Nail & Skin Fungal Infections & Treatments

© Copyright Bee Wilder

Table of Contents

Fungal infections of the skin are very common for candida sufferers. Not only does it involve fungal infections, but it can also involve reactions by the skin to candida toxins.

Like athlete's foot and other skin infections such problems are often found to contain a combination of fungi and bacteria.

Fungal infections of the skin are caused by a depressed immune system and/or a lack of adequate blood circulation to the extremities, and inadequate oxygen in the blood. This primarily occurs in diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease, but it also occurs in many other disease conditions, including candida and candida-related diseases.

Fungal infections of the skin are usually accompanied by candida overgrowth in other areas of the body, mainly in the intestinal tract. Like other evidence of candida overgrowth in the body, i.e. thrush, vaginal yeast, jock itch, brain fog, and so on, it is a definite sign of more serious problems caused by a weakened immune system.

Ordinarily healthy skin secretes acid on its surface. This acid layer is necessary for the health and integrity of the skin, which also acts as a protective barrier.

However through malnutrition, constant showers and bathing, soap and lotion that remove the acid layer, toxins, poor blood circulation, low oxygen levels in the blood, etc. the health of the skin is compromised leaving it more vulnerable to fungal overgrowth.

Fungal infections of the skin can be treated directly, and even though direct treatment will provide some measure of comfort and relief of the symptoms, it will not totally be eradicated until the immune system is functioning normally.

This is only accomplished by the entire Candida Program, including diet, supplements, antifungals and probiotics. True healing only occurs with proper nutrition and elimination of toxins.

The symptoms and appearances of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of the body affected.

Rashes may have a variety of appearances. Some are red, scaly and itchy, whereas others can produce a fine scale similar to dry skin. The site of infection may be just one area of the body, or there may be several infected areas.

Fungal infections of the scalp or beard can lead to hair loss. Fungal rashes can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, which are also very common in candida sufferers.

Types of Nail & Skin Fungal Infections

  • Athlete's Foot - See Athlete's Foot Treatments


  • Cradle Cap (infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis) - Seborrheic dermatitis is a common fungal infection of the skin. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis found in infants. It is found on the scalps of babies. Sometimes looks like dandruff, or it can be thick, oily, yellowish scaling, or crusting in patches. It can be inflamed and red, and sometimes it itches. The same rash is often prominent around the ear or the eyebrows. It may appear in other locations as well, where it is called seborrheic dermatitis rather than cradle cap. See Note.


  • Dandruff — see Saborrheic dermatitis below.


  • Dark & Light Patches on the Skin (tinea versicolor) - This condition causes increased dark patches on pale or untanned skin and light patches on tanned or darker skin. This condition is called pityriasis versacolor or tinea versicolor (versicolor means "of various colours").


  • Diaper Rash, also called Candida-Associated Diaper Dermatitis. It is a fungal infection, also known as monilia, Candida, or yeast. Candida diaper rash tends to be in the deepest part of the creases in the groin and buttocks. The rash is usually very red with a clearly-defined border and small red spots close to the large patches. The rash enlarges into patches, which are made up of small papules and vesicles with pus. There can be satellite lesions, smaller red patches which grow and blends with the other patches. The scrotum may become fiery red and scaly (boys).


    • Note: See Candida Treatments for Babies & Children.

  • Jock Itch - See Jock Itch Treatments


  • Nail Infection (onychomycosis) is the name for any fungal nail infection. Tinea unguium (ringworm of the nails) is a common one. The nails become yellowish, malformed, thickened and crumbly. Not all nails affected like this are caused by fungal infections, but it is a common cause. Toenail infections are commonly linked with athlete's foot.


  • Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) - This tends to affects young children and can cause hair loss with inflammation in the affected area.


  • Ringworm on the body (tinea corporis) - This affects the body, often in exposed areas and causes red patches, which are scaly at the edge with clear skin at the centre. The patches spread out from the centre.


  • Rosacea- See Rosacea Treatments


  • Seborrheic dermatitis is a common fungal infection of the skin. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis found in infants, and in adults it causes dandruff and many other adverse skin conditions and rashes.

Other than those described specifically above, most fungal skin infections can cause intense itching, the severity of which can be disabling and maddening.

In addition to intense itching, red areas with many small blisters and dandruff-like scales can develop. There are many different kinds of fungi that cause these infections, which can act and appear differently.

Nail & Skin Fungal Infection Treatments

All skin fungal infections respond well to the Candida Program recommended. Therefore, as with all other fungal infections, the main treatment is the Candida diet, supplements, antifungals and probiotics.

There are some direct treatments which can help relieve symptoms to some degree:

  1. Avoid using scented or antibacterial soaps, instead use a good quality coconut oil based soap, available at the health store, or wash thoroughly with plain water.


  2. After washing or bathing, rinse the area well with an apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and water mixture (mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or the juice of 1/2 lemon into 2 cups of warm water). Or use spritzer containing these solutions, and spray the entire area completely, to replenish the acid layer to the skin. Pat it dry, but do not rinse it off. Any smell dissipates quickly. This restores the natural acid layer of the skin which helps fight fungal infections.


  3. Wear 100% cotton loose fitting clothing and nightwear. Do not wear tight fitting clothing made of synthetic fibres. Natural fibres allow the skin to breathe like it should.


  4. Rub coconut oil into the affected areas as often as possible, alternating with baking soda which is patted or dusted on.


  5. Baking soda paste can be applied directly to areas affected as well. Put a little water in a small dish and add baking soda to make a pasty consistency.


  6. Taking baking soda, or baking soda combined with epsom salt, baths helps all skin problems. Add 1/2 cup or more of baking soda to your bath water, or use 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of epsom salt.


  7. Twice a day rub antifungal solutions well into all areas that are affected (use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 4-5 drops of one of the following (or use a combination): 1) tea tree oil, 2) garlic oil, 3) oil of oregano, and 4) clove oil. For nails there is no need to dilute these oils, just apply them directly, rubbing well into the area around the nail and under the nail.

    You make these mixtures ahead of time; there is no need to refrigerate them. Multiply the amount of coconut oil as well as the number of drops accordingly.

    You can also try rubbing the oils full strength into affected areas, but if the skin is broken or oozing it may sting for awhile or feel like it is burning. However, none of these oils actually burn the skin but they do generate heat which is part of their healing affect.

References

  1. Fungal Skin Infections
  2. Diaper dermatitis - Candida-associated
  3. Diaper rash and thrush (Candida infections)
  4. Cradle cap (infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis)
  5. Definition of Cradle Cap
  6. Seborrheic Dermatitis: What It Is and How to Treat It