Eczema, also known as dermatitis, refers to an inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by inflamed skin with a red, rough and an itchy rash. In some cases, the rash may be dry and develop cracks without any eruptions. In some cases, eruptions may arise in the form of papules (small eruptions without any fluid), vesicles (fluid-filled eruptions) or pustules (pus-filled eruptions), or skin peels. The condition may affect a small area or spread all over the body. Itching, with mild or severe intensity, may be felt and skin may bleed on scratching.

Homeopathy provides a very gentle, safe and highly effective treatment option for the cases of eczema. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce skin inflammation by optimizing the overactive immune system and work in restoring the skin barrier to retain skin moisture. Simultaneously, they focus on healing the rash and eruptions on the skin extremely well along with managing attending signs and symptoms like itching, burning, dryness, flaking, tenderness, pain, and bleeding. Further, these remedies halt the progression of the disease and help to treat the root cause that sets in long-term relief rather than temporary comfort. Homeopathy also helps in reducing reliance on harmful topical creams like corticosteroids, hydrocortisone ointments and immune suppressants prescribed in conventional medicine. Medicated creams only remove the outer manifestation of the disease and do not cure eczema. They, rather, harm by driving the disease into some important, centrally-located organ in the body and manifest it in a more harmful way (asthma, for example).

Safe and effective treatment

Homeopathy offers safe and effective treatment for eczema in individuals of all age groups. Homeopathy assures zero side effects of its medicines which are prepared from natural substances.

Homeopathy treats through oral medicines

Homeopathy believes in the principle that skin ailments are an outward expression of some internal disturbance in the body. Therefore, homeopathic medicines focus on healing internally rather than externally (like ointments). These remedies are taken orally (by mouth) that treat the internal turmoil in the body that is being expressed on the skin. Once the internal system attains a state of balance, the symptoms improve gradually.

Individualized approach to treatment

It is the totality of symptoms that help in the correct diagnosis in every individual case and helps in guiding the homeopath to recommend the most suitable homeopathic medicine. In homeopathy, a thorough case-taking is followed by deep evaluation to come to the conclusion regarding the prescription to give the best results. So, one should always take homeopathic medicine for eczema after consulting a qualified homeopathic physician. Self-medication may not help as a person not well acquainted with homeopathic laws does not know how to prescribe the medicines, select the dosage, potency and its repetition.

Homeopathy offers relief without suppression

Homeopathic treatment is non-suppressive, which means that homeopathic remedies do not suppress the symptoms of eczema; they follow an approach to cure it from its origin. If you suppress a disease, there are always chances of some graver manifestation in the body internally. Homeopathic medicines provide natural cure without suppression.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Eczema

The ten best remedies for the treatment of eczema are Graphites Naturalis, Sulphur, Natrum Muriaticum, Petroleum, Psorinum, Mezereum, Vinca Minor, Tellurium Metallicum, Arsenicum Album and Sepia Officinalis.

1. Graphites Naturalis – Top Grade Medicine for Eczema

Graphites Naturalis is a renowned homeopathic medicine for the cure of eczema. It works wonderfully in case of both, moist eczema and dry eczema. The main signs in dry eczema are excessively rough, dry and unhealthy looking skin accompanied by severe irritation. Cracks may develop on the affected part of the skin.

In moist eczema, it should be used when the skin oozes moist, sticky fluid in any part of the body-bend, such as the elbow, behind the knees, behind the ears, on one’s face (especially around the mouth, chin, and nose), on one’s hands, eyelids, between fingers, and scalp.

When to use Graphites Naturalis?

It is a great choice of medicine for treating both moist and dry eczema. Eczema which is dry with rough skin or cracks as well as moist eczema with discharge of sticky fluid is treated well with the use of Graphites.

How to use Graphites Naturalis?

In a majority cases, it works well in low potencies. To begin with, it can be administered in 3X potency one to two times a day depending on the severity of the complaint.

 2. Sulphur – For Eczema with Intense Itching

Sulphur is the best medicine to manage itchy eczema. It can control itching in eczema patches very effectively. Those who need it complain about aggravated itching in the evening and night. Warm temperatures worsen itching which leads to scratching followed by a burning sensation. A person gets relief from itching in the affected part but it appears in some other part of the body. Sulphur can also be used for the symptoms of moist eczema when there is a discharge of yellow fluid from eruptions. Sulphur is also the most appropriate choice of remedy when cases of eczema have been treated with ointments in the past with no relief.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur should be administered to treat eczema rashes that have constant itching and aggravate in the evening and night.

