My Candida Story

All causes of infection are the same for any fungus infection and an excessive intake of antibiotics and other drugs simply weakens your immune system. What to do? Find out if you’re infected with a simple saliva test. If your saliva just dissolves and dissipates there is likely no infection.

THE “ITCHERS”

Balantis (commonly referred to as “the itchers”) affect the male genital organs. It causes you to experience burning and hot sensations, feels tender to touch, creates soreness and is red in appearance.

CANDIDA OR TURF FIGHTERS

The candida or turf fighters are fungi which affect the whole body. You must rid your system of this bacterial type immediately as it is considered quite severe and, in certain extreme instances, may even prove life threatening.

HOW PREVALENT IS THIS INFECTION?

Americans spent about $24 billion on over-the-counter anti-infection products in 2004. The amount spent has increased exponentially since then and has become a very lucrative business, making ever-increasing billions in sales each year. Hundreds of different manufacturers produce thousands of products consumed by over 17 million people in the United States alone.

HOW YOU GET INFECTED

Studies show the intake of certain foods is one important cause of yeast infection. These foods include bread, other bakery products, alcoholic beverages, beer, wheat products, corn products, peanuts and barley. When ingested molds from these food groups take up residence in your digestive system and become systemic.
The fungus thrives in the warm moist areas of the body. Tight clothing and underpants make the wearer perspire and create a very favorable habitat for these bacteria.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms include bad breath, bloated indigestion, memory loss, athletes foot, jock itch, and prostate problems.

CURES AND TREATMENTS

Over The Counter (OTC) medicines can be used to help relieve itchiness and burning feelings until yeast infection is cured. Change underclothing as often as possible. To treat apply OTC medicine directly to the infected area on the penis twice daily for a week.

If the infection is extreme I recommend you see a doctor for a prescription of Diflucan or Nizal.

THREE NATURAL CURES THAT RELIEVE AND ERADICATE SYMPTOMS

ONE — Vinegar. That’s right. Diluted vinegar. It’s important not to apply pure vinegar directly as this may irritate the genital area. Never apply straight to the area without diluting first with water.

TWO – Organic Coco Oil. Take one or 2 teaspoons a day for one month. The organic coco oil, an oral medication, works by exploding the nucleus and plasma of the inside of the yeast cell, thus killing it.

THREE – Unsweetened yogurt (4 oz) may be eaten 2 or 3 times per day to counteract the bacteria. You may also experience rapid short-term relief by applying unsweetened yogurt directly to the area.

This of course brings us to the growth of the health club phenomenon. There’s no doubt that a health club is a popular way for many to increase the activity in their lives. Unfortunately, they also have been responsible for increasing the incidence of many foot borne conditions such as athletes’ foot and toenail fungus.

This isn’t to say that there’s a direct relationship between going to the health club for exercising and a foot fungal infection. You can contract both athletes foot and/or nail fungus from many places. It should be recognized however that public areas such as those found in many health club locker rooms and showers are ideal places to pick up these very common problems. You may want to follow the link below to learn more about nail fungus and treatment options.

Both tinea pedis (athletes foot) and onychomycosis (nail fungus) are the result of contracting a fungus that grows on your skin and nails. These conditions are much easier to pick up in public shower and locker areas if only because there is more opportunity for you to come into contact with others who may already have the problem. This fungus can be transmitted from one person to another in that almost perfect environment found on many public shower and locker room floors.

One indicator of the potential risk is mold. If the shower area, shower curtain or even the ceramic tile floor appeared to have black mold growing, it’s a good indicator that these areas are not being cleaned effectively.

A person with athletes foot or onychomycosis can innocently spread the condition by walking around in the locker rooms and shower areas with bare feet. You can then pick up the fungi, which will develop into either or both of these conditions in the dark, damp and sweaty environment of most athletic shoes.

