Abstract
Fungal infections, or mycosis, are diseases caused by a fungus (yeast or mold). There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems such as rashes or bumps. Homoeopathy treats the individual in disease and not the disease alone and holistically helps the patient in need. Thus by striking at the root of the problem patient can be relieved from further remission of suffering.
INTRODUCTION
Fungal skin infections can happen anywhere on body. Some of the most common are athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Remember that homeopathic treatment for fungal infection works holistically, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also considering mental and emotional state. This comprehensive approach aims to restore balance and strengthen body’s natural defenses against fungal infections.
“RING WORM”
(Dermatophyte infections) (Tinea)
· Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin and is not due to a worm.
· The medical term for ringworm is tinea. The condition is further named for the site of the body where the infection occurs.
· Ringworm causes a scaly, crusted rash that may itch.
· Ringworm occurs in people of all ages, but it is particularly common in children. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person by contact with infected skin areas or by sharing combs and brushes, other personal care items, or clothing. It is also possible become infected with ringworm after coming in contact with locker room or pool surfaces. The infection can also affect dogs and cats, and pets may transmit the infection to humans. It is common to have several areas of ringworm at once in different body areas.
Causative organism:
Ø 3 species are responsible
- Trichophyton ( Skin, Hair, Nail)
- Microsporum (Skin, Hair)
- Epidermophyton (Skin, Nail)
Predisposing factors:
- Warm humid climate
- Poor hygienic & Nutrition
- Contact with infected person
- Obesity
- Debilitating diseases – Age of patient, Cancers, Tuberculosis
- Areas more prone to friction e.g.- Axilla, Thighs.
Types:
- Tinea capitis
- Tinea corporis
- Tinea barbae
- Tinea faciei
- Tinea cruris
- Tinea pedis & Mannum
- Tinea unguium ( Onychomycosis)
General features:
• The word Tinea means “Moth eaten”
• In this condition circular “Ring like” lesions are produced which progress to the periphery while the central parts is healed. They are seen on the advancing periphery.
• It is a pea sized, pale, red, well defined slightly raised macule, it becomes Scaly soon.
• Clears in the centre & Spreads, peripherally presenting vesicles & Macular.
• Itching is severe.
Ring Worm
Types:
Ø Tinea capitis – Scalp ring worm (Occipital & Temporal region).
Mode of transmission - Spreads by caps, Barber’s instruments, Hair brushes, combs
Ringworm of the scalp commonly affects children, mostly in late childhood or adolescence. This condition may spread in schools. Tinea capitis appears as scalp scaling that is associated with bald spots (in contrast to seborrhea or dandruff, for instance, which do not cause hair loss).
Type:
§ Black dot patch
§ Gray patch with scales.
§ Inflammatory lesion with itching, redness.
§ “Favus”- Circular yellow cups made of fungus material surround the hair follicles. (which from Honey comb like masses)
Ø 
Scalp ring worm
Ø Tinea corporis: (Body ring worm)
Can appear anywhere on the body.
When fungus affects the skin of the body, it often produces the round spots of classic ringworm. Sometimes, these spots have an "active" outer border as they slowly grow and advance. It is important to distinguish this rash from other even more common rashes, such as nummular eczema. This condition, and others, may appear similar to ringworm, but they are not due to a fungal infection and require different treatment.
Body ring worm
Ø Tinea faciei (faciale):
Ringworm on the face except in the area of the beard. On the face, ringworm is rarely ring shaped. Characteristically, it causes red, scaly patches with indistinct edges.
Ø Tinea barbae ( Face) “barber's itch”
Mode of transmission - Barber’s instrument
Ringworm of the bearded area of the face and neck, with swelling and marked crusting, is often accompanied by itching, sometimes causing the hair to break off. In the days when men went to the barber daily for a shave, tinea barbae was called barber's itch. Common in adult male.
Type:
§ Non inflammatory type spreading peripherally & clear at centre.
§ Inflammatory type – Deeper infection containing pustules.
Ø Tinea cruris: “Dhobi’s itch”- (jock itch).
This is often called 'jock itch' because it occurs in sportspeople and is common among young men. It causes an itchy, red rash in your groin and the surrounding area and is usually seen in men who’ve been sweating a lot. Often you’ll also have athlete's foot, as the infection can be spread by scratching your groin after scratching your infected feet. Inner parts of thighs, Groin.
Tinea cruris
Ø Tinea pedis ( Foot) Athlete's foot & Tinea Mannum( Hands):
Plantar surface of foot & palmar surface of Hands.
Mode of transmission - The infection is contacted from the bath rooms or urinals.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis and tinea manuum). Around one in four adults have athlete's foot (tinea pedis) at some time in their lives. It can be caused by a combination of fungi and bacteria, which makes your skin itchy, dry, scaly and red. Sometimes it causes blisters and cracked skin. It’s especially common between your toes. You often pick up athlete's foot from coming into contact with contaminated skin left behind in swimming pools, showers and saunas. If you don't wash your hands after touching a contaminated area, it can spread to your hands where it's known as tinea manuum. This mostly affects the creases on your palms and sides of your fingers.