How to use Sulphur?

Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, it is safe to ingest 30C power initially. Its dosage should not exceed one dose daily. Do not use its high potencies without a homeopath’s consultation.

3. Natrum Muriaticum – For Eczema On The Margins Of The Hairline

For eczema on the edges of the hair, Natrum Muriaticum is a highly recommended medicine. There is marked redness and inflammation on the edge of the hairline. The rash may ooze fluid. It may also damage the hair. Dry, red and inflamed rashes in eczema are wonderfully treated by using this medicine.

When to use Natrum Muriaticum?

This medicine can be administered if eczema is specifically located on the margins of the hairline with excessive inflammation and redness.

How to use Natrum Muriaticum?

Natrum Mur 6X can be administered twice or thrice daily as per the intensity of the complaint.

4. Petroleum – For Eczema With Deep Cracks And Bleeding

The key symptom to use petroleum in eczema is when you see deep cracks on the skin, accompanied by bleeding. Where eczema hits, the skin gets hard, dry, and rough. This medicine helps reduce the dryness of skin and heals the cracks most gently and effectively.  Although cracks can develop on the skin in any part of the body, hands are the most affected which may feel itching and burning sensation. In several cases, eczema tends to worsen in the winters, for which petroleum is the most prescribed remedy.

When to use Petroleum?

Petroleum should be used if eczema is accompanied by bleeding and deep cracks. It is also one of the best homeopathic remedies to soothe flare-ups of eczema in the winters.

How to use Petroleum?

It can be administered in 30C potency two times a day for best possible results.

5. Psorinum – For Eczema In Bends (Folds Of Skin)

Psorinum is a very effective medicine when eczema appears in the bends or the folds of the skin. Rashes may appear on the bends of the elbow, armpit-folds or area behind the ear. In case of eczema behind the ear, a discharge may ooze; the rash may be itchy which disturb one’s sleep. Another key symptom to use this medicine is intolerable itching and crusty eruptions.

When to use Psorinum?

This medicine is recommended when eczema appears on the bends/folds of skin like elbow, armpits accompanied by severe itching and dryness.

How to use Psorinum?

It is advised to use Psorinum in 200C potency and even potencies higher than this. Don’t use this medicine without the advice of a homeopath since it is a strong medicine and the dose may vary on a case-to-case basis and is usually not to be repeated frequently.

6. Mezereum – For Thick, Crusty Eruptions With Pus Underneath

Mezereum is an important medicine to manage cases of eczema with thick crusty eruptions along with the presence of pus underneath. It is accompanied by intolerable itching. At times, the eruptions may bleed upon being touched. It is also administered in case of eczema on scalp gluing/sticking of hair.

When to use Mezereum?

The characteristic feature for the use of this medicine in eczema is eruptions covered with thick crusts and pus collection beneath the skin.

How to use Mezereum?

This medicine is mostly administered in 30 C potency once daily. To use higher potencies like 200C seek a qualified homeopath’s advice.

7. Vinca Minor – For Eczema Of Scalp With Sticky And Foul Discharge

Vinca Minor is a natural remedy prepared from plant “Lesser Periwinkle”. It is mostly administered in cases of eczema of the face and scalp, especially in children. Eruptions are accompanied by thick, sticky, offensive, purulent or honey-like discharge that causes formation of thick crusts due to which hair becomes matted and glued together due to exudation.  Severe itching that worsens from scratching is also a leading symptom to administer this medicine. Eczema is associated with impetigo-like eruptions. Skin appears unhealthy, with a tendency to ulceration under crusts.

When to use Vinca Minor?

Vinca minor is particularly of use in pediatric scalp eczema where offensive exudation and thick crust formation are key symptoms.

How to use Vinca Minor?

Vinca minor 30C can be administered twice or thrice daily for best possible results.

8. Tellurium Metallicum – For Ring-Shaped, Offensive Eczema

Tellurium Metallicum is one of the best medicines for ring-shaped (circular) eczematous eruptions with clearly defined margins. Eczema spreading in concentric circles that is often mistaken for ringworm is treated with this medicine. Severe itching and burning sensation is an accompanying factor, especially at night. Eczema commonly affects face, ears, hands, and extremities. Eruptions tend to spread from the center to the periphery, leaving central clearing. Skin may be sensitive and painful after scratching.

