Fungal Infections

Causes of Fungal Infections

• Warm and Moist Environments: Fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions. Environments such as public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and tight clothing can create conditions conducive to fungal growth.
• Soil and Mud: Certain fungi, like those causing ringworm, can be found in soil and mud. Direct contact with contaminated soil can lead to infection.
• Poor Hygiene Practices: Not keeping the skin clean and dry can create an environment where fungi can grow. This includes not drying off properly after bathing or swimming.
• Sharing Personal Items: Sharing items such as towels, clothes, shoes, or bedding can transfer fungi from one person to another.
• Cuts, Scrapes, or Other Skin Injuries: Breaks in the skin can provide an entry point for fungi.
• Contact with Infected Individuals or Animals: Fungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs, are more prone to fungal infections.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can promote fungal growth, especially in moist areas like the groin and under the breasts.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or use of birth control pills can increase the risk of fungal infections, particularly yeast infections.
• Wearing Tight or Non-Breathable Clothing: Tight clothing and non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture and heat, encouraging fungal growth.
• Heavy Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially in warm climates or during physical activities, creates moist environments favourable for fungi.

Symptoms of Fungal Infections

• Skin changes, including red and possibly cracking or peeling skin
• Itching

A fungal skin infection might cause :

• Irritation
• Scaly skin
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters

Types of Fungal Infection

1. Ringworm of The Body (Tinea Corporis)

   Ringworm, also called tinea corporis , isn’t a worm but a fungal skin Tinea corporis or Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues, such as the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a worm. It typically occurs on the torso and limbs. Ringworm on other areas of the body can have different names, such as athlete’s foot and jock itch.Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection and is highly contagious. It’s not serious.

   Symptoms of Ringworm of The Body

   • The main symptom of ringworm is a ring-shaped rash with slightly raised edges. The skin inside these circular rashes usually looks healthy. The rash can spread and is often itchy.
   • Ringworm is usually easy to notice because of its shape. A red patch that may itch or be scaly will often turn into a raised, ring-shaped patch of skin over time. It may even spread out into several rings.
   • The outside of this ring is red and may appear raised or bumpy, while the inside of the ring will remain clear or become scaly.
   • Ringworm is highly contagious, and it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with pets, such as dogs. The fungus may also survive on objects, such as towels, clothes, and brushes.
   • The ringworm fungus also infects soil and mud, so people who play or work in infected dirt may catch ringworm as well.

2. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

   Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of feet, often between toes.The fungi grow best in warm, moist places such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers. They’re often found in the summer and in hot, humid climates. It happens more often in people who wear tight shoes, who don’t change their sweaty socks, and who use public baths and pools.

   Causes of Athlete’s Foot

   The fungi behind an athlete's foot live on the dead tissue of your hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. At least four kinds of fungus can cause the infection. The most common is Trichophyton rubrum

   Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

   Typical Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot Include :

   • Itching or a burning, stinging sensation between toes or on the soles of feet
   • Skin that appears red, scaly, dry, or flaky
   • Cracked or blistered skin

   Signs of an athlete's foot vary from person to person. You might have

   • Peeling, cracking, and scaly feet
   • Blisters
   • Skin that’s red, softened, or broken down
   • Itching
   • Burning

   In some cases, the infection can also spread to other areas of the body. Examples include nails, groin, or hands (tinea manuum).

   Types of athlete's foot

   This is also called toe web infection. Most people with athlete’s foot have this form. It usually occurs between two smallest toes. The infection can spread to the sole of the foot.

   This form can begin with irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin. Over time, skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve the entire sole and extend onto the sides of the foot.

   This is the rarest kind of athlete's foot. It usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters, often on the underside of the foot. They also can appear between toes, on heel, or on top of foot.

   • Interdigital.
   • Moccasin.
   • Vesicular.

3. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

   The infection is also known as tinea cruris. Tinea loves warm, moist areas like genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections happen more often in the summer or in warm, wet climates.Jock itch is a red, itchy rash that’s often ring-shaped. Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that happens in the area of groin and thighs. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.

   Symptoms of Jock Itch

   The main symptom is an itchy red rash that typically starts in the groin area or around the upper inner thighs. The rash may get worse after exercise or other physical activity and can spread to the buttocks and abdomen.

