Who among you still thinks that yeast infections can only attack the genital area? In fact, yeast infections caused by the growth of the fungus “Candida albicans” can occur in any area of the skin. Sometimes, the infection also triggers the appearance of a very itchy red rash! Although it may feel annoying, yeast infections are actually harmless and can be easily treated using natural remedies, even if the success rate is low. Therefore, if the skin condition does not improve after 1-2 weeks of treatment with natural ingredients, immediately switch to conventional antifungal creams that are able to work more effectively to get rid of rashes on the skin.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Medicine Methods
Want to try treating yeast infections with natural remedies? First of all, understand that while the natural remedies available are very limited, their effectiveness against yeast infections is not good enough. That is, the risk of persistent rash will still exist. However, because the side effects are considered very minimal, there is no harm in trying it. If it doesn't work, don't hesitate to check with a dermatologist to get a more suitable treatment recommendation. Remember, always wash your hands after applying the following topical remedies to prevent the fungus from spreading to other areas of the skin!
Step 1. Use tea tree oil to kill the fungus
Tea tree oil is known to be rich in natural antimicrobial properties, and has proven successful when used to kill the fungus “Candida”. If used regularly with a concentration of 0.25-1%, the use of tea tree oil has proven to be quite effective.
- Not all essential oils are reconstituted. Therefore, don't forget to check the consistency of the oil before using it. If the oil has not been dissolved, try diluting it with a solvent oil such as jojoba. Specifically, mix 1 tsp. tea tree oil with 1 tsp. solvent oil to produce a concentration of 1%.
- The rash may take some time to completely go away. Therefore, continue to apply this method for 1-2 weeks and observe the benefits.
Step 2. Try using coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil is also claimed to be useful for killing the fungus "Candida" and has the potential to treat various types of infections that are resistant to conventional antifungal drugs. To use it, all you need to do is pour a small amount of oil on your fingertips and massage it into the surface of the rash. Do this method once a day.
- Good quality coconut oil will generally have a dense and smooth texture, resembling wax. If the texture is runny, it's likely that the oil has been mixed with additives or is too hot.
- Coconut oil can also be eaten, although the content of saturated fat is very high so it should not be consumed in large quantities.
Step 3. Try using oregano oil
In fact, oregano oil is one type of essential oil that is effective for killing fungi such as "Candida". That's why, if all other methods don't work, try massaging oregano oil onto the rash and observe the benefits.
In fact, there is no recommended dosage or frequency of using oregano oil. Therefore, you can try applying the oil once a day first and observe the results
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
While it may not necessarily treat a yeast infection, at least the steps listed in this method can prevent the rash from getting worse and increase the body's ability to fight off fungal growth. Whatever treatment method you choose, lifestyle changes still need to be made to speed up the body's recovery process and prevent the infection from reoccurring in the future.
Step 1. Keep the rash clean and dry
Keeping the area around the rash clean and dry is the perfect way to prevent the spread of fungus. For that, clean the fungus as usual with a mild soap, then dry the skin with a towel.
- Wash the towels you use before wearing them again. Be careful, the fungus can spread to other areas of the skin!
- Make sure your skin is completely dry before putting on clothes, especially since mold can easily grow in damp areas.
Step 2. Sprinkle a powder that can absorb sweat to keep the skin dry
Even a small amount of loose powder can absorb excess moisture and keep the rash dry afterwards. As a result, the risk of the rash to spread will be reduced.
This step is especially important if the rash is located in areas of the skin that are prone to sweating, such as the armpits or skin folds
Step 3. Expose the rash to fresh air, whenever possible
Basically, mold can't reproduce in places exposed to fresh air. Therefore, if the rash is located in an area that does not need to be covered by clothing, such as on the arm or neck, do not cover it with clothing or a bandage. Instead, expose the rash to as much fresh air as possible.
Try not to cover the rash so that sweat doesn't get trapped and irritate the skin even more
Step 4. Wear loose-fitting clothing if a rash appears on a private area of the body
In fact, some types of rash are difficult to leave open, such as those in your private area. If the rash must be covered by clothing, at least wear very loose clothing until the skin heals completely. This way, excess moisture and heat won't get trapped on the skin's surface and become a breeding ground for fungus.
If you are prone to such infections, try to always wear loose-fitting clothing just in case
Step 5. Lose weight, if necessary
Being overweight is a risk factor for yeast infections of the skin, especially since yeast can easily grow between skin folds. That is why, those of you who are overweight should consult a doctor for recommendations for the ideal weight. After that, design a diet and exercise pattern that is safe to achieve these targets.
Step 6. Control blood sugar levels in the body if you have diabetes
Basically, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing skin infections such as “Candida”, especially when their blood sugar levels are out of balance. That is why, for those of you who have diabetes, always follow the instructions for use, dosage recommendations, and dietary recommendations given by your doctor to reduce the risk of yeast infection.
If you experience a rash and have diabetes at the same time, see a doctor immediately! Be careful, rashes in diabetics can turn into infections, especially if they appear on the feet
Method 3 of 3: Using Conventional Treatment Methods
In fact, conventional antifungal treatment methods are a better and faster option for treating infections, mainly because they are more effective than natural medicines. Therefore, if natural remedies are not able to treat your infection, try following the tips listed below.
Step 1. Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream
A much more effective remedy for treating yeast infections are antifungal creams, which fortunately you can easily buy at any pharmacy. Although the rules of use for each drug brand are different, generally the cream needs to be applied every day for 1-2 weeks. Supposedly, the rash will begin to disappear after 1 week of treatment.
- Commonly used antifungal creams are miconazole and clotrimazole. If you don't know which type of cream is most suitable for your condition, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.
- Always read and follow the instructions for use on the cream packaging.
Step 2. See a dermatologist for a prescription for a more potent cream, if needed
If the rash doesn't heal after a week of using over-the-counter medications, see a dermatologist immediately. Chances are, they will prescribe a higher dose of cream to apply as you would an over-the-counter cream. Within 1-2 weeks, the rash should completely disappear.
- Follow the instructions for use and the recommended dosage given by a dermatologist. Do not stop taking the drug without the doctor's knowledge so that the rash does not reappear.
- If the rash does not go away, immediately contact a dermatologist for further examination.
Step 3. Take antifungal medication to treat persistent infections
In less common cases, fungal infections may not be successfully treated by topical medications. If this is the case, the dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal medication, usually in tablet form, to take the recommended dose to treat the infection at its root.
- Do not stop taking the drug too quickly to make sure the fungus and rash that appears on the skin is completely gone.
- If your immune system is weak and unable to fight off the infection on your own, your doctor will likely ask you to take oral medications.
Medical Overview
Yeast infections can be a nagging and persistent skin problem. Although natural medicines can be used to reduce the symptoms, the actual level of effectiveness is not very high. Fortunately, there are now conventional medicines such as antifungal creams that are more effective against infection, and can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies. If these options still don't work, don't hesitate to ask a dermatologist for a prescription.
