INTRODUCTION
Fungal infections are the skin conditions which are caused by fungi. Fungi affect the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes of mouth, throat, urinary tract, etc. But in rare cases other organs like lungs are also affected. Fungal infections are also known as mycosis. Fungi are the micro-organisms which neither come in plants nor in animals. They are having a characterstic cell wall composition which consists of chitin in the cell wall. Some fungi like mushrooms are edible whereas others like aspergillus can be very dangerous and life-threatening. Fungi are present naturally in body such as in mouth, gastrointestinal tract and skin but when in excess, it can lead to skin infections. There are millions of species of fungi in the world but a few are pathogenic in nature. Fungi spread in the form of spores into the air and thus fungal infections are contagious. They are easily transmitted from one person to another and from infected animals.
There are several treatment options available for the managing fungal infections. However, by healthy eating, a good lifestyle and maintaining personal hygiene, fungal infections can be kept away.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FUNGAL INFECTION
Fungal infections are of several types depending on the part of body affected and the lesion involved:
Athlete’s foot: It is also known as tinea pedis. It affects the skin of the feet, hands as well as nails. Dermatophytes are the group of fungi which are responsible for it. The fungus grows in warm and humid areas such as between the toes. It mostly occurs in athletes, that’s why known as athlete’s foot.
Ringworm: It is a fungal infection of the skin and scalp. It is also caused by dermatophytes. It starts as red rings on skin causing intense itching.
Yeast infection: It is caused by a type of fungus called candida albicans. Candida albicans is present normally on skin but in small amounts. When it multiplies too much, then it leads to yeast infection. Skin, mouth, genitals, urinary tract are affected.
Onychomycosis: It is a common type of fungal infection which affects nails of toes, fingers and nail beds. It is also called tinea unguium. The color of the nail changes to greenish yellow and the nail becomes thick or brittle.
WHAT INCREASES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING FUNGAL INFECTION?
There are various factors which makes a person more prone to fungal infection. Following are the risk factors:
- Weakened immune system
- Warm and humid environment
- Poor blood circulation
- Injury to the skin and nails
- Hormonal imbalance
- Diabetes
- AIDS infection
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FUNGAL INFECTION?
The symptoms of fungal infection are different due to different causal organisms. Some of the common signs and symptoms of fungal infection are:
- Red rashes on skin
- Severe itching
- Soreness of skin
- Painless lump under the skin
- Discolored and thick nails
- Loss of taste
- Presence of white patches in mouth and throat
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Pain in body
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Night sweats
- Nasal congestion
HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF FUNGAL INFECTION IS DONE?
The doctor will look for the signs and symptoms of the disease. He will do a proper physical examination of the patient and look for signs of the fungus on skin, nails and scalp. He will make the patient do some of the following tests:
- Blood
- Sputum
- Urine
- Vaginal discharge
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT scan
CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Here are some of the medicines of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of fungal infections:
1. Detox Premium Powder
Detox premium powder is a very effective ayurvedic medicine to cure blemishes as it purifies the whole body by removing excess toxins from the body. The powder is composed of shukta pishti, giloy satv, gandhak rasayan, moti pishti, akik pishti, shankh bhasma, etc. The ingredient reduces all the signs and symptoms associated with the blemishes.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.
2. Twak Churana
This herbal powder is prepared from two herbs Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) & Chopchini (Smilax malabarica) that in combination reduces uneven pigmentation. Manjishtha mainly helps in deep detoxification and blood purification. It can also be used for hand lotion to treat dry, cracked hands, or feet. This herbal powder is good for dry skin, rashes, acne. It has been used in psoriasis. Skin Glow powder removes toxins and impurities of blood. This powder helps to rejuvenate and promote the longevity. It helps to open the blocked sweat pores. This powder is used in infectious conditions like, eczema, pimples, and chronic skin disorders.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.
3. Twak Tailam
Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.
Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.
4. Skin care tablet
Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.
5. Itch Care Tablet
It is pure herbal combination which is purely natural. Skin primarily protect our body from toxins present in environment. Itching is related to various skin problems like dermatitis or irritates such as nickel in jewelry, infected cut. Chronic skin condition like psoriasis, acne and due to internal conditions like blood, lungs, and liver. Mainly toxins in skin arises due to excess rakta dhatu and rasa or plasma nourishes the skin.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.
6. Neem Capsules
NEEM capsules 100% Safe and purely Ayurvedic preparation. CAC NEEM CAPSULES is natural and herbal product prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. Neem leaves are rich in Vitamin-E, Fatty acids & emollients. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers.
Dosage:1 cap twice daily after meal with plain water.