It’s possible to limit your exposure to this potential risk by using that high-tech footwear known as the flip-flop. If your feet do not come in contact with the public floors, your risk of picking up any foot related condition will be minimized. Flip-flops are great because they dry quickly and can be worn even in the shower area.

Another suggestion is to be certain to dry your feet and try not to use the same footwear for exercising as you do during the day. Remember that fungi like dark and damp. By keeping your feet dry, you’re less likely to provide an ideal growing environment. By using a different pair of shoes, your feet won’t be bathed in the sweat and moisture created from exercising.

If you do come down with a case of athletes foot or toenail fungus and realize that both are very common and unfortunately chronic in nature. It’s important however that you take action as soon as the fungus is noticed as it will continue to grow and become quite unattractive and even painful. There are many treatment options for a fungal infection that you may want to consider. These range from very expensive anti-fungal prescription drugs to more natural solutions.

“That stuff” on your foot isn’t dog poop. That stuff is tenia pedis, a.k.a. athlete’s foot (a/f). A/f is an infection of the skin caused by the invasion of a fungus. Think of it like mushrooms taking up residence in your skin. As the fungus takes root, it produces damaging effects on the skin such as cracking, peeling, scaling, itching, and in severe cases bleeding.

How do you get it?

A/f can happen to anyone, not just athletes. A/f is acquired through physical contact with infected surfaces. These can include the tiled floors of showers and bathrooms, or the skin of an infected person. In addition, a/f can be spread through the sharing of garments like socks and even towels with infected individuals. This is crucial because the parasitic fungus that causes the infection is able to spread and survive on other body parts, like the groin for example. When this happens, a/f morphs into its ever so popular cousin, jock itch. He’s a big hit with all the ladies (yeah right!)

How do I know if I have it?

The easiest way to determine if you have a/f is to look at your feet. Visual inspection of the surface of the skin is the number one way to see if you’ve got it. The presence of cracking skin, blisters, and exposed tissue are all signs you have a/f. Not to mention the pain, itchiness, irritation, inflammation, and swelling that accompany these things. If you’ve taken a visual stock of the affected area and still aren’t sure, the best thing to do is seek professional medical help– Most likely in the form of a dermatologist.

Treatment & Prevention

Grandma used to say “prevention’s better than the cure” so let’s start there. The key to a/f is moisture, so keeping dry is an essential. Make sure to dry your feet (and the rest of your body) thoroughly after showering. Do not use wet towels to dry off, and do not share towels, socks, and under garments. Disinfect the shower/tub after each use to help kill any present fungi. Wash your sheets and socks in warm water (140 degrees F) and change them often. If your feet sweat, try adding a little talcum powder, baking soda, or gold bond powder to your socks to absorb any additional moisture and try to change your insoles regularly. Oh, and before I forget, here’s a little trick to help prevent jock itch. Put your socks on before your underwear. I know it sounds cheesy, but work with me people. Now if you find yourself beyond the prevention stage, don’t fret there’s still hope. A/f can be treated with various topical antifungal agents like creams or aerosol sprays like “tough actin’ Tinactin”.

In extreme cases, doctors have been known to prescribe a series of orally ingested antibiotics. So that’s the long and short of it. Keep up on your hygiene and you should be good to go. If not, see a dermatologist and determine which method of treatment is best for you. Whatever you do, don’t urinate on the infected area. People have tried to pee on their feet in the shower in an effort to kill the fungus and rid themselves of the infection. All they ended up with was athlete’s foot and stinky feet too!

(c) Mr. Mention 2009. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

According to David Wong, a dermatologist from Sydney, the most common toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders are onychomycosis, Athletes Foot, bunions, and tinea. These are often infectious, ugly, and uncomfortable conditions which may affect the ability to do daily activities. He also stressed that nail infections are not cosmetic problems. It is not also a matter of cleanliness. You are at risk of fungal infections even if you’re toes and feet are squeaky clean. Regular pedicures are not the answer since feet specialists at most salons are only trained and equipped to beautify feet and toes, not to cure these infections. What’s more, most think that toenail discolorations are just that, discolorations. They think that these can be covered up by the latest nail polish trend. What they don’t know is that these discolorations can be symptoms of toe infection. He names stubbing toes, too-short nails, and wearing tight foot wear as most common causes of infections because these weaken nails and opens nail beds for contamination of bacteria.

