Category Archives: SKIN & SKIN CARE

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Beautiful Skin Tips

Natural beautiful skin tips are something everyone wants to know. Find how to get clear beautiful skin, home remedies for beautiful skin, etc in this article…

Beautiful skin tips have been searched for since time immemorial. Right from queens to today’s teenagers, all have craved for beautiful skin. Moms have always passed on their tips of how to get beautiful skin to their daughters. Beautiful skin is one big deciding factor when it comes to beauty. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but beautiful skin is noticed by one and all. Although beauty tips for women have many takers, gone are the days when beautiful skin was craved for only by girls and ladies, nowadays even boys and men are particular about their skin. Today, the markets are flooded with skin care products for men along with skin care products for women.

Skin and hair care are the two things which consist of main beauty tips in general. It also reflects your overall health. Both, skin and hair need external and well as internal care. External care includes covering them to avoid damage from exposure to pollution, harmful sun rays or extreme climatic conditions. Skin care products like sunscreens, skin moisturizers, etc. and hair care products like leave-in conditioners, hair serums, after-bath moisturizing creams, etc. are beneficial and highly recommended for daily use for both, men and women. Internal care is having a healthy nutritious diet. Cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing, nourishing, having a nutritious diet and physical exercise are the key factors facial skin care which will answer your question of how to get clear beautiful skin.

Beautiful Skin Tips

Apart from cleansing, toning, moisturizing there are few very essential things that are required to have beautiful skin. The key factors that go a long way in giving you flawless skin are maintenance/preventive measures, enhancing and having proper diet. It means taking measures to avoid damage from various factors mentioned above. Cleansing skin care is different for different skin types. Toning is basically done for keeping the facial pores tight which helps in keeping the grime from getting into your skin and causing acne or pimples. Use a toner which has low alcohol content. Enhance what you have got already in terms using products that suit your skin type. You can use homemade beauty recipes for smooth skin or else creams available in the market. It is advisable that you look for information and tips for buying facial skincare products. A nutritional diet consisting minerals like calcium, vitamins for healthy skin, proteins etc. should be taken.

Having beautiful skin is something which has to be a continuous process rather than doing something like a crash course in achieving the same. Knowing our skin type is the foremost step for knowing all the tips for beautiful skin. There are four types of skin, common for men and women. Before going in for any skin care products you have to detect and know what is your skin type. It is advisable to read skin care product reviews before buying something for yourself. See the following paragraphs for the different skin types and smooth skin tips.

  • Use minimal make-up. A clear and supple skin is more attractive than a caked up face.
  • Always remove make-up before going to bed.
  • Use little cotton balls and cleansing milk for removing make-up. You can dampen it before use if you wish.
  • For removing dead skin cells, i.e. dry and flaky skin, exfoliation is very important. No amount of moisturizing otherwise will give you suppleness and shine. Use a mild exfoliating cream.
  • Try to moisturize immediately after washing your face with soap or face wash. It not only helps in keeping the skin hydrated but also in absorption of the cream or lotion.
  • Use circular and upward and outward movements and your fingertips to massage cream or lotion. It helps in penetration.
  • While choosing skin care products always ensure it is pH balanced. Avoid alkaline substances.
  • Skin toners should be alcohol-free.
  • Lavender, tea tree, lemon, rose, patchouli and geranium are the essential oils which serves as one of the natural beautiful skin tips of all kinds of skin.

Beautiful Skin Tips for Normal Skin

Normal Skin: This type of skin has an even tone, is blemish-free, smooth, soft and supple, invisible pores, no patches of oiliness, e.g. in areas around your nose or forehead.

  • Cleansing twice a day with a mild soap, e.g. glycerin soap or baby soap, is good enough.
  • Wash off properly. Make sure you have removed all the traces of the cleansing agent from your skin.
  • Toning can be done with rose water.
  • Light layer of moisturizing cream at nights will be beneficial.
  • Use oil based moisturizers or shaving creams.
  • Using a non-drying facial mask is helpful. You can look for easy homemade facial masks too.
  • Natural beautiful skin tips will include usage of skin essential oils for normal skin like chamomile, fennel, rose, sandalwood, etc.

