Of all the things that can go wrong with our health, whether it be a minor issue or a major problem or something in between, we must concede there are few health situations more grotesque to deal with than a fungus growth somewhere on our bodies.
Yuck!
What Causes a Fungal Infection?
Fungal infections can be supremely agonizing and tenacious, especially when they land on a particularly sensitive area of our bodies. Such infections, also known as mycoses, are typically caused by an invasion of one of various types of pathogenic fungi taking aim at almost any part of the body. It’s not just people who are targeted by these invaders but animals as well; some fungi can even be transmitted from animals to humans.
Experts have identified three major types of fungal infections, all starting with the letter ‘S’: Superficial (affect outer layers of skin, nails, and hair); Subcutaneous (disturb deeper skin layers such as dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and bone); and Systemic (more serious, affecting multiple organs such as your lungs or brain). Nasty stuff, for sure.
Symptoms can often include itching, redness and inflammation, rash, blisters, peeling or cracked skin, discomfort of varying degrees, vaginal discharge, foul odor, nail discoloration, and oral thrush (white patches in the mouth).
So, what leaves us vulnerable or susceptible to fungal infections (other than Carl the Corgi?) Such factors can be a compromised or depleted immune system; prolonged use of antibiotics (ditto for steroids); not showering after workouts; failure to change socks regularly (especially damp ones); poor hygiene; moisture-trapping tight clothing; being exposed to environments with excessive fungal spore counts or outbreaks, etc.
If you ever do get a fungal infection, take some consolation in the fact that more than a billion people a year worldwide are impacted by a fungal infection, and we’re not talking just third world – plenty of cases in America crop up. Below we offer seven suggestions to help fungal infection sufferers navigate through the healing process.
7 Natural Antifungal Remedies to Consider
If you want to add any of these natural remedies to your pantry or medicine cabinet, be sure to first discuss your possible use of them with your personal physician or other licensed health-care professional. In alphabetical order:
Aloe vera: Aloe vera is already a favorite among many sun-loving beach aficionados who occasionally need immediate relief from a fresh case of sunburn and know of aloe vera’s familiar soothing characteristics after a day in the sun. It’s also a great anti-fungal remedy.
Apple cider vinegar: This natural remedy serves a variety of healthful functions, among them an ability to regulate the skin’s Ph in such a way as to make it less accommodating for fungal growth.
Coconut oil: By its very nature, coconut oil contains fatty acids known to be detrimental to fungal infections. Applying a thin layer of the oil to the infected area can fight fungus at the same time it hydrates the skin area.
Garlic: There is evidence that garlic can help lick (kill) Candida, a naturally occurring fungus that lives in our bodies and has been labeled the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. It has also been singled out for its ability to treat yeast infections.
Oregano oil: One of the compounds that make up the essence of oregano oil is carvacrol, which has robust antifungal properties.
Tea tree oil: This healthful substance is among a group of supplements known as essential oils. In its case, tea tree oil powers its way to be able to handle an assortment of health functions because it can neutralize fungi as well as harmful bacteria and viruses.
Turmeric: If there is a natural remedy more versatile than turmeric and its main active component curcumin, one doesn’t immediately come to mind – plus it’s a golden-colored spice popular worldwide for adding flavor to food. A homemade paste consisting of a mix of powdered curcumin with water provides a strong antifungal that can calm skin irritation and diminish fungal growth. Be careful when handling it as it can stain your skin as well as clothing.
Infectious fungi can be caused by any of many conditions or environmental circumstances, even lifestyle choices, and they can produce a variety of aggravating symptoms. Yet there are many natural remedies ready for the challenge of taking the fight to the infection. Again, before using any of these supplemental compounds, be sure to discuss such use with a physician or other health-care provider.