   Symptoms of jock itch include:

   • redness in the groin, buttocks, or thighs
   • chafing, irritation, itching, or burning in the infected area
   • a red rash with a circular shape and raised edges
   • cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area
   • The affected skin may also appear scaly, flaky, or cracked. The outer border of the rash can be slightly raised and darker.

4. Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea Capitis)

   Ringworm is the fungus that causes both jock itch and athlete’s foot. When it appears anywhere else on the body, the infection is just called ringworm.This fungal infection affects the skin of the scalp and the associated hair shafts. It’s most common in young children.

   Symptoms of Ringworm of the scalp

   The symptoms can include:

   • Localised bald patches that may appear scaly or red
   • Associated scaling and itching
   • Associated tenderness or pain in the patches

5. Yeast Infections

   Yeast infections of your skin are called cutaneous candidiasis. A type of fungus called candida causes these infections when it grows too much. Yeast infections aren’t contagious.The infections are most common in warm, moist, creased areas of your body, including your armpits and groin. They often happen in people who are obese or who have diabetes. People taking antibiotics are also at higher risk. Candida can cause diaper rash in infants. It can also cause infections in your nails, vagina, or mouth (oral thrush).

   Symptoms of Yeast Infection

   Signs of a yeast infection on skin include:

   • Rash
   • Patches that ooze clear fluid
   • Pimple-like bumps
   • Itching
   • Burning

   Signs of a yeast infection in nail beds include:

   • Swelling
   • Pain
   • Pus
   • A white or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed

   Signs of thrush (yeast infection of mouth) include:

   • White patches on your tongue and inside your cheeks
   • Pain

   Signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:

   • White or yellow discharge from your vagina
   • Itching
   • Redness in the external area of your vagina
   • Burning

   Diagnosis Yeast Infection

   • Doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They might also take a sample from the affected area to look at under a microscope.

6. Tinea Versicolor

   Tinea versicolor, sometimes called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal/yeast skin infection that causes small oval discoloured patches to develop on the skin. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of fungus called Malassezia, which is naturally present on the skin of about 90 percent of adults.These discoloured skin patches most often occur on the back, chest, and upper arms. They may look lighter or darker than the rest of your skin, and can be red, pink, tan, or brown. These patches can be itchy, flaky, or scaly. Tinea versicolor is more likely during the summer or in areas with a warm, wet climate.

7. Cutaneous Candidiasis

   This is a skin infection that’s caused by Candida fungi. This type of fungi is naturally present on and inside our bodies. When it overgrows, an infection can happen. Candida skin infections occur in areas that are warm, moist, and poorly ventilated. Some examples of typical areas that can be affected include under the breasts and in the folds of the buttocks, such as in diaper rash.

   The symptoms of a Candida infection of the skin can include:

   • a red rash
   • itching
   • small red pustules

8. Onychomycosis (Tinea Unguium)

   Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of your nails. It can affect the fingernails or the toenails, although infections of the toenails are more common.

   Symptoms of Onychomycosis

   May have onychomycosis if you have nails that are:

   • Discoloured, typically yellow, brown, or white
   • Brittle or break easily
   • Thickened

   Prescription medications are often required to treat this type of infection. In severe cases, your doctor may remove some or all of an affected nail.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can put you at an increased risk of getting a fungal skin infection. These include :

• Living in a warm or wet environment
• Sweating heavily
• Not keeping your skin clean and dry
• Sharing items like clothing, shoes, towels, or bedding
• Wearing tight clothing or footwear that doesn’t breathe well
• Fungal infections are common in humans and are usually not very serious if they are treated quickly and correctly.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system may be more likely to contract a fungal infection, as well as anyone who is taking antibiotics.
• Cancer treatment and diabetes may also make a person more prone to fungal infections.
• Taking part in activities that involve frequent skin-to-skin contact
• Coming into contact with animals that may be infected
• Having a weakened immune system due to immunosuppressant drugs, cancer treatment, or conditions such as HIV

Prevention

Keep the following in mind to help prevent a fungal skin infection from developing :

• Be sure to practise good hygiene.
• Don’t share clothing, towels, or other personal items.
• Wear clean clothes every day, particularly socks and underwear.
• Choose clothing and shoes that breathe well. Avoid clothing or shoes that are too tight or have a restrictive fit.
• Make sure to dry off properly with a clean, dry, towel after showering, bathing, or swimming.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms instead of walking with bare feet.
• Wipe down shared surfaces, such as gym equipment or mats.
• Stay away from animals that have signs of a fungal infection, such as missing fur or frequent scratching.

