Skin Fungi Infections

  

Not visible to the naked eyes, fungi live in air, soil, water and plants. In fact, some fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air. In expanded form, mushrooms, mold and mildew are some examples.


Unaware to the humans, some reside in our lungs when the spores are inhaled or land on the moist areas of skin surfaces like between the toes, in the genital area and under the breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (e.g. candidiasis) or dermatophytosis (e.g. ringworm). Luckily most of such fungi are found in the upper layer of the epidermis and do not penetrate deeper. With proper treatment they can be eliminated easily.


Ringworm

                                                                                                                   

Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungal infection of the skin. It is officially known as tinea or dermatophytosis. Though harmless, it can cause much discomfort through the smell, itching and the unsightly marks left behind. It can be categorized as:

+  Body ringworm - ringlike formation on any affected area of the body

+  Athlete's foot - skin between the toes whitens with itchy rashes

+  Nail ringworm - itchy sensation on finger and nails

+  Jock itch - intense itch and rash in the groin region.

+  Vaginal yeast infection - itching and swelling around the vagina

Although the skin normally has fungi, the fungi only become a problem when their growth exceeds the normal range. This occurs when small circular red spots on the skin and scalp are featured. As the spots expand, the centres tend to heal and clear while the borders are raised, red and scaly, giving them a ringlike appearance. In some developing areas like the back, shoulder area and chest, there may be color manifestation.


Athlete’s foot is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails and outer skin layers. There are at least four kinds of fungus that can cause athlete’s foot - the most common of which is trichophyton rubrum. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning and sometimes blisters and sores. 


Who most affected?

-  Skin fungal infection is aggravated by allergies, profuse sweating and stress.  Heat and humidity may help to spread the infection. Thus obese people with excessive skinfolds fall prey to it.


-  However, recurrent fungal infections is a telltale sign of an impaired immune system resulting from systemic diseases (eg. metabolic disorders, certain viral infections) and long-term use of certain medications (eg. steroids, antibiotics) for diabetes, cancer, HIV. 


-  Women who are frequently on oral contraceptives are at high risk too.


What to do?

*  Applications

-  An anti-fungal cream or solution is usually the first course of treatment for most skin fungal diseases.  Practise good hygiene to the susceptible area by washing and drying properly but overzealous washing can remove the good protective bacteria as well.


-  Is believed applying crushed raw garlic mixed with olive oil over affected area can rid fungi slowly.


-  Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are strong antifungal agents which may help to remedy fungi skin infections. 

*  Dieting

-  Eat a diet of 60-70% raw foods, preferably fresh vegetables and cooked foods like broiled fish and skinless chicken.


-  Avoid sugary foods, cola drinks, grains, processed foods and fried, greasy foods for time being.


-  To replace necessary ‘friendly bacteria’ in the colon is crucial at this stage.

*  Personal belongings

-  Wearing clean cotton clothing and underwear.  All clothings and towels should not be used a second time until wash thoroughly in hot water with chlorine bleach added.


-  Ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with pets, such as dogs. It may also survive on objects, such as towels, clothes, combs and brushes.


-  Safety in public includes wearing sandals into public showers or locker rooms and avoiding shared items and towels.


Taking preventive action can go a long way towards avoiding fungal skin infections. At the first sign of infection seek early treatment as such infections can be easily treated.


VIVA corner

VIVA Biogarlic is capable of treating anti-bacterial, anti-viral infectious diseases.  Many conclusive studies have shown that garlic extracts are effective in resisting bacteria (staphylococcus, salmonella etc), fungus (candida ablicans, aspergilllus, niger), virus and other pathogens.  A 100mg  of garlic extract (Allicin) has the same effect as 10 mg penicillin of anti-bacterial action.  As it contains much nutrients and has the detoxifying ability, the immune system can be well-boosted.  Also it can bind to harmful toxins and minerals to be expelled from the body.

VIVA Floraguard with its 5 strains of potent bacteria establishes a protective layer against pathogenic infection to prevent further outbreak.
Vivashield helps to prevent further damage to the cells and aids in recovery.