Mycosis: symptoms, causes and natural remedies



Fungal infections are infections affecting mycetes, real pathogenic fungi, which involve various parts of the body such as skin, mucous membranes, and nails, but also important organs such as the lungs.

They affect both men and animals and some forms can be infectious, so it is good to proceed with a correct prophylaxis. Generally they appear as round-shaped lesions, but we see the event in detail.

Fungal symptoms

The mycoses of the skin manifest themselves in the form of roundish spots or redness . Some may be affected by vesicles or crusts and itch, other simple dark spots on the epidermis that lighten with the sun.

On the other hand, nail fungus can affect the horny layer of the nail itself but also the underlying tissue; the nail surface turns yellow and flakes.

The mycosis of the mucous membranes, which we can find for example on the tongue or in the oral cavity, in general, presents whitish lesions, possible bleeding, redness and cracking.

Causes of mycosis

The causes of the formation of fungi are often environmental, due to fungal spores, yeasts, molds, pathogens called fungi . Even those who are weakened by particularly important pathologies with deficits in the immune system are more likely to be subject to fungal infections.

Often in summer foot infections are contracted due to moisture, contact with infected surfaces because we walk more easily barefoot or with open footwear: the mycosis between the toes or on the sole of the foot is commonly called " athlete's foot ".

Even the use of antibiotics can allow the onset of mycoses, because in eradicating infections of other nature they weaken the body and lower the immune barriers.

Various forms of mycosis exist and differ in the origin that determines them:

  • Superficial mycoses that attack hair and the outermost layer of the skin
  • Skin mycoses that affect the layers of the epidermis and nails more deeply
  • Subcutaneous mycoses involving dermis and muscles, often due to traumas that have opened the path to pathogens. They are very difficult to eradicate mycoses.
  • Systemic mycoses due to primary pathogens such as the spores that you inhale come directly to the lungs and in turn can infect other organs. Beware of mold environments, they can be very dangerous.
  • Systemic mycoses due to opportunistic pathogens that often "dwell" in the intestine, and are activated in conditions of immunodeficiency. Fungal infection of this nature can involve any organ, even the brain. There are in fact forms of fungal meningitis.

Natural remedies against fungal infections

It is essential to follow some simple rules of personal hygiene that prevent us from coming into contact with infected surfaces: wash your hands often, do not use personal hygiene items of others, do not walk barefoot and do not sit along the edges.

It is important to keep the skin always well hydrated and to guarantee the right supply of vitamins to the body so that infections of any kind can be counteracted with immune barriers.

For simple superficial mycotic manifestations involving skin and nails we can adopt some natural remedies with disinfectant and antifungal properties.

Antifungal essential oils: what they are and how to use them

Vinegar against fungal infections

It seems that grandma's recipes are always effective. Vinegar is an excellent anti-mold remedy and can be used to disinfect skin, scalp and hair.

It is useful to counteract the presence of pathogens that have affected the nails, the foot and even the head. You can make foot baths and hand baths in a basin in which 2/33 of water and 1/3 of vinegar are dissolved.

You can also rinse your head and hair after a disinfectant shampoo with water and vinegar. The hair will remain shiny and it will soften itching and redness.

Garlic, Lemon and Cloves - an antifungal mixture

Another grandmother's recipe is a mix of natural antibacterial and antifungal remedies . Break up a clove of garlic and squeeze a little less than half a lemon, create a mash to which we add two cloves .

We let it steep for about an hour, then add the tip of a teaspoon of ventilated green clay to make the mixture thick. We then apply the poultice on the nail or the affected part and let it act until the clay dries.

The synergy of these antifungal remedies can counteract the annoying mycotic skin manifestations.

Tea tree oil

The essential oil of melaleuca is a powerful antifungal and can be used pure, even if on the nails I suggest to mix it with a drop of cooking oil, because it tends to whiten the horny layer a lot.

It has disinfectant, antifungal properties, contrasts with herpes, fungal infections, onychomycosis . One drop is enough to counteract the fungi. Often it brings with it a bit of dryness on the skin: we can use the calendula cream with disinfectant, moisturizing and soothing properties in synergy with tea tree essential oil.

Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract is an antifungal disinfectant remedy that can be taken both for internal use and for topical use. It has a broad spectrum action against pathogens of various nature, including fungal.

In drops we can apply it alone on the part affected by mycosis or in synergy with tea tree essential oil and calendula ointment. We can also take it internally in dry extract, for a synergistic action and to strengthen the immune system.

Natural remedies against skin fungi

To know more:

> Candidiasis: symptoms, causes and natural remedies

> Inguinal mycoses, causes and remedies

> How to treat skin fungi

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