When to use Tellurium Metallicum?

Tellurium is a key remedy for those cases of eczema where it presents in annular (circular) patterns with offensive discharge and marked itching, especially when the eruption spreads peripherally.

How to use Tellurium Metallicum?

It is safe to administer this medicine in 30C potency initially, once to thrice a day but for high potencies like 200 C or more, consultation with a homeopathic physician is strictly recommended.

9. Arsenicum Album – For Eczema with Burning Pains Relieved By Warmth

Arsenicum Album is administered in both moist and dry eczema with severe burning pain, often relieved by warmth. Restlessness and anxiety accompanies skin complaints and the patients cannot keep still. Thin, watery, acrid discharge from the eruptions excoriates the surrounding skin. The skin appears scaly, dry, rough, or cracked; and it may alternate with oozing. The eczema worsens due to cold, cold air, damp weather. Marked weakness and exhaustion disproportionate to skin lesions is a key factor to use arsenicum album. Chronic, relapsing eczema with unhealthy skin is treated with this medicine in a very effective manner.

When to use Arsenicum Album?

Arsenicum Album is especially administered when burning and anxiety dominates the case, and the patient feels better with heat, despite the skin appearing inflamed or excoriated.

How to use Arsenicum Album?

It is safe to use it in 30C potency to begin with, once to thrice a day but for high potencies like 200 C or more, consultation with a homeopathic physician is strictly advised.

10. Sepia Officinalis – For Eczema Getting Worse from Warmth with Marked Intolerance to Heat

Sepia Officinalis is a very effective medicine for scaly, dry, or slightly moist eczema with marked itching and burning. Eczema with brownish or yellowish discoloration of the skin that mainly occurs in skin folds – behind ears, on the elbow and knee bends, and groins. It is indicated in chronic eczemas with tendency to cracking and soreness. Itching worsens due to warmth of bed and sweating. Skin complaints are usually associated with hormonal imbalance, especially in women and patients often present with mental indifference, fatigue and irritability.

When to use Sepia Officinalis?

Sepia is particularly useful in chronic, relapsing eczema, especially among women, where symptoms aggravate due to heat and sweating and improves in fresh and cool air.

How to use Sepia Officinalis?

It is safe to administer it in 30C potency in the beginning, one to three times a day but for high potencies like 200 C or more, consultation with a homeopath is strictly advised.

Note: One may consider using these medicines for about two-three weeks. To prolong their use and switching to high potencies, consultation with a homeopath is a must.

What causes Eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown. However, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a major role in its development. Those with a family history of eczema or any other allergy (over-reaction of the immune system to something that does not have any effect on the majority of people) such as nasal allergy, asthma, etc are at a higher risk of developing eczema. According to research, those suffering from eczema do not produce adequate protein filaggrin, which is responsible for keeping skin moisturised, healthy and maintaining the skin barrier.

There are a few environmental triggers that can flare up eczema. These include irritants (like soaps, and detergents), certain food items (like dairy products, eggs, nuts, and wheat), extreme temperatures (either extreme hot or extreme cold), low humidity (dry air), increased sweating, allergens (e.g. dust mites, pet dander), synthetic fabric, wool, and stress.

What are the various types of Eczema?

Various types of eczema include seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and venous/stasis eczema.

1. Atopic dermatitis

Characterised by skin inflammation there is a presence of dry, itchy rash. This disease runs in the family and its onset happens during childhood. Atopy refers to a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. Asthma and hay fever are often reported in addition to eczema in atopic dermatitis. The signs and symptoms vary as per the age group. In kids up to two years of age, the rash mainly appears on the scalp and face, especially on the cheeks. In 3-18 years of age, rashes occur frequently on the bends of the elbow or knees, ankle, wrist, or neck. In adults, the rash mainly is seen on the bends of the elbow, neck and knee, and sometimes may cover the entire body.

2. Contact dermatitis

It is mainly of two types –irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

1. In allergic contact dermatitis, the allergic reaction appears on the skin when exposed to a foreign substance, like metals (nickel, gold) or cosmetics.

2. Irritant contact dermatitis arises when the skin comes in contact with a toxic or irritant substance, such as detergent, bleach, or battery acid.