Beautiful Skin Tips for Dry Skin

Dry Skin: This type of skin looks dull, shine-free, feels tight because it has low sebum level, is chapped and cracked because it does not retain moisture. Sebum are the natural fatty glands produced by our body. You can notice it with your finger tips as well if placed on a clear glass.

  • Dry skin needs to be cared for more than the other skin types. It needs regular moisturizing and gentle massages for increasing the blood circulation and activating the sebaceous glands.
  • Never wipe your face if you have dry skin. Pat dry after washing.
  • At nights apply heavy layer of moisturizing cream. Please note that a cream is preferred and advisable for dry skin instead of a lotion because it has more oil content.
  • Apply cream or baby oil after baths. It will help retain moisture.
  • Beautiful skin tips at home include applying milk cream at nights.
  • Since dry skin is prone to wrinkles, apply cream generously around the eye area and the mouth, as these are where wrinkles tend to appear first. They are called crow’s feet, laughing lines, or frown lines.
  • Ylang ylang, hyssop, rose, sandalwood, chamomile, etc. are essential oils good for achieving smooth skin.
  • Ex foliate once a week.

Beautiful Skin Tips for Oily Skin

Oily Skin: As the name suggests this skin appears very oily, has blemishes and usually open pores too. The skin is very prone to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads because of the excess sebum secretion that attracts grime and thus results in clogged pores. Clogged pores are one of the main reasons of facial skin problems, caused due to over active sebaceous glands. It need not necessarily be a skin type in teenagers, as it can just be a phase due to the hormonal changes taking place in them.

  • The biggest advantage that people with oily skin have is that it ages slow, i.e. wrinkle development is slower. Since it is naturally moisturized it does not require much care.
  • It is essential to keep the pores from being clogged so while cleansing the face, hot water usage is recommended. Use mild soap else it will only make the sebaceous glands over work.
  • If you have oily skin wiping the skin after washing should be done lightly.
  • One important point here is to use oil-free shaving gel and moisturizer, preferably a lotion, but oil-based cleanser.
  • An acetone based astringent or toner should be used because acetone dissolves oil.
  • Exfoliate twice a week for radiant and smooth skin.
  • Homemade face masks or a clay based mud mask is good for oily skin as it absorbs excess oil.
  • Cedarwood, sage, juniper, cypress, bergamot, frankincense are the essential oils good for oily skin.

Beautiful Skin Tips for Combination Skin

Combination Skin: Combination of dry and oily skin on different areas on the face is called combination skin. The T zone of the face, i.e. forehead, nose and chin are usually oily compared to the cheeks and eye area. Try using the home remedies for beautiful skin for this skin type as it will be a combination of both, dry as well as oily skin care. Care for this type of skin will be a combination of skin care tips for dry as well as oily skin, as mentioned above, depending on the area of the zone.

Beautiful Skin Tips for Men

Since men’s grooming and skincare is basically shaving, the shaving cream, foam or gel, they should be used according to their skin type. Beauty tips for men would include in understanding that although the skin types are same in both men and women, a man’s skin is thicker and oilier than a woman’s skin. Use skin moisturizers after shaving as shaving dehydrates the skin. One of the common skin problems that men face due to shaving is ingrown hair and rough skin. Alcohol based after-shave lotions are to be avoided. Use proper razors and smooth strokes for shaving paying attention to the direction of the hair growth. Opt for skin care products for men that has moisturizers too.

Note that natural skin care recipes are the safest bet for someone who is prone to skin disorders. Such people can also opt for herbal skin care products. So these were the beautiful skin secrets for all skin types. But all said and done, there can be no second opinion in the fact that for getting smooth skin, natural skin care is anytime more favorable than other artificial cosmetics. Therefore, the trend now is to go in for organic skin care or mineral make-up. Hope these beautiful skin tips help you in getting the young looking smooth, supple and radiant skin you longed for. Now you can confidently go choose the right products or select the right natural beauty recipes for smooth skin and make heads turn.

Vitamins to Improve Skin Elasticity

The vitamins listed in this article are some of the most beneficial vitamins that help in retaining the elasticity and suppleness of skin.

