Make that itch go away 1260x542
28 Jun 2010

Make that itch go away

2 mins to read
Fungal infections are more common in children and teenagers than you may think. Here are some simple, natural ways of treating them. By Stephanie Oley.


Ever hear the one about the kid who became friends with a mushroom? “It’s because he’s such a fun guy,” the boy insisted.

Jokes aside, fungal infections are as common in young people as they are in adults.

Fungus is all around us – on floors, in dirt and on other people. It thrives in warmth and moisture, hence the tendency for infections to be picked up in places like pools, locker rooms and public showers.

But how did it get there?


Blackmores advisory naturopath Danielle Steedman explains that the human skin is colonised with micro-organisms that establish vibrant communities, significantly influencing our health.

The balance of these micro-organisms can be disrupted, leading to an infection, she says. “Depleted immune function, exposure to certain medications, illness, stress or poor hygiene routines can disrupt the balance of micro-organisms, contributing to an overgrowth or infection,” she says.

The 4 main fungal infections


The most common fungal infections in young people are:

  • Ringworm (tinea corporis) – Infection of the trunk, legs or arms with a dermatophyte fungus; characterised by its round red patches, often scaly and with a raised red border. Can spread from the feet, nails and even from dogs and cats.
  • Jock itch (tinea cruris) – Infection of the groin with a dermatophyte fungus. Resembles ringworm in its round, scaly red appearance. More common in adult males.
  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – Infection of the foot with a dermatophyte fungus. Can occur between the toes, or spread to the side of the foot or instep. More common in teenagers than in children.
  • Thrush (Candida albicans) – A yeast (single-celled) fungus naturally occurring in the human gastrointestinal tract, mouth and skin. Normally kept in check by other micro-organisms in the body, it can erupt into thrush. Oral thrush is common in infants.

Fungal infections are highly infectious and will quickly spread to other areas of the body – including the nails – if not treated early. If someone in your household has an infection, it can easily spread to other members, so ensure stringent hygiene practices as well.

Natural ways of outing the itch

  • Wash wet areas of the house with a bucket of very hot water, mixed with 100 ml vinegar and 1 tablespoon of cloudy ammonia.
  • Wear natural fibres such as cotton and wool, encourage your children to go barefoot at home, and change out of wet bathers as soon as possible.
  • Wear things in public gyms and change rooms, rather than walking barefoot.
  • Change shoes often and air in the sun whenever possible.
  • Make a topical treatment using essential oils. Mix 10 drops tea tree oil, 10 drops sage oil and 10 drops thyme oil with 40 ml water. Apply to the affected area twice daily.

You are what you eat…


Naturopaths believe that some foods create an optimal environment for fungi to thrive, while others help inhibit growth. “Avoid foods that are high in sugar and yeast, as these will feed the infection. These include yeast sandwich spreads (such as Vegemite), stock cubes, packet soups and bread products, unless they are yeast-free.” Also avoid food contaminated with mould, along with any known allergens.
Supplementing with a course of probiotics can also help ensure the natural balance of gut flora is restored and the immune system boosted.

Top foods to include in the diet are: apples, apricots, mangoes, oranges, asparagus, onions, leeks, carrots, garlic, linseed oil, reishi and shiitake mushrooms, fish, fresh walnuts, brazil nuts, natural unsweetened yoghurt, tofu, beef, pork, eggs, lamb and chicken.

References available on request



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