Aside from discolorations, other symptoms of toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders are nail crumbling, thick nails, and brittle nails. Extreme cases might even cause nails to separate from their beds. The skin around the infected nail might also collect pus. Foul foot odor is an almost sure sign of fungal feet infections. If you are thinking to avoid damp places to avoid getting infected, Dr. Wong states that damp places are not the only place where you might be infected. Places where skin can get contact like carpets, mats, linens, and other towels are also possible places to incur infections. Public places like public pools, showers, hotels, motels, changing/locker rooms, and laundry service rooms are high infection risk areas. Sharing foot wear is also a culprit in getting infections. He emphasized to avoid borrowing or lending of footwear like socks and shoes to reduce risks of infections.

Dr. Wong advocates immediate medical action if you suspect being infected by toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders because it is uncommon for these infections to heal on their own. Early medication and treatment could prevent fungi to grow, hence, stopping the progress of the infection. At the first symptom of nail disease, consult your doctor to avoid unpretty feet.

The establishment by research that there are bioactive components in Manuka Honey, and the wide dissemination of this knowledge, has led to a general acceptance that it is a respectable therapeutic agent, and to a rapidly increasing uptake of its usage by clinicians as well as by the general public. The finding that there are multiple bioactive components involved in the therapeutic action makes it a much more attractive option to use this natural product rather than to attempt to identify individual active components and use synthesised copies.

There are Manuka Honey products available to treat many different symptoms. Case studies have indicated that Manuka Honey has been successful in the treatment of the following conditions:

Sore Throat, acne, Blisters, Cold Sores, Scabies, Athletes Foot, Ring Worm, Rashes, Burns, Ulcers, Infections, Lice, Insect Bites, Nail Fungus, Dry Skin, Arthritis, Gum Disease, Herpes, Common Cold Symptoms, Eczema & Dermatitis, Wounds & Abrasions, Aches & Pains, Foot & Body Odor, Psoriasis, etc.

Manuka Honey has an antibacterial activity, due primarily to hydrogen peroxide formed in a “slow-release” manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than sugar, while others can be diluted more than 100-fold and still halt the growth of bacteria. The difference in potency of antibacterial activity found among the different honeys is more than 100-fold. Active Manuka Honey’s Unique Characteristics:

Only active Manuka honey provides non-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial components.
The Manuka antibacterial factor is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy hydrogen peroxide components.
The Manuka antibacterial factor is highly effective against antibiotic resistant “superbugs.”
The Manuka antibacterial component maintains its potency even when diluted over 50 times as will happen when used on or in the body.
The Manuka antibacterial factor is unaffected by heat, light, or time.
The Manuka antibacterial factor may be used full strength and covered. It does not require moisture or oxygen to be effective, as do other honeys.
Active Manuka’s antibacterial factor diffuses more deeply into skin tissue than do the enzymes of other honeys.

Manuka Honey is the only honey available that is tested for its antibacterial activity. It contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from Leptospermum plants: what has been called the “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF). There is evidence that the two antibacterial components may have a synergistic action.

Fungal infections are sometimes commonly referred to as jock itch, ringworm or athletes foot. They are not caused by a worm or a parasite.

Tinea on the feet is referred to as Athlete’s foot. When it affects the groin, it is commonly referred to as jock itch. If it occurs elsewhere on the body, it is usually referred to as ringworm. The symptoms include redness, itching, hair loss and sometimes pain. Red raised welts in that form a circular pattern may appear.

What is the Solution for Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections can take time to heal and re-infection is likely unless specific steps are taken. A lotion containing active manuka honey will help heal the infection and can be used to prevent re-infections. The mono-floral honey has anti-microbial activity, which means it cures fungal infections.

