A skin rash caused by a fungal infection causes severe itching. In addition, fungal diseases are extremely contagious, so the patient can become a source of infection for others. Fungal infections can be transmitted through personal contact with the sick person, as well as through his personal belongings, such as a towel. The fungus loves a warm and humid environment, so it develops on areas of the body with such indicators. Fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails. Fungal diseases can be treated with home remedies and medications.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating your rash at home
Step 1. Identify the type of fungus
Dermatophytes are pathogenic fungal infections that primarily affect the skin, mouth, hair and nails. There are several types of dermatophytes that can affect different parts of the body and cause different infections of the skin.
- Pay attention to itching, redness, ring-shaped spots on the skin of the body. These are symptoms of ringworm, which can affect exposed skin on the arms, legs, and face. Do not forget that lichen is a contagious disease.
- Look for blisters and skin peeling and cracking. If the fungus affects the skin of the legs, then the patient may experience a strong burning sensation. In this case, we should talk about a fungal disease of the feet. If the rash appears in the groin area or on the inner thigh, then, most likely, the patient has inguinal ringworm, which is similar to ringworm, but it is located in another part of the body.
- Pay attention to your nails. Nail fungus is a common condition in which nails turn yellow and become brittle. They can also thicken. In addition, you may experience soreness when wearing shoes.
- Pay attention to fine, well-defined patches on the skin. The symptom of this disease is the appearance of brown, pink or white spots. The most common areas of involvement are the back, shoulders, and neck. In this case, it can be argued that the patient has pityriasis (multicolored) versicolor. White patches on the skin around the mouth or in the vagina may indicate a common condition such as thrush. The manifestation of thrush indicates that a serious failure has occurred in the immune system.
Step 2. Wash the affected area before starting treatment
Use an antiseptic soap to remove dirt and germs from your skin. Dry your hands using a towel or hair dryer. The habit of washing your hands is the best way to prevent fungal infections. Always wash your hands before starting treatment.
Step 3. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and is also effective in treating fungal infections. You can purchase tea tree oil at your local pharmacy. Apply the oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day.
- Tea tree oil can be used neat or diluted. If you want to use the oil diluted, mix one and a half tablespoons of tea tree oil with one glass of warm water.
- Be very careful when using tea tree oil during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the postpartum period. There is evidence that tea tree oil reduces the strength of uterine contractions, although this fact is not fully understood.
- Do not use tea tree oil to treat teens. Tea tree oil can cause breast growth in boys.
Step 4. Use apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. The acid and enzymes in apple cider vinegar kill fungal infections. There are several ways to treat a rash caused by a fungal infection with apple cider vinegar.
- Dilute the vinegar with water in a 50:50 ratio (1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water). Alternatively, you can dab some vinegar on a cotton swab and rub it on the affected area 2-3 times a day. You can also soak the affected areas of the body using apple cider vinegar mixed with water (50:50 ratio). Dip the affected area in the resulting solution for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe the skin dry.
- You can also take an apple cider vinegar bath. Fill the tub with warm water and then add 5 cups of vinegar. You can add a little more vinegar if you want the solution to be more concentrated. Take a bath for 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 5. Crush a clove of garlic and apply the resulting pulp to the rash
Garlic owes its medicinal properties to allicin, the active substance in its composition. Allicin is formed when garlic is finely chopped or minced. Thanks to allicin, garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Additionally, garlic contains ajoen, a substance that can help treat fungal skin infections. This substance kills the fungus and promotes rapid skin healing.
- Apply crushed garlic to the affected skin twice a day. Cover the garlic with a piece of cheesecloth for better absorption.
- Make a garlic and olive oil paste. Take one minced garlic clove and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the garlic mixture to the affected areas several times a day.
- Eat 1 raw garlic clove every day to help cleanse your body of toxins and fungi.
Method 2 of 3: Medication
Step 1. Talk with your doctor about your medication options
There are several drug treatment options that are available to treat different types of fungal rash. Some drugs are available without a prescription and are generally much cheaper than prescription drugs. The doctor will be able to select the appropriate treatment, and if necessary, write a prescription.
Step 2. Use antifungal powder
Apply these products to areas of your body that are most likely to come into contact with moisture. If you already have a fungus, and it is located in a place where it is always warm and humid, then be prepared for the fact that the symptoms may worsen significantly. Get a powder antifungal medication that you can use on a daily basis. The antifungal powder in powder form will absorb moisture, keeping the skin dry.
Use baby powder for your shoes. Powder will keep your feet dry throughout the day. This is especially important if you are working in wet conditions or if your feet are sweating a lot
Step 3. Apply an antifungal ointment
One of the most widely used drugs for treating fungal infections is ketoconazole. The principle of action of this medication is to slow down the growth of a fungal infection. Apply the ointment once a day for 2-6 weeks until the rash is completely gone. In addition, you can use other drugs:
- Clotrimazole. In pharmacies, clotrimazole can be purchased under the trade names Canesten and Lotrimin. You can buy this drug without a prescription. It is a broad spectrum antifungal agent. It must be applied 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
- Terbinafine, also known under the brand name Lamisil. This drug can also be purchased without a prescription. It is available in the form of ointment and powder, as well as tablets. Lamisil is usually applied within 2-3 days.
Step 4. Apply prescription products
In especially advanced and severe cases, it may happen that none of the above will bring the desired effect. In this case, you should see your doctor, who will write you a prescription for a drug that will help cope with your problem. Some drugs can be taken orally, while others require intravenous administration.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing fungal rashes
Step 1. Maintain your personal hygiene
This is the best prevention of fungus. If you do not monitor the cleanliness of those parts of the body that are most often found in a humid and warm environment, then you cannot avoid the appearance of fungus. Wash your body regularly and dry it dry.
- Keep your body dry and cool to the touch.
- Keep the affected area dry and clean, especially where there are folds of skin.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them.
- Trim your nails regularly.
Step 2. Do not give other people your personal belongings, and do not use other people's things yourself
Sharing items such as towels, toothbrushes, socks, and underwear increases your risk of developing a fungal infection. If you do not want to get a fungal infection, do not let other people use your belongings that are in contact with the body.
If you go to the sauna or pool, be sure to bring your own personal slippers. They will help you avoid catching fungal diseases
Step 3. Wash your clothes and underwear regularly
It is regular washing, especially underwear, that will help you prevent fungal infections. In addition, clean and dry clothes will not create a favorable environment for the growth of fungal infections.
Change your socks every day. Wear cotton socks that will help your skin breathe and keep your feet dry
Step 4. Keep your home clean
This is especially true in the bedroom and bathroom, where we can come into contact with different objects with open skin. Use disinfectants in the bathroom. Also, keep your sink, bathtub and shower stall dry when not in use. Wash your bedding regularly.
Step 5. Learn about the risk factors
If you are overweight, diabetic, have urinary incontinence, or sweat a lot, you are at greater risk of contracting a fungal infection. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes can contribute to the appearance of the rash. People who take high doses of antibiotics for a long time, use new skin care products, or lose their ability to walk have a high risk of developing skin rashes caused by fungal infections.
Advice
- Some drugs do not work right away. Don't be surprised if you don't see the result right away. If you do not see any results after the suggested treatment period, talk to your doctor about other treatments.
- Before taking this or that drug, read the instructions carefully. Watch for side effects or special instructions.
- Some medicines should not be mixed when taken. This can be hazardous to your health.