We almost end up lamenting remembering our youthful days when our skin was supple, bright, young and glowing. With passage of time, it has almost lost its sheen and has been reduced to a texture lacking tautness. The elasticity of skin has all vanished and you are trying hard to find out some good solutions for rejuvenating it once again. How is this possible? Are there any possible ways to restore elasticity of skin? Don’t worry, there are ample ways to do this! Vitamins provide a wonderful remedy for improving elasticity and suppleness of skin.

Vitamins that enhance elasticity of skin come from natural sources or can even be included in the form of pills and capsules. However, you must analyze your food habits and lifestyle and improvise them if necessary. So how to improve skin elasticity with vitamins?

Improving Skin Elasticity With Vitamins

Vitamins that improve texture of skin have a specific mode of working and bringing about the desired effects. They can either be supplemented in the diet or you can take them externally, if the condition is beyond repair with natural ingredients. The skin tone is improved since they provide complete internal nourishment by regenerating new cells and increasing production of oils. Here’s the list of vitamins that produce wonder effects on skin.

  • Vitamin E is the primary vitamin that revitalizes skin, making it soft and supple. Foods rich in vitamin E are almonds, walnut, peanuts, olive, etc. They act as antioxidants and aid in eliminating free radicals from inside. You will find that creams and lotions are enriched with vitamin E since its useful for aging skin. You can also use vitamin E capsules for moisturizing your skin. The maximum dosage recommended is 400 IU per day.
  • Presence of vitamin E inside body increases production of vitamin A, which is also a skin toning agent. It has antioxidant properties that retards aging of skin, keeping it elastic for a longer period of time. However, you should be careful regarding the dosage because vitamin A toxicity is harmful for body. Foods rich in vitamin A are carrot, spinach, kale, turnip, parsley, etc. Not only does your skin regain its elasticity but it also becomes resistant to a large number of skin diseases.
  • One of the most effective vitamins to improve skin elasticity is vitamin K. It’s used as an effective treatment for healing psuedoxanthoma elasticum, wherein the skin tends to age and slag prematurely. The three types of vitamins known as vitamin K1, K2 and K3 help in regulation of blood flow, that further provides complete internal skin nourishment Vitamin K, apart from boosting up elasticity of skin, also aids in healing wrinkles, imperfections and ‘spider webs’ on skin. Green vegetables, soy beans, lentils, spinach, cabbage, chicken, egg yolk, etc., contain vitamin K. You can even use medicated creams for improving the texture of your skin.
  • Vitamin C is abundantly available in natural sources. It’s an excellent detoxifying agent, capable of flushing out toxins and free radicals from the body, thereby retaining elasticity of skin. It enhances production of collagen and formation of new tissues. All these processes are necessary for lasting tautness in skin. Vitamin C occurs largely in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapes, grapefruits, berries, etc. They are also rich in fiber, essential for the good health of your skin. Eat as much as possible to keep your skin elastic.
  • Vitamin B, better known as vitamin B complex, is a wonderful skin vitamin vital for retention of moisture in skin. Creams containing vitamin B complex and lipophilic molecules keep you looking youthful. Oral supplements of vitamin B are also administered for skin treatment. Niacinamide, a byproduct of vitamin B, also provides effective treatment for skin health complications. It’s also used for curing other kinds of age related skin problems like hyper pigmentation, stretch marks, wrinkles, etc. Natural sources of vitamin B are whole grain products, eggs, milk, brown rice, legumes, cereals, potatoes, etc.

That was a complete guide to vitamins necessary for skin. If you are observing the elasticity wearing away from your skin, then you must nourish it with these vitamins. Get yourself examined by a reputed dermatologist to get the right treatment. Cosmetic surgeries for improving skin elasticity are not at all required until the damage caused to your skin is beyond repair. Last but not the least, drink plenty of water, eat more of fresh fruits and raw vegetables to stay young forever.

Does Stress Cause Acne?

You have had a stressful week coupled with sleepless nights because you have been working so hard to meet your deadlines, plan the D-day, or prepare for the big examination. Today, when you wake up, you are greeted by two big zits on your forehead… Is acne adding to the stress? Or does stress cause acne?

