Ayurvedic treatment for fungal infection

Ayurveda combines internal and external medicines and therapies for the effective cure of various fungal infections. Fungal infections are not treated as a separate category of sickness in Ayurveda; they are treated alongside other ailments. These infections are categorised under Kushta diseases and are called Dadru. Fungi may affect different body parts and cause varied symptoms and manifestations. Therefore, Ayurveda suggests a unique treatment for each type of infection.

Shodhana – Shodhana chikitsa is very important, which expels the vitiated doshas from the body. In Dadru Kushta, the line of treatment is mainly Virechana and Raktmokshana.

Virechana Karma – After the preparatory stage of Snehana and Swedana, Virechana is done with the best ayurvedic medicinea for skin fungal infections. Virechana helps to evacuate the excess vitiated pitta out of the body. 

Raktamokshana – After Shodhana, Raktamokshana is chosen as the line of treatment. The patch is seen, the needle is pricked, and the bloodletting is carried out. Bloodletting can immediately relieve symptoms like itching, redness and inflamed patches. 

Shamana Chikitsa – Medicines that help to subside Pitta and Kapha are advocated after the Shodhana. Diet and lifestyle changes are also suggested to prevent further infections. 

What are the causes of fungal infection?

Fungal skin disorders are caused by a variety of fungus and are the primary cause of irritated skin. Fungi feed on decaying keratin, a protein that makes up your skin, hair, and nails and grows there. Different types of fungus produce different types of fungal illnesses. Ringworm, intertrigo, nail infections, Athlete’s foot, and other fungal skin infections are widespread.

Fungal infections are more likely in the following situations: 

• If you are overweight or obesity
• After a shower or wash, not entirely drying your skin 
• Walking barefoot in the rain and other moist environments 
• Pregnancy
• Compromised or weak immune system
• Malnutrition
• Stress
• Chronic illnesses like AIDS, Diabetes Mellitus 
• Contagious infection: If you come into contact with someone or something that has a fungal illness. 
• As a result of a recent round of antibiotics or corticosteroids

Psoriasis and eczema are two common skin disorders that might be mistaken for fungal rashes. Fungal skin disorders can cause a variety of rashes, some of which are red, rough, and irritating. Only one or a few zones of your body are under the control of the organism. For example, you may lose some hair if you get a fungal infection on your scalp.

Types of fungal infection

• Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is caused due to a group of fungi named aspergillus. These fungi are commonly found in stored grains, decayed veggies or compost pits. People who suffer from allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or asthma for a long duration have weakened immune responses. Also, it quickly infects people with immune-compromised conditions like cancer, aids, tuberculosis etc. Based on the site of location, aspergillosis is classified into various types.  

• Candidiasis 

A most common type of fungal infection is caused by yeast fungi called candida albicans. Candida yeast usually resides on the skin, mucous membrane of the mouth, vagina, and digestive tract with no significant harm. But if they overgrow, it turns into a severe yeast infection called candidiasis. 

• Dermatophytosis 

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection seen in skin and nails caused by molds. These infections are also called ringworm or tinea. It can affect any age group or people. The symptoms appear in red patches on skin, nails, hair and feet. Other symptoms include irritation over the skin, swelling and blisters. The most common method of transmission have human to human, object to human, and animal to human. 

• Tinea capitis 

Tinea capitis is the ringworm infection of the scalp. The symptoms develop inside the hair follicle and outer layer of the scalp. The signs are:

• Red itchy scalp.
• Ring-shaped patch.
• Flaky skin.
• Pus-filled bumps over the scalp.
• Bald patches on the scalp.
  

• Tinea pedis

Tinea pedis is a fungal infection that usually grows in between the toes. The condition is often visible in people with sweaty feet and can spread quickly. The common symptoms include stinging, blisters, burning, or scaly rashes.

• Tinea crucis 

The fungal infection that occurs in the genital region, inner thighs and buttocks are called tinea crucis. It can cause an itchy, red ring-shaped rash on the warm-moist area and groin area — common in athletes, people with excessive sweating and obese people. 

• Tinea unguiums 

It is a fungal infection that affects nails. As a result, the nail becomes brittle, crumbled and thickened. In severe cases, the fungus may involve one or more toes nails. 

• Tinea barbae

Tinea barbae is also known as barber’s itch. The fungus infects the hair roots, the skin of the beard area. It is widespread in men but can affect women who have coarse hair on the face or neck. 

• Tinea versicolor

The fungus malassezia furfur (a type of yeast) appears over the skin’s surface and causes small discoloured patches. The small patches later can join together and develop into large patches. The disease is not contagious and is seen more in young adults. 

• Tinea manuum 

Tinea manuum is a fungal infection that is commonly seen in hands. However, it can simultaneously occur in both hands.