive Leaf Extract.

Method 3 of 3: When to Seek Medical Help

1. 1 See your doctor if symptoms of infection have not improved within 2–3 days. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. The doctor will then examine you. He will take a swab from the area covered by the rash to make sure you have a fungal infection. The doctor will then diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
   • The infection may not clear up in 2-3 days, but you should feel better during this time.
   • Most fungal infections can be treated at home. However, a severe infection, if not properly treated, can cause a secondary infection.
2. 2 See your doctor right away if you have diabetes or weak immunity. While it is possible that everything will be fine, with diabetes or a weakened immune system, it is more difficult to get rid of a fungal infection. This means that it can quickly lead to complications. Fortunately, your doctor will be able to prescribe treatment that will help you get rid of the infection as quickly as possible. See your doctor immediately as soon as you discover you have a fungal infection.
   • Your doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan and monitor you until your condition improves.
   • You may need to retest to make sure you are completely cured.
3. 3 Seek medical attention right away if there are signs of a severe infection. A fungal infection can develop into a secondary infection, which requires additional treatment. While you shouldn't worry too much, it is best to see your doctor if you suspect you have a secondary infection. See your doctor for the following symptoms:
   • severe redness;
   • spreading redness;
   • hot skin;
   • discharge from the skin;
   • edema;
   • the rash is painful;
   • heat.
4. 4 Ask your doctor which antifungal cream is right for you. If you have an infection, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter cream. However, he may decide that you are better off using a prescription cream. Apply the cream daily as directed until the fungal infection is completely cleared.
   • Antifungal creams are often available over the counter in pharmacies. The cream may indicate that it is from the "athlete's foot", but such a cream is suitable for any fungal infection of the skin. Similar creams can be found in the foot care section.
   • Common antifungal skin creams contain miconazole, clotrimazole, and oxyconazole.

   Option: if the fungal infection has affected the folds of the skin, antifungal powder can be used. Although these powders are available without a prescription, your doctor may prescribe a more potent option if needed.

   
   

Tips

• If natural remedies don't work for a fungal skin infection, talk to your doctor about medicated antifungal creams and ointments.
• There are many over-the-counter drying powders, creams, and lotions on the market that contain fungicides (miconazole or clotrimazole) and are almost as effective as prescription drugs.
• For a fungal (yeast) infection on the foot, keep the affected skin clean, cool, and dry. Change your socks regularly and wear shoes that allow your foot to breathe, such as leather.
• To prevent fungal infections Candida diaper rash, change your baby's diapers regularly. Dry your skin with baby powder (nystatin powder) before putting on a new diaper.
• If you are overweight and find it difficult to reach all areas of your body when you shower, take an Epsom salts bath instead. Salt helps get rid of various types of skin infections, while magnesium soothes muscles.