A fungal rash can be very itchy and contagious. It is easily transmitted from one person to another through the sharing of personal items, such as towels, but also through physical contact. The fungus thrives in warm, humid environments of the body. It usually feeds on keratin, a protein found in the skin, nails and hair. However, be aware that a fungal rash can be treated with home remedies and medications.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Fungal Rash at Home
Step 1. Identify what type of fungus you have contracted
Fungi that cause rashes are commonly called dermatophytes. They can infect the skin, mouth, hair, and nails. There are different types of dermatophytes that occur in various areas of the body and cause different types of skin infections.
- Look out for ring-shaped, red, itchy rashes. It is ringworm, a mycosis that can be localized on the most exposed areas of the body, such as arms, legs and face. It is highly contagious.
- Check for blisters, peeling, or cracking of the skin. If they are found on the feet, it is called "athlete's foot", which can be accompanied by a burning sensation. If, on the other hand, blisters and rashes form on the groin or inner thigh it is eczema marginato, which is similar to ringworm but appears elsewhere on the body.
- Check your nails. Onychomycosis yellow and weakens the nails. They can also thicken and hurt you when you wear shoes.
- Look for areas where the skin is depigmented. If they are brown, pink or white and located on the back, neck and upper arms, then you have pityriasis. If they are small white spots limited to places such as the mouth and vagina, it is thrush (usually the latter only carries risks if you have a weakened immune system).
Step 2. Wash the affected area before treating it
To clean the area and eliminate surrounding dirt and germs, use an antiseptic soap. Dry it with a dry cloth or hair dryer. It is a good habit to avoid fungus, too, but you should clean the area before applying any type of treatment.
Step 3. Apply tea tree oil to affected areas
It has antifungal properties and is effective in treating fungal infections. You can buy it at any pharmacy. Apply it to the affected areas 2-3 times a day.
- You can dilute it or use it pure. If you prefer to dilute it, try a mixture of 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in 250 ml of warm water.
- Be very careful when using tea tree oil during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when you are about to give birth. According to some studies, it reduces the strength of contractions, although there is not much clarity on this subject due to the lack of significant scientific information.
- It is not recommended to apply this product to the skin of male adolescents, as it is known to increase breast growth (gynecomastia).
Step 4. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
It is known for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It can help treat fungal rashes because it contains acids and enzymes that create a chemical reaction capable of killing the fungus in the skin. There are several ways to use apple cider vinegar to treat this skin problem.
- You can dilute it in a ratio of 50:50 (for example, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water). Try pouring a small amount on a cotton ball and rubbing it on the affected areas 2-3 times a day. You can also soak the affected areas in a 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes. Make sure you dry them completely after the treatment.
- You can immerse yourself with your whole body in a tub of warm water. Add 1 liter or so of apple cider vinegar, depending on the concentration you want. You can stay immersed with your whole body for about 10-20 minutes.
Step 5. Crush the raw garlic and apply it directly to the fungal rashes
Garlic extract inhibits the growth of microorganisms thanks to allicin, an active ingredient that is activated only when crushed. In addition, ajoene, another compound found in raw garlic, is very effective in treating fungal infections. Destroys skin fungus and accelerates healing.
- You can apply crushed garlic on the affected areas 2 times a day. For better absorption, cover the area with gauze.
- Try a garlic paste by crushing a clove of garlic into small pieces and mixing it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the fungal rashes several times a day to help heal them.
- You can also eat a clove of raw garlic a day to detoxify the body by eliminating the fungus from the inside.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Skin Rashes with Drugs
Step 1. Consult your doctor about your problem
There are numerous treatments on the market for different types of fungal skin rashes. Some are also sold without a prescription (over-the-counter drugs) and can be a cheaper alternative to prescription drugs. Your doctor can advise you on whether these treatments are helpful or will prescribe a prescription if needed.
Step 2. Apply antifungal powder to the wetter areas of the body
When the fungal infection is already present in a constantly hot and humid area, it can worsen and aggravate symptoms. Therefore, buy an antifungal powder to use every day: it prevents the increase of humidity, absorbing it and keeping the surface of the skin dry all the time.
You can put baby powder in your shoes to keep your feet dry during the day, especially if you work in humid environments or if your feet sweat a lot
Step 3. Apply antifungal cream to the fungal rashes
Ointments containing ketoconazole are widely used for the treatment of all forms of fungal skin rashes. They work by slowing the growth of fungi that infect the skin. You can apply the cream once a day, for 2 to 6 weeks, until the rash disappears completely. Among the other active ingredients that have antifungal properties consider:
- Clotrimazole, contained in Canesten. It is another over-the-counter drug, used to treat a wide range of fungal infections, especially yeast infections. It can be applied 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
- Terbinafine, contained in Lamisil. This is another non-prescription drug. It can be purchased in the form of a cream or powder against skin infections. In tablet form, on the other hand, it fights fungal infections that attack the nails. Lasimil application lasts 2-3 days.
Step 4. Take medications as prescribed
In some severe cases, the fungal rash can get worse even after trying all the remedies and medicines mentioned so far. In such circumstances, your doctor may refer you to a prescription drug. In addition to the cream and powder products, there are drugs to be taken orally and others to be injected intravenously that enter directly into the bloodstream.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Fungus Rashes
Step 1. Take care of your hygiene to prevent fungal infections
Personal hygiene plays an important role in the spread of fungi. If you don't regularly wash areas of your body that are prone to moisture and heat, fungi are likely to attack them more easily. Take care to wash regularly and keep every part of your body dry.
- You should always make sure that the whole body is cool, dry and free from wet areas.
- Keep infected areas dry and clean, especially those where the skin folds.
- Always dry your feet after washing them.
- Make sure your nails are always trimmed and groomed.
Step 2. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, toothbrush, socks and underwear, otherwise you run the risk of spreading the fungus
To make sure you don't get a fungal infection from other people, avoid using objects that come into regular contact with your body.
Use slippers when walking in a sauna and public showers, to avoid stepping on surfaces where you could contract a fungus
Step 3. Always wash your clothes and underwear
By regularly doing laundry, especially underwear, you can get rid of fungus from clothing. Also, by keeping your clothes clean and free of sweat, you will avoid creating an environment conducive to their development.
Change your socks every day. Wear cotton ones, as this fiber is more breathable and helps keep your feet dry
Step 4. Keep the house clean
Cleanliness is especially important in rooms such as the bedroom or bathroom, where you spend more time without clothes. Use a sanitizer to wash the bathroom and try to keep the sinks, tub, and shower dry when not in use. As for the bedroom, wash sheets and blankets regularly.
Step 5. Pay attention to additional risk factors
If you are overweight, diabetic, incontinent or sweating excessively, you are more likely to get mycosis. Some lifestyle changes can also increase the risk of fungal skin rashes. Anyone who takes high doses of antibiotics or is on long-term antibiotic therapy, who has started using a new skin care product or who has suffered a loss of mobility are at risk of contracting a fungus due to these problems.
Advice
- Some treatments can take time to produce the desired effects. Don't be impatient if they aren't effective right away. If, after the recommended treatment period, you do not find any results, consult your doctor for a stronger drug therapy.
- Read the package leaflet of your medications very carefully before taking them. Learn about any restrictions or side effects they can cause.
- Do not mix medications; they can interact inappropriately and be dangerous to health.
