Posts Tagged ‘Moist Areas’

Nail Fungus – General Ideas on What is Onychomycosis

Nail fungal infection, or onychomycosis is not just an ordinary irritation. It completely kills the nails as the fungi grow either on your finger or toes. Onychomycosis comes from the bacterium called dermatophyte or tinea unguium, which forms in yeasts or molds. Anybody is not safe from the threats of fungi. Adults ages 60 and above are the most likely individuals to get onychomycosis. Person with diabetes and leukemia, meanwhile, should take extra care and must practice strict nail hygiene as they are also susceptible to nail fungal attack. This is so because of their weakening immune system and blood circulation disorders. Taking the infection for granted may lead to more serious complications.
The toenails serve as the fungi’s best hideout since our feet is constantly confined inside the shoes. Affection on fingernails is least common unless often exposed to water and chemicals. Based on popular statistics in America, half of all kinds of fungal infection is onychomycosis. It has been found out that nail fungal infection on the fingernails is more common in men, while fungal infection on the toenails affect women more.
By nature, dermatophyte is anaerobic, meaning it lives in moist areas, where there is least or no oxygen supply. Once infected, the fungi feed on the keratin protein of the nails. In turn, the nails generate more keratin than normal, slowly building up thick layers. The nail crumbles progressively until it totally detaches from the nail bed. The symptoms include discoloration of the nail (white, yellow, brown, or black), deformity, pain, swelling, and foul smell.
As dermatophyte grow aggressively in damp surroundings, infection can be had by frequenting public swimming pools, toilets, locker rooms, gyms and the like. You can even get the bacteria from your favorite salon if the instruments they use for pedicure and manicure are not sanitized. These are possible sources of contagion.
Poor ventilation and improper care of the nails in both hands and feet heighten the risk of nail fungal infection. To prevent contamination of the nails, always secure a hygienic environment. Do not take for granted a wet foot. Always wash and dry your feet well after a day of work inside your shoes and tight socks. You may apply foot powder to ensure dryness.
If already infected, seek professional advice. Most doctors prescribe oral and topical treatments over the counter. Some of the most trusted brands include Lamisil, Dermisil, Tinactin, and lacquer. They work efficiently but slowly. Surgery is seldom necessary.
On the other hand, there are also alternative remedies available at your own home. Soaking the infected part in vinegar is one that many trusts. Do this for about twenty minutes twice a day until the contamination disappears. The acid content of the solution kills the bacteria effectively, though it may take a couple of months or more to heal and for a new nail to grow. To sum it up, good hygiene is the key to escaping the hassles of onychomycosis.

Posted by admin on December 6th, 2009 No Comments

Herbal Antifungal Treatment Remedies

Fungal infections are very common and because of the thicker skin on the sole of the feet can be quite active without many symptoms of pain and itching. There are many types of fungal infections. Athlete’s foot is type of fungal infection that generally appears between the toes, but can also affect the toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet. Tinea is a fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it’s on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring. This infection is commonly called ringworm, because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin.

Jock itch is a fungal transmission of the groin and upper thighs, and occurs in both men and women. Candida yeast transmission is related to a fungus. It mostly affects the rind around the nails or the tender, moist areas around system openings. Diaper rash in babies can be from one character of candidal transmission. Older girls and women may produce another kind of candidal transmission in and around the vagina, and these are called yeast infections. It is really significant to take them under command to avert them affecting the nail home. Antifungal medications and treatments are utilized for eradicating fungi.

Tea tree oil preparations were tested in four randomized clinical trials and some constructive outcomes were attributed to the interference in all trials. It is a cure for many mucosal fungal infections. Tea tree oil and Grapefruit seed distill may be used for the foreign handling of candida-related rind conditions by putting 2-3 drops of each in a lotion or balm and spreading it over the stricken region. Solanum species (two trials) and oil of acrimonious orange preparations (one test) were compared with traditional treatments. In all cases encouraging results were reported. There are few controlled clinical trials of herbal antifungal medicines.

Garlic herb is considered to be a really powerful antimicrobial broker. Garlic is one of the richest sources of the factor germanium, which is a powerful inducer of interferon and efficient against sure cancers by modulating the exempt reaction. Pau D’arco herb is derived from a distill of the bark of a South American tree, and is renowned for its powerful antifungal properties. Golden Seal herb is considered efficient in treating most digestive problems ranging from peptic ulcers to colitis payable to its tonic effects on the mucous membranes. It is a strong antimicrobial improving all mucous conditions, particularly those of the sinuses.

Posted by admin on October 28th, 2009 No Comments

Antifungal Herbal Treatment – Get Rid of Fungal Infection

Antifungal medications and treatments are utilized for eradicating fungi and yeast that cause infections in many areas of the body.

These treatments are used to treat common conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, dandruff, and vaginitis, as well as serious ailments that have spread throughout the body. Antifungal medications are often used in people with poorly functioning immune systems, as seen mostly in individuals with AIDS, and in those who are taking drugs that suppress immune function.

Fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. The symptoms and appearances of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of the body affected. Fungal infections can affect not only the skin, but the fingernails and scalp.

Fungal infections are very common and because of the thicker skin on the sole of the feet can be quite active without many symptoms of pain and itching. There are many types of fungal infections. Athlete’s foot is type of fungal infection that generally appears between the toes, but can also affect the toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet. Tinea is a fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it’s on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea.

Types of Fungal Infection

Athlete’s foot

Tinea.

Jock itch

Candida.

Remedies to Treat Fungal Infection

Oregano. The extract from this herb is considered more potent and less harmful than nystatin to eradicate fungi. It is also considered to be more powerful and less-toxic in eradicating staph infections.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) is a traditional remedy of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Studies have shown that it has exceptional healing powers due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions. Tea Tree Oil was included in the wound dressing kits of the Australian troops in World War 2. It is one of few healing oils which can be used neat without irritating or drying the skin.

Garlic. This herb is considered to be a very potent antimicrobial agent. It was used by Albert Schweitzer to treat amebic dysentery, and also by Louis Pasteur as an antibacterial agent. Garlic is one of the richest sources of the element germanium, which is a potent inducer of interferon and effective against certain cancers by modulating the immune response.

Bulbine frutescence is indigenous to South Africa and is widely used by traditional healers to treat a wide range of skin complaints. Commonly called Bulbinella, bulbine is effective in preventing skin infection, healing and soothing cuts, rashes, insect bites, burns, cold sores, pimples and other skin problems. Its clear and soothing gel forms an invisible ’seal’ over the wound, protecting against bacteria and providing ongoing relief and healing throughout the day.

Golden Seal. This herb is considered effective in treating most digestive problems ranging from peptic ulcers to colitis due to its tonic effects on the mucous membranes. It is a powerful antimicrobial improving all mucous conditions, especially those of the sinuses.

Posted by admin on October 27th, 2009 1 Comment