Fungal Infection in Children: Risks and Prevention

Fungal infections are increasing alarmingly amongst children and manifest as a buttock, diaper rash, or white patches inside the mouth. The risk factor of fungal infection in children is suppressed immunity. Fungal infections in the USA can occur in a wide range of conditions, and the prevalence depends on factors like geographical location, climate, and an individual’s susceptibility. Prevention of fungal infection in children includes implementing natural and holistic methods to enhance immunity and reduce the incidence of fungal infections.

Common fungal infections in children

Ayurveda recognizes different types of fungal infections in children and provides natural and wholesome methods for prevention and management. Some common types of fungal infections are:

1. Gudakutta (Diaper Rashes)
2. Dadru (Ringworm or Tinea Corporis)
3. Mukhpaka (Oral Thrush)
4. Kunakha (Nail fungus or onychomycosis)
5. Rikshajihva(Tinea Versicolor)
6. Krimikarna ( Fungal Ear infection or Otomycosis)

These fungal infections can be treated by following a balanced diet and lifestyle. Other methods include herbal supplements and external applications to bring about harmony in the body forces or Doshas. Now, let’s discuss the risk factors of fungal infections in children.

Risk Factors of Fungal Infections in Children

The risk factor for having fungal infections in children includes:

• Poor hygiene habits.
• Contact with an infected person, like in schools.
• Warm and humid climates support fungus growth.
• Immunosuppressed conditions

According to Ayurveda, fungal infections occur due to an imbalance in doshas and following unhealthy diet and lifestyle practices. The factors that increase the risk of having a fungal infection are as follows:

1. Imbalance in Doshas

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in doshas is a significant risk factor for fungal infections. Vitiation of Kapha dosha is linked with qualities like coldness and heaviness and creates an environment like dampness and congestion in the body. Pitta dosha aggravation results in inflammation and excess heat, leading to skin-related fungal diseases.

2. Weak immunity

Children who have weakened immune systems are more prone to fungal infections, and Ayurveda believes in the role of a robust immune system in fighting against diseases.

3. Dietary Factors

Eating unhealthy food items such as heavy oils or processed food can interfere with healthy digestion and form ama (toxin) in the body, making the body more susceptible to diseases such as fungal infections.

4. Poor hygiene

Improper personal hygiene, like not bathing every day or not cleaning body parts correctly, can create a damp environment, which gives rise to fungal infections.

5. Staying in humid conditions

Ayurveda believes that staying in high-humidity areas, for example, in a house with damp walls, can aggravate kapha dosha and support fungal growth.

6. Stress

If there is an increased level of stress, then it vitiates the balance of the doshas and can increase the risk of fungal infections.

Prevention of fungal infections in children

Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that emphasizes doshas balance, immune system strengthening, and overall well-being promotion to prevent fungal infections. Let’s discuss a few Ayurvedic tips to keep fungal infections at bay:

Food as medicine in Ayurveda

Give a balanced diet to your child that includes fresh, seasonal, and easily digestible food items. Moreover, eat the food while it is hot and must be freshly prepared. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day and store water in copper vessels before use.

Hygiene for holistic health

Follow healthy hygienic practices like regularly washing the body after outdoor activities and keeping the skin dry, especially in areas prone to skin infections, like between the toes. Also, wear cotton clothes so that air can pass through them.

Oil massage for optimum skin health (Abhyanga)

Regular oil massage with suitable herbal oils helps to keep skin nourished, enhance blood circulation, and maintain skin health.

Yoga and Pranayam for general well-being

Encourage your child to perform simple yoga asanas to improve blood circulation and to open skin pores. Breathing exercises or pranayama can also promote mental health and general well-being.

Follow seasonal routine

Following a proper seasonal routine or ritucharya helps maintain harmony within bodily systems, making the body stronger to fight against invisible enemies.

Ayurveda is a way of life, and by incorporating these small yet effective changes in your lifestyle, you can reduce the risk factors of fungal infections in children. If your child is suffering from fungal infections. In that case, you can also consult our team of highly dedicated Ayurvedic doctors at IAFA and give your child a gift of Ayurveda to be free from any illnesses or diseases. By following the above-mentioned tips you can have prevention of fungal infection in children. If you or your loved one is having fungal infection in the USA, then you can also consult through online consultations.