3. Seborrhoeic dermatitis

It mainly affects the face, scalp, and eyelids and shows up as flakes or as greasy/ crusty eruptions. Among the infants, thick, crusty eruptions appear on the scalp that are referred to as cradle caps.

4. Dyshidrotic eczema

It is mainly visible on the palms and the soles. It is characterized by the presence of vesicles (fluid-filled bumps)

5. Venous/ stasis eczema

It mainly develops on the lower limbs due to poor blood circulation and varicose veins. One is susceptible to develop leg ulcers in such cases.

How to diagnose eczema?

A physician can easily diagnose a case of eczema by looking at the skin eruptions/rash and reviewing its accompanying symptoms and the medical history of the patient. A family history of eczema adds to the likelihood of its presence. There are no specific lab investigations required for eczema diagnosis. However, in some cases, a doctor may recommend tests to examine if there is skin allergy. It includes a patch test to find out specific allergens that might be the trigger point for the symptoms. In this test a few allergens after being put on a patch are applied to the skin. In case any of these allergens are triggering the complaint, that area will become inflamed.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age is eczema likely to appear?

In a majority of the cases, eczema starts early, sometimes before five years of age. However, eczema can show up among the teenagers and also among adults.

2. Which part of the skin is more vulnerable to eczema?

Eczema may develop anywhere on the skin from head to toe but may vary with the age group. Among the children, common areas are the scalp, face, and chest. Adults are more likely to get eczema on the elbow bends and behind the knees.

3. Why does my child have eczema?

The answer could lie in his genes. If a child has eczema, there is a chance he has atopic dermatitis. Atopy is a term applied to a genetic predisposition toward developing allergic diseases like dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma. But, there are chances that your child’s eczema disappear as he gets older. However, the age at which a child will start to show improvement varies though most children start getting better by the age of three years.

4. Is eczema an allergy?

There are cases of eczema that are allergic in origin, but not every case is an allergy. In allergic eczema, the skin reacts after coming in contact with an allergen. A few common allergens are poison ivy (a plant), cosmetics, nickel, and antibiotic creams.

5. Can eczema spread from skin contact?

No, eczema is not contagious at all. It does not spread from one person to another via the skin.

6. Is eczema related to weather?

Eczema can occur irrespective of the weather conditions though it usually is activated by the cold weather.

7. Why does eczema keep coming back?

Relapse of eczema happens due to stress, dust, weather changes, sweating, soaps, or certain types of foods.

8. What daily care can help in managing eczema?

Daily skin care routine like regular moisturizing, avoiding harsh soaps, keeping skin clean and dry and most importantly identifying and avoiding triggers can help manage eczema better.

9. How long does eczema take to improve?

Improvement depends on intensity, duration, triggers, and regular treatment. Chronic cases need patience.

10. Can stress worsen eczema?

Yes. Emotional stress is a common trigger that can worsen itching and flare-ups.

11. Is bathing harmful in eczema?

No. Gentle, quick baths with lukewarm water are helpful if followed by moisturising.

12. Can eczema cause skin darkening or marks?

Yes. Repeated swollenness and scratching can cause dark patches or thickened of the skin, but it mostly gets better as one heals.

 

An infection caused by a fungus is known as a fungal infection. The introduction of an infectious type of fungus in the body can cause infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or thrush infection. 

Homeopathy offers natural and highly effective treatment for fungal infections. Homeopathic medicines for fungal infection work by restoring the natural healing processes that help fight fungal infections. It works on two aspects in such cases. Among these, the first includes relieving symptoms like itching, burning, pain and controlling any discharge from eruptions. Next is healing the eruptions or the rash on the skin. In mainstream medicine, various antifungal medications are used in treating fungal infections. These medications may include external applications like ointments, creams, powders and also oral medications. These medicines offer temporary relief by suppressing the complaint, and exhibit side effects. They do little in terms of treating the root cause of the problem internally hence the infection can recur again with more severity. On the other hand, homeopathy offers curative treatment rather than temporary relief in fungal infections on the skin. Homeopathy is the science of internal medicine that works holistically to treat the root cause and gives long-term results without any suppression and side effects.

