By Vanessa A. Doctor

Antifungal medications and treatments are utilized for eradicating fungi and yeast that cause infections in many areas of the body.

These treatments are used to treat common conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, dandruff, and vaginitis, as well as serious ailments that have spread throughout the body. Antifungal medications are often used in people with poorly functioning immune systems, as seen mostly in individuals with AIDS, and in those who are taking drugs that suppress immune function.

Different Types Of Fungal Infections

Here are some common types of fungal infections that affect, and irritate many individuals.

- Athlete’s foot is type of fungal infection that generally appears between the toes, but can also affect the toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet.

- Tinea. This is a fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it’s on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring. This infection is commonly called ringworm, because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin.

- Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs, and occurs in both men and women.

- Candida. This yeast infection is similar to a fungus. It generally affects the skin around the nails or the soft, moist areas around body openings. Diaper rash in babies can be from one type of candidal infection. Older girls and women may develop another form of candidal infection in and around the vagina, and these are called yeast infections.

Herbal Antifungal Treatments

- Garlic. This herb is considered to be a very potent antimicrobial agent. It was used by Albert Schweitzer to treat amebic dysentery, and also by Louis Pasteur as an antibacterial agent. Garlic is one of the richest sources of the element germanium, which is a potent inducer of interferon and effective against certain cancers by modulating the immune response.

- Tea tree oil is an extract of a tree native that is common in Australia. It is a remedy for many mucosal fungal infections. The oil is used internally for thrush and esophagus and externally for fungal skin and nail bed infections. Tea tree oil and Grapefruit seed extract may be used for the external treatment of candida-related skin conditions by putting 2-3 drops of each in a lotion or salve and spreading it over the affected area.

- Oregano. The extract from this herb is considered more potent and less harmful than nystatin to eradicate fungi. It is also considered to be more powerful and less-toxic in eradicating staph infections.

- Echinacea is an immune-stimulating and antiseptic herb. Scientific research indicates the herb’s antibiotic, cortisone-like activity, and aids in the promotion of wound healing, production of systemic interferon and stimulation of T-cell lymphocytes.

- Pau D’arco. This herb is derived from an extract of the bark of a South American tree, and is famous for its potent antifungal properties.

- Golden Seal. This herb is considered effective in treating most digestive problems ranging from peptic ulcers to colitis due to its tonic effects on the mucous membranes. It is a powerful antimicrobial improving all mucous conditions, especially those of the sinuses.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, January 31st, 2008 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Alternative Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.