It does not matter whether you are 15 or 35, acne can attack anyone. While it is understandable to have breakouts during adolescence, nobody wants to suffer from acne in adulthood. Interestingly, at least 90% people under stress have reported acne related-problems. But do stress and acne really have a connection? For years, dermatologists around the world have debated over the probable connection. However, studies have confirmed that stress aggravates acne severity. Given below are some frequently asked question about acne and the relation between stress and acne.

Stress & Acne FAQ

How is acne caused?

Any environmental changes that create hormonal imbalance in the body can cause acne. When the skin sheds dead skin cells, they may stick to the skin’s surface due to oils and trap bacteria. This causes acne. Acne is a type of skin inflammation that may spread to larger skin areas if left untreated.

What is stress doing to my body?

Stress increases the supply of adrenaline in the blood, a hormone present in both males and females. This leads to increased levels of the hormone ‘cortisol’ secreted in your body which disrupts its hormonal balance. Excessive adrenaline reduces the nutrient-absorbing capacity of the body and directly attacks our largest organ, the skin.

Can I blame stress for acne breakouts?

Research proves that stress causes variations in the hormone production. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S.A., recognizes stress to be one of the reasons that can perpetuate acne.

Psychological Effect: When your body is under stress, its immunity to fight foreign bodies decreases significantly. This reduces the ability of the body to heal by 40%. The time taken for acne to clear up naturally slows down dramatically, increases the appearance of acne, and leaves the skin with unsightly blemishes.
Physical Effect: During stress, the nervous system stimulates the production of excess sebum, containing the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is the primary reason for hair loss, clogged pores, and oily skin. This aggravates acne problems.

So, stress has a dual effect in worsening your skin’s health.

Are adults at a risk of stress-related acne too?

Yes. Since adults at a higher risk of having stress, they are also more likely to be affected by stress-related acne.

How should I deal with my acne problem?

Wash your skin with an anti-bacterial cleanser, preferably containing benzoyl peroxide. Drink enough water to flush out the toxins from your blood. Do not try to squeeze out the acne else it may lead to permanent scarring. Use clean tissues to wipe your skin and do not re-use. Plenty over-the-counter topical ointments are available, but may further irritate the skin on exposure to the harsh chemicals used in them. Instead, you should immediately consult your dermatologist for a quick solution as he understands your skin better. Only use cosmetics that read non-comedogenic on the label as they do not increase the skin’s oiliness.

Avoid stress in the long term as it affects your body more than just causing different types of pimples.

Can I avoid acne caused by stress?

Keep a check on your stress levels by practicing yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and consuming a healthy diet. These activities provide mental relaxation and strengthen the body. Follow stress-management techniques to avoid acne later. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep everyday. Indulge in your favorite activities. You should try to stay stress free as it also causes premature aging apart from other ailments.

The appearance of acne can cause trauma in people, elevating the existing levels of stress. This further irritates the skin and worsens acne related problems. This is a vicious cycle that remains persistent unless stress levels significantly subside.

Nose Acne

Do you flash a nose that replicates a cluster of constellations? (Well, I did and I know how it is)… Do you feel your nose forces eyeballs to pop out (I sympathize!)…Is nose acne testing your patience too hard… If your answer to these questions is ‘Yes’, well then, this piece is a must read for you!

‘Acne spares none’ is one self-composed adage that I would like to feature in here. Acne is a condition that chases individuals from all walks of life. It gets obsessed with you from the day you step into your teens, hounds you well into your twenties and badgers you when you trod into the middle age domain. Nose acne is an extremely frustrating condition to endure. You feel all the more thwarted when that pea sized pimple smiles wickedly at you and is coveted with the tittle of being the hottest topic on board for one and all.

Acne – How are they Formed?

When the sebaceous glands become active in nature, that is, at the onset of puberty in both boys and girls, acne begin to appear. Sometimes, the skin cells on the surface get blocked which in turn causes the sebum or oil to build up. This process triggers the multiplication of bacteria and further activates the neighboring cells thus, resulting in the inflammation of the skin tissues.

Types of Nose Acne

The T zone, that includes your forehead, nose and the chin are areas most susceptible to acne. The type of acne that attack the nose predominantly are:

Blackheads

When the oil changes