Homoeopathy and Fungal Infections

Homeopathy, a holistic approach to medicine, uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body's natural healing processes. For fungal infections, homoeopathic remedies are chosen based on specific symptoms and individual patient characteristics

Homoeopathic medicines for fungal infections

1. Kreosotum

   This remedy is strongly indicated for vaginitis with watery, thin, unpleasant-smelling, very irritating discharge that makes the vulva swell and itch. Symptoms may be worse in the morning and worse when standing up. Infections are more likely to appear before the menstrual period or during pregnancy.

2. Natrum muriaticum

   Vaginitis with discharge resembling egg-white, which itches and makes the vagina feel dry and irritated, is likely to respond to this remedy. A woman who needs this remedy often seems reserved, yet is very emotional inside. A craving for salt and a tendency to feel worse from being in the sun are other indications for Natrum muriaticum.

3. Sepia

   If yeast infections cause vaginal discharge that is yellow and itchy, or white and curd like, this remedy may be indicated. A woman needing Sepia often feels worn down and irritable, with cold extremities and a weak or sagging feeling in the pelvic region. Discharge may be more profuse in the morning and increased by walking.

4. Borax

   Yeast infections of the vagina with discharge resembling egg white, and a feeling that warm water is flowing out, suggest the use of this remedy. Vaginitis that responds to Borax usually appears midway between the menstrual periods. A person who needs this remedy is often nervous and very sensitive to noise.

5. Kali Bichromicum

   This remedy may be indicated in cases of vaginitis where discharge is yellow and tenacious, and makes the vulva itch and burn. Symptoms may be worse in the morning. The person feels better from resting and keeping warm.

6. Pulsatilla

   When this remedy is indicated for yeast infections, symptoms may be changeable. A creamy white or yellowish discharge appears, which can be either bland or irritating. The vagina may feel sore, and the labia may itch or burn. The woman will be moody, possibly tearful, wanting a lot of attention and affection. This remedy is often helpful for vaginitis during pregnancy.

7. Sulphur

   Discharge that looks yellowish, is offensive-smelling, and causes great burning and itching brings this remedy to mind. Symptoms may be aggravated by warmth and bathing.

8. Calcarea Carb

   This remedy is best suited to people who are fair in complexion and fat with relaxed musculature . It is used in treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital tract in women.

   People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms :

   • Tendency to sweat excessively which results in fungal infection of the skin.
   • Intense itching with burning sensation of the skin which Is more prevalent in the morning and while lying on bed.
   • Shiny skin with white spots of fungal infection on the areas like wrist, thighs, ankles.
   • Thick white vaginal discharge ( resembling milk ) especially between monthly periods.
   • Intense itching with burning sensation in the genital region associated with white discharge.
   • Aggravation of symptoms in damp and wet climate.
   • Symptoms improve in dry weather.
9. Mezereum

   This medicine works best in people who are calm and do not get disturbed by emotional flare-ups, anger, hatred, etc. individuals requiring mezereum are generally hesitant and very sensitive to cold air . It is useful in the treatment of fungal infections, especially of the skin.

   People who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms :

   • Intense intolerable itching, especially on the back of the neck.
   • Infected areas become moist and tend to form scabs.
   • Inflammation in an infected area which is surrounded by small red boils that burn itchy severely.
   • Occasional bacteria infection in the areas affected by fungal growth that lead to the formation of pus underneath the scabs.
   • Increased itching with touch, humid weather, in the evening, and at midnight.
   • Amelioration of symptoms in open air .
10. Thuja Occidentalis

    This remedy acts best in peoples who have a tendency to suffer from swollen glands. It is mainly used in treatment of fungal infections of the skin and genital tract and is especially effective in treating ringworm of the skin.