Ø Tinea unguium ( Fungal Nail)
“Onychomycosis” - is the name for any fungal nail infection.
- It is a fungal infection common on Nails, Characterized by brittleness, and thickening of Nails.
- The inflammation usually starts free margin & slowly progresses to the Nail bed.
- This commonly affects the Great toe, Nails, but other nails are also affected.
Onychomycosis
Investigation:
Ø “Skin scraping for Fungal”:
- Scraping of skin lesion dissolved in 20% potassium hydroxide (20%KOH) & can also be demonstrated by Culture.
General Management:
ü Avoid soap & keep the part dry.
ü Change the under garments frequently.
ü Clothes should be washed in hot water.
ü Foot wear should have sufficient aeration.
ü Apply powder & keep that area dry.
“TINEA VERSICOLOR” (Pityriasis Versicolor)
Caused by: “Malassezia furfur” @ “Pityrosporum orbiculare”
Predisposing factors:
- Freely sweating individuals, Especially Athletes.
Features :
- It is characterized by Scaly white or Brown, In this condition small white spots appear on the trunk, Neck, upper arms, & Face.
- The lesion is Velvety, faintly brown or chamois colored, there is No itching, the lesions are most frequently distributed over trunk.
General Management:
- Change of dress frequently
- Avoid sharing soaps, towels etc.
- Personal hygiene is most important.
- The inner garments should be Boiled & changed daily.
Homoeopathic Management:
Homeopathic remedies for mycosis are chosen based on the specific symptoms and characteristics of the infection, as well as the individual’s unique constitution. Unlike conventional treatments, homeopathic medicine focuses on stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms to combat the infection from within. Key advantage of using homeopathic medicine for fungal infections is its ability to target the root cause of the problem rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. This approach not only helps in resolving the current infection but also aims to prevent its recurrence. The following are the most indicated remedies in fungal infections of skin:
Tinea in general – Bacillinum, Natrum Mur, Phytolacca, Sepia, Tellurium, Thuja, Tuberculinum, Arsalb, Chrysar.
Tinea barbae – Thuja, Bacillinum, Calc carb, Cicuta, Graphitis, Kali bich, Nit acid, Platina, Staphysagria, Sulphur.
Tinea Capitis – Calc carb, Dulcamara, Phyto, Sepia, Mezerum, Psorinum, Tellurium.
Tinea on face – Tuberculinum, Sepia, Graphitis, Natrum carb, Natrum Mur, Tellurium, Thuja.
Tinea versicolor – Thuja, Natrum ars, Sepia.
Indicated Remedies | Indications |
Sulphur | Sulphur is a well-known homeopathic remedy for various skin conditions, including fungal infections. Sulphur can help relieve itching, redness, and inflammation associated with fungal skin infections. |
Chrysarobinum | Acts as a powerful irritant of the skin and used successfully in skin diseases especially in ringworm, psoriasis, herpes tonsurans acne rosacea. Vesicular or squamous lesions, associated with foul smelling discharge and crust formation, tending to become confluent and to give the appearance of a single crust covering the entire area. Violent itching, thighs, legs and ears. Dry, scaly eruption, especially around eyes and ears, scabs with pus underneath |
Bacillinum | This remedy is useful when there is a recurrent tendency to develop fungal infections in different body parts. |
Graphites | Graphites is often prescribed for fungal infections that cause oozing, thick discharge, and cracking of the skin. |
Sepia | Sepia is a homeopathic remedy that may be recommended for fungal infections characterized by brownish or dirty-looking skin patches. |
Arsenicum album | Arsenicum album is useful for fungal infections with symptoms like burning, restlessness, and anxiety. Arsenicum album can soothe the burning sensation and promote healing. |
Mezereum | Mezereum is a useful homeopathic medicine for fungal infections on the scalp characterized by crusty eruptions, intense itching, and sticky fluid oozing. It can provide relief from inflammation and reduce the severity of symptoms. |
Silicea | Silicea is indicated for fungal infections with pus formation and slow healing. Silicea gel can assist in draining the pus and accelerating the healing process. |
Calendula | Calendula is a natural antiseptic and can be used for fungal infections to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Calendula cream is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. |
Rhus tox | Rhus tox is recommended for fungal infections that cause intense itching and eruptions with a red base. Rhus tox ointment can provide relief from itching and promote healing. |
Thuja | Thuja is often prescribed for fungal infections that result in warts or growths on the skin. |
Natrum Muriaticum | This homeopathic medicine benefits individuals with a dry or scaly scalp affected by fungal infections. Natrum Muriaticum restores moisture balance in the scalp while addressing flakiness and itchiness effectively. |
Berberis aquifolium | Berberis aquifolium is useful for fungal infections that cause dryness, roughness, and dark spots on the skin. Berberis aquifolium cream can help improve skin texture. |
Tellurium | This remedy is useful when there are large patches of dry skin or circular eruptions on the inner thighs or scrotum due to a fungal infection. It reduces itching and burning sensations while promoting healthy skin. |
Petroleum | Petroleum is indicated for fungal infections that lead to dry, cracked skin. Petroleum ointment can moisturize and protect the affected areas. |
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