Necessary Steps to Prevent Re-infection

The steps necessary to prevent re-infection include good hygiene, washing bed clothes and surfaces with bleach or an anti-fungal cleanser. Tea tree oil cleansers are effective for killing the fungus.

The fungus can live on dead skin cells and hairs for months, possibly years, at a time. It is important to vacuum regularly and discard the vacuum bag properly when it becomes full.

Pets can be carriers of the fungus, without showing symptoms. Dogs should be bathed regularly. Bedding should be cleaned or vacuumed.

Most people pick up the fungus from other people. Athletes are particularly susceptible, which is why ringworm on the feet is referred to as Athlete’s foot.

You should wear protective footwear around public pools and while showering. You should not share towels or clothing with other individuals.

Daily Steps

Choose a body wash that contains active manuka honey or tea tree oil and shower every day. You should be careful to dry feet and folds of skin. Fungus thrives in moist dark areas.

After drying off, use a body lotion that contains Active Manuka honey. I recommend using a body lotion, if it contains the right ingredients. If it does it will promote healing and reduces the risk of scarring.

Why Use a Body Lotion?

Everything depends on the type of body lotion you choose. Some could conceivably make the problem worse by allowing the tinea infection to spread.

If the ingredient in the body lotion are the right ones, then it will kill the Ringworm, IF it contains manuka honey. It reduces itching and redness, because it contains a natural anti-inflammatory called Keratin.

Everyone should use a good body lotion every day, regardless of their current skin condition. Excessive dryness weakens the skin and makes it less resistant to all kinds of infections.

Body lotion should contain numerous moisturizers including grape seed oil and jojoba. In addition to the benefits for Tinea, there are others.

What are the Benefits of a Body Lotion?

Reduced stretch marks, because of jojoba oil

Reduced dryness and itching, because of grape seed, jojoba and Functional Keratin

Firmer, younger looking skin, because of Functional Keratin

No more ringworm, because of Active Manuka Honey

There are other treatments for tinea, but none provide the extra benefits that accompany the use of Age Defense Body Lotion.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that detests it when they have the urge to itch the foot. You go around all day wanting to itch it through your shoe, you squirm and wriggle to no avail.

Finding a remedy for athletes foot is something that will drive most people crazy. Finding an athletes foot remedy is definitely necessary when you figure that it is the root of the itching sensation.

If you are somebody who bathes in public places or someone with sweaty feet, that could be why you have athletes foot. Places like public showers and changing rooms are a breeding ground for common foot fungi. That is why you see a number of people sporting those fun little flip flops; they are a way to prevent athletes foot.

If you are uncertain that you have athletes foot, there are a number of symptoms that you can watch out for. Symptoms such as tearing skin, a burning sensation and red feet, and very itchy feet and possibly even blistering, then you most likely have athletes foot. It is certain that these symptoms will drive you nearly crazy if you have to constantly wear footwear.

Some claim that athletes foot is not passed from one person to another and this is not true. You should treat the problem immediately, to prevent it getting worse, but to ensure you don’t pass athletes foot on and to prevent the recurrence of the fungi.

There are a few ways to treat athletes foot and to relieve the suffering. One method is to soak your feet in white vinegar for near twenty minutes twice a day. You should carry on doing so until you notice that the fungus and irritation has gone away. White vinegar is an awesome cure as it is completely natural and you will most likely have some lying around the house.

Alternatively, there are a number of other cures you can attempt to kill the fungus, such as different kinds of creams and oils which contain anti-fungal chemicals. For example, tea tree oil or peppermint oil are commonly used as a cure for athletes foot for their known natural healing properties.
Of course, preventing athletes foot attack you is obviously the best approach. If you have sweaty feet you should try using foot spray. Additionally, you should consider cotton socks often recommended by a health specialist as it will help soak the sweat.

For further information on athletes foot cures, we hold in high regards the following website, Athletes Foot Treatment