Fungal infections are more common today than ever before. There are a number of reasons for this. People are living longer, and older people are more likely than younger people to have compromised immune systems, a major risk factor for fungal infection. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the growing infection rate (fungal infections are known to occur after antibiotic therapy, which has the effect of killing the beneficial bacteria that normally suppress fungi). Finally, the success in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS has created a subgroup of the population susceptible to fungal infections (Nola I et al 2003).
The most common organism implicated in fungal infections is the ubiquitous Candida, which is found in the human digestive tract, mouth, and genital region (Eggiman P et al 2003). Under normal circumstances, levels of Candida are controlled by beneficial bacteria. However, if the bacteria-fungus balance is upset, by the use of antibiotics for example, or if the immune system is compromised, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, resulting in infection (Braunwald DE 2001).
Fungal overgrowth is encouraged by certain pH levels and the availability of sugar (glucose) (McGinnis MR et al 1996; Buddington RK et al 1996; Howard MD et al 1995). People with the right conditions for fungal infection, such as a high sugar diet, are at higher risk. Also, candida infections can be spread to vulnerable people with depressed immune systems who are in the hospital, where the fungus is commonly found on the hands of caregivers and where indwelling catheters can allow an infection to take hold.
*Remedies*
• Lavender oil, oregano oil, and garlic oils are excellent home remedies for Fungal Infections in nails. Apply any of these oils on the under side of the nails two times in a day to heal the infection. A mixture of one teaspoon of olive oil and two drops of oregano oil can also be applied on the affected area to cure Fungal Infections.
• Prepare a paste-like mixture by mixing turmeric powder and water. Apply this paste on the affected area for sometime until it dries. Finally, wash it off with water to ease the symptoms and remove infections, especially in nails.
• Soaking the affected area in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportions is one of the most popular and effective natural home remedies for Fungal Infections.
• Applying a combination of crushed margosa (neem) leaves, basil powder and some rose water is a valuable remdy used to control Fungal Infections. A paste prepared from margosa leaves and turmeric powder can also be applied 2-3 times in a day on a regular basis to get rid of this problem. A combination of turmeric and basil is also beneficial.
• Having a combination of olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water is highly beneficial in the treatment of Fungal Infections.
• Application of juice extracted from fig leaves helps in dealing with Fungal Infections in the scalp. Black walnut is also useful in this regard.
• Apply aloe vera gel and the oil of castor beans in order to provide relief from symptoms and cure the disease simultaneously.
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