Homeopathy is highly suitable in treating acute, chronic and recurrent fungal infections. After treating infection in acute stage homeopathic medicines aim to prevent the frequent recurrence of fungal infections and treat the chronicity of the problem. It helps by strengthening the self-healing mechanism of the body and makes it strong enough to overcome acute infection as well as build immunity. Homeopathic medicines are free from any chemicals and synthetic components.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Fungal Infections

The top remedies to deal with fungal infection are Sepia, Tellurium, Graphites, Sulphur, Silicea, Thuja, Antimonium Crudum, Bacillinum, Borax and Pulsatilla.

1. Sepia – Top Remedy For Fungal Infection Ringworm

Sepia tops the list of homeopathic medicine when it comes to treating fungal infections especially ringworm of skin (tinea corporis). Circular, ring-shaped lesions on the skin in isolated spots is the key feature of using it. This can be attended with itching and burning when scratched, and increased sweating. Ringworm, if appears in spring season specifically, then Sepia is the right choice of medicine.

When to use Sepia?

The use of Sepia is applicable in ringworm infection with isolated ring-shaped lesions on skin.

How to use Sepia?

In the beginning, its 30C potency is safe to start with that can be used once or twice a day. For switching to high potencies like 200C or 1M, consider prior consultation with homeopathic expert.

2. Tellurium – For Ringworm With Multiple Rings Connected Together

Tellurium is also a major medicine for ringworm infection. It is prescribed for cases where multiple ring-shaped lesions are joined together forming intersecting rings crowded over each other. The lesions are elevated and spread across the whole body. Sometimes mild scaling covers these lesions. In a few cases, vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) over the rings may appear, attended with a heated sensation on the skin.

When to use Tellurium?

This medicine can be given when a case of ringworm presents with numerous ring-shaped lesions on the skin joined together.

How to use Tellurium?

It is advised to take Tellurium 30C once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

3. Graphites – For Fungal Infection With Rash Between Skin Folds

Graphites is highly effective for fungal infections that affect skin folds. It can be used when a rash appears in the groin (crease formed at the junction of abdomen and thigh), bends of limbs (like behind knees, elbow bend), neck fold, behind ears and between toes. The affected area is red, sore and painful. In some cases, a characteristic watery, sticky discharge may ooze out from the affected parts. It is also helpful when cracks develop in skin folds. There is intense itching in the affected area which gets aggravated at night. It is also very useful for cases of Tinea Cruris or Jock’s itch presenting with rash in the groin area.

When to use Graphites?

The use of this medicine is highly recommended when there is fungal infection causing a rash between skin folds. Additionally, it is the most effective if cracks appear in the folds and watery sticky fluid oozes from the affected skin area.

How to use Graphites?

It is usually prescribed in 3X potency. One may start with Graphites 3X one tablet once a day in mild cases and one tablet twice a day in case of moderate intensity. Avoid using higher potencies without the physician’s guidance.

4. Sulphur – For Fungal Infection With Marked Itching, Burning

Sulphur is a highly effective medicine to manage itching and burning on a skin rash. In cases needing it, the affected portion is dry and scaly along with itching which gets worse at night. Washing also makes it worse. Burning sensation is felt on the skin after scratching. The affected portion is painful and sensitive to touch.

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine can be considered in cases of fungal infection on the skin when there is marked itching and burning.

How to use Sulphur?

Though it can be used in different potencies, 30C potency is most frequently recommended. For mild cases, Sulphur 30C should be used once or twice a week. If itching and burning are moderate to severe, one may use Sulphur 30C once a day. Avoid using it more than once a day. It is a strong medicine, so do not self – medicate with its high potencies.

5. Silicea –  For Fungal Infection on Feet: Athlete’s Foot ( Tinea pedis)

Silicea is the best prescription for cases of fungal infection of feet. In cases needing it, there is rawness and soreness in the affected part, along with cracked skin in between the toes. Peeling of skin also occurs. There is itching and pain in the affected area. Excessive sweating having fetid odour is felt on the feet, with blisters in severe cases.

When to use Silicea?

Anyone who has a fungal infection on his feet can go ahead with this medicine. It will heal the skin lesions and provide relief in pain and control further progression of complaint.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea 6X (4 tablets) three to four times a day is the optimal dose to start with.

6. Bacillinum – For Ringworm And Tinea Versicolor

Bacillinum is another prominent medicine indicated for treating fungal infections. Firstly, it is very beneficial for cases of ringworm. Apart from treating acute ringworm cases, this medicine also helps to control the tendency for ringworm infection occurring time and time again. Secondly, this medicine is well indicated to treat cases of tinea versicolor in which skin pigmentation is affected resulting in discolored patches on the skin.

When to use Bacillinum?

This medicine can be given in cases of ringworm in both acute as well recurrent cases and also in cases of tinea versicolor with discolored patches on the skin..

How to use Bacillinum?

The use of this medicine is usually recommended in 30C potency (should never be used below this power). This medicine is used in infrequent doses. Just one dose a week of Bacillinum 30C is suggested in any case. Wait to see the changes for about one week after taking its one dose. Do not rush into repeating the medicine often.

7. Thuja – For Fungal Infections in Beard and Moustache Area (Tinea barbae)

Thuja is a natural medicine sourced from the plant Arbor Vitae.  It is highly suitable for fungal infections that appear as ringworms in the beard, mustache, and neck area. Persons needing it may have pimples (small red eruptions) or hard nodes in the affected areas. Itching and burning may worsen upon cold washing.

When to Use Thuja?

This medicine is apt for cases of fungal infection in beard and moustache with pimples, and itching and burning.

How to Use Thuja?

One may start with Thuja 30C once a day only.

8. Antimonium Crudum – For Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis / Tinea Unguium)

Antimonium Crudum is a highly-ranked medicine to treat nail fungus. It works well for discolored, brittle nails that break off easily. Nails are distorted and grow out of shape, sometimes there may be pain in nails.

When to use Antimonium Crudum?

Antimonium Crudum should be used as the first remedy when it comes to treat nail fungus. It will improve discoloration, help to strengthen the nail, and gradually eliminate the infection.

How to use Antimonium Crudum?

From its different potencies, 30C potency is the right choice to start with a treatment that can be taken twice a day.

9. Borax – For Fungal Infections In The Mouth (Oral Thrush)

Borax is the main medicine to treat fungal/yeast infections that occur in the mouth. Signs and symptoms to look for to its use are whitish patchy growths in the mouth and tongue that are tender and sore, along with redness in the mouth. Besides, bitter taste and dry mouth attend to it.

When to use Borax?

Borax is an incomparable medicine when it comes to treat fungal infection in the tmouth. It can be used when white fungal patches appear in the mouth that are tender.

How to use Borax?

It is used in different potencies varying from case to case. When using it in 30C potency, it can be taken twice a day. While in 200C potency, the dose should be limited to just once a day.

10. Pulsatilla – For Vaginal Candidiasis

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine for treating fungal infections in vagina – vaginal candidiasis.  This medicine is used when there occurs thick white, milky or cream-like vaginal discharge. The discharge cause burning and irritation in the vagina. Itching is also felt in the vagina. The discharge gets worse after menses.

When to use Pulsatilla? 

This medicine can be given if there is a fungal infection in the vagina with white-colored vaginal discharge.

How to use Pulsatilla? 

Pulsatilla 30C can be taken twice a day, and when symptoms are intense even thrice a day.

Note One may use these medicines only in the recommended doses for about 3 to 4 weeks. If in this time span no changes are seen in the skin condition, then kindly consult a homeopathic doctor for further action.

Causes Behind Fungal Infections

A fungal infection is caused by microorganisms like Tinea, Dermatophytes, Candida albicans, yeast, etc.

Fungal infections can occur in two ways.

1. Harmful fungi enter the body throughdirect contact with an infected person or an infected animal or soil contaminated with fungi. It can also spread by using an object infected with fungi, like clothes, combs, towels and bed sheets.

2. It occurs when there is excessive multiplication of the fungi normally present in the body in a small amount. The growth of fungi present naturally in the body is kept under control by the immune system. When excessive multiplication of fungi occurs under certain circumstances due to a weak immune system, it results in an infection.

Signs And Symptoms Of Fungal Infections

The signs and symptoms depend on the type of fungal infection but some frequently noted symptoms common in most fungal types are redness in the affected area, irritation or itching, burning sensation, and cracked or peeled skin. Scaling on the skin and blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) may also be noted.

Which skin areas can be affected by fungal rash?

Although a fungal rash may arise anywhere on the skin, the most-affected areas are folds of skin, like behind knees, bend of elbows, groin, under-breast area, etc.