    Peoples who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms :

    • Ring – shaped infected areas with severe itching and biting sensation
    • Intense desire to scratch the skin
    • Scratching increases itching in infected area
    • Dry, unhealthy skin even after washing
    • Sticky , yellowish or greenish white vaginal discharge that smells fish in case of fungal infection of the genital tract in women
    • Severe burning sensation associated with profuse leucorrhoea or white discharge from vagina
    • Intense itching in the genital region along with leucorrhoea
11. Graphites

    This medicine acts best in peoples who are short in stature and heavily built. They are fair in complexion , slow in action, always feel chilly and have a tendency for skin disorders and constipation. It is used in treatment of fungal infection of the skin and genitals tract . It is also helpful in treatment of fungal infection of the oral cavity caused by candida albicans.

    Peoples who benefit from this remedy have the following symptoms :

    • Profuse white discharge or leucorrhoea in case of fungal infection of the genital tract that is generally caused due to candida albicans.
    • Profuse leucorrhoea throughout the day with severe itching and burning sensation in the genital region.
    • Yellowish to white leucorrhoea, with pain and weakness in the back
    • Increased leukorrhea while sitting, walking and in the morning
    • Severe itching, which is aggravated at night in case of fungal infection of the skin
    • Dry skin that develops cracks and fissures
    • Intense itching of the infected areas with discharge of sticky fluid leading to burning sensation .
    • Increased itching with warmth and humid weather .
12. Sepia
    • Fungal infection of the skin ( ringworm ) that appears every year during spring on different body part
    • Ringworm on the face
    • Moist skin folds with severe itching in areas such as the back of the knee in front of elbows.
    • Scratching relieves itching and makes the skin rough, dry, and pink in colour.
    • Slimy, gelatinous or yellowish vaginal discharge in case of fungal infection of the genital tract
    • Intense itching and sore sensation in the vagina associated with vaginal discharge
    • Occasional lumpy vaginal discharge with an offensive odour
    • Painful, bearing down (heaviness) sensation in the abdomen, especially in the morning , associated with fungal infection of the genital tract
    • Improvement in ringworm infection after a thunderstorm, and improvement in white discharge at night.
    • Oral thrush or candidiasis of the oral cavity , which is a fungal infection of the mouth, is also successfully treated with sepia.
13. Medorrhinum

    People who have underdeveloped growth respond well to this medicine. It is useful in the treatment of fungal infection of the skin on genitals organs in womens. It is also effective in the treatment of STDs like gonorrhoea.

    Peoples who benefit from this remedy experience in the following symptoms :

    • An affinity for fungal infection of the scalp, with formation of sticky and foul smelling discharge underneath the scabs
    • Intense itching which is not improved after scratching and get worse when thinking of it or at night
    • Excess vaginal discharge accompanied by severe burning and intolerable itching in the genital area
    • Aggravation of itching in the genital region by rubbing the area and bathing with lukewarm water at frequent intervals
14. Tellurium

    This medicine acts best in peoples who have a tendency to offensive or foul smelling bodily discharges, such as sweat and ear discharge. It is very effective in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm n barber’s itch.

    Patient who benefit it have the following symptoms :

    • Fungal infection on legs
    • Multiple ring shaped areas of infection all over the body that combine in severe cases and causes intense itching .
    • Severe itching at night and while lying on bed
    • Infected areas have a red central portion surrounded by small itchy eruptions
    • Dry skin with scaling in the infected regions
    • Aggravation of itching on exposure to cold air

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person's experience with migraines and headaches is unique. A homoeopath will assess the symptoms, triggers, medical history, and individual characteristics to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their safety and minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy considers not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Results: By addressing the underlying causes of migraines and headaches, homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief, reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, and improve overall well-being.

Consulting a Homeopath

When experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, it is essential to consult a qualified homoeopath. At Sanjivani Clinic we take a detailed medical history and consider individual symptoms, constitution, and overall health before prescribing a remedy. We ask about lifestyle, emotional state, and any other health issues to tailor the treatment specifically to the patient’s needs.

Sanjivani Homoeopathic treatment aims not just to relieve symptoms but to address the underlying susceptibility to infections. It is a personalised form of treatment that considers the whole person, not just the disease.