You probably don’t want to hear this, but your skin is home to thousands of bacteria and fungi. Most of them live and grow on your skin without causing any problem. However, some can turn out to be infectious and cause an infection like candidiasis of the skin, also known as cutaneous candidiasis. Natural Remedies for Candidiasis known very well and natural treatment for the disease without any side effects.
What Causes Cutaneous Candidiasis?
The problem usually starts when the candidiasis fungus (also referred to as yeast), which resides on the mucous membrane and moist areas of the skin, multiplies rapidly due to favorable conditions, giving rise to a red, itchy rash in the folds of the skin.(2)
The reasons behind the overgrowth of the candidiasis fungus are warm weather, wearing damp or tight clothes, improper drying of the skin, poor hygiene, infrequent undergarment changes, obesity, weakened immunity, use of antibiotics, and use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system.
Candidiasis of the skin usually isn’t contagious. However, people with weakened immune systems may develop the condition after coming in contact with the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems such as people with diabetes or HIV infection/AIDS or those using corticosteroids and other drugs are at an increased risk.
Anybody can suffer from this type of skin infection, including babies. In babies, candidiasis of the skin often affects the buttocks, which happens due to the use of diapers.
Signs and Symptoms of Cutaneous Candidiasis
Due to this infection, you may develop red and itchy rashes, often in the folds of the skin. However, the rash may also spread to other areas of the body. (3)
This is the reason why cutaneous candidiasis commonly appears in the armpits, in the groin, between the fingers, and under the breasts. However, the infection may also develop in the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.
In some cases, the infection can cause the skin to become cracked and sore, and blisters and pustules may form. Without timely treatment, the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
The symptoms of candidiasis of the skin often resemble other skin problems such as ringworm, hives, herpes, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Hence, it is important to get a proper diagnosis of the condition before starting the prescribed treatment for candidiasis of the skin.
You can treat candidiasis of the skin with improved hygiene, lifestyle changes, and some simple, yet effective, Home Remedies for Candidiasis.
How to Deal with Cutaneous Candidiasis at Home
Natural Remedies for Candidiasis
Natural Remedies for Candidiasis
Nourish Yourself with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, which are responsible for its antifungal properties. With these properties, coconut oil helps in combating the yeast-like fungus responsible for candidiasis of the skin.
A 2011 study published in Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutic Research throws light on the above-mentioned anti-infection properties of caprylic acid. (4)
Furthermore, a 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food reports that coconut oil helped kill species of yeast, including Candida.(5) Another study published in 2016 in Scientifica reports that coconut oil has a significant antifungal activity that is comparable to the antifungal drug ketoconazole.(6)
Utilizing coconut oil in Natural Remedies for Candidiasis can be effective in killing the yeast when taken orally in small amounts as well as when applied topically, although more studies are needed to demonstrate this.