Risk Factors For Fungal Infection

Though anyone can contract a fungal infection but certain factors predispose a person.

1. Warm, damp, humid environment: Dampness, moisture, and humidity – these three conditions are enough for fungi to flourish.

2. Weak immune system:A healthy immune system keeps a check on the excessive growth of fungi naturally present in the body. If immunity drops, fungi get an opportunity to overgrow resulting in an infection. Diseases that decrease immunity, medicines that suppress the immune system, and stress that weakens immunity increase the risk of fungal infections. People with HIV deal with a weakened immunity that can give rise to opportunistic diseases.

3. Heavy sweating provides a favorable environment for fungal growth

4. Diabetes Mellitus: A hyperglycemic (high in glucose) environment favors immune dysfunction that gives fungi a chance to overgrow.

5. Sharing personal things like clothing, bed sheets, towels, combs, shaving razors, etc. with an infected person.

6. Obesity: In obese people, the skin folds tend to trap excessive moisture, which can promote fungal growth.

7. Use of certain medicines: Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy drugs reduce the body’s immunity. Antibiotics prescribed to kill harmful bacteria affect the useful bacteria in the body. These good bacteria help keep fungal growth in check as a result of inter-related factors. When the concentration of good bacteria decreases, the fungi get an opportunity to grow in excess, leading to fungal infections.

 Types of Fungal Infections

A. Ringworms (Tinea infection):It is not caused by a worm but is named so as it causes ring-shaped lesions on the skin.

Cause: Fungi of the genera Trichophyton, and epidermophyton.

Spread: Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Signs and symptoms: Red, circular ring-shaped patches on the skin along with itching.

Tinea infection can develop on different parts of the body and has different names as per the part affected. These are given below:

1.. Tinea Cruris: Ringworm infection on skin in the groin area.

2. Tinea Pedis/Athlete’s Foot: It affects feet, especially the area between toes

3. Tinea capitis: This ringworm infection affects the scalp.

4. Tinea unguium (Onychomycosis): It refers toenail fungus commonly affecting toenails

5. Tinea Barbae: It is the ringworm infection of the beard, mustache area of the face, and the neck.

6. Tinea Corporis– Ringworm on the body

B. Tinea Versicolor also named Pityriasis Versicolor

This type of fungal infection occurs when fungus Malassezia grows extensively on the skin. Discolored patches appear on skin that may be light or dark, as compared to the surrounding skin. Mild itching and scaling can occur too. The main affected areas are the chest, back, shoulders, neck and upper arms.

C. Candida Infection

Candida Albicans is a type of fungi present in the human body in a small amount. The fungus only causes a problem when it multiplies and increases in number. The infection caused by this fungi is known as candidiasis.

Some of the most common Candida fungi infections include:

1. Oral Thrush: An oral thrush is an infection of Candida Albicans inside the mouth or on the tongue. It is commonly seen in infants, older adults, and people with low immunity.

2. Vaginal Candidiasis– Vaginal candidiasis is also more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection. It is caused by the fungi candida, which is normally present in the vagina in a small amount. It causes vaginal candidiasis when it grows to an abnormal amount.
The infection tends to develop as a result of a weak immune system, intake of oral contraceptive pills, uncontrolled diabetes and use of extensive antibiotics.

3. Diaper rash: A red rash that develops on a baby’s buttocks due to overuse of diapers is known as diaper rash. There are many reasons for a diaper rash, but a candida infection is one of the most common. The warm and moist areas between a diaper and a baby’s skin serve as a favorable environment for the growth of fungi.

Homeopathic Treatment of Eczema

Why do most knowledgeable people strongly advocate the use of homeopathy in skin disorders? What makes it so effective in chronic skin conditions? The answer is short and simple, because healing with homeopathic medicines is very effective, non-suppressive and non-toxic.

As homeopathic medicines are highly diluted, the risk of developing any toxicity is negligible and also when effectively prescribed, the side-effects are very uncommon. Homeopathy, when correctly prescribed, can cure even the worst forms of chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, lichen, etc.

[Read more…]

Homeopathic treatment of eczema and Atopic dermatitis

It is a general term for the several types of inflammation of the skin. It is a condition that refers to a number of skin conditions in which the skin is red irritated and at times also has fluid filled and oozing eruptions. Eczema may also cause mild to very severe itching any where on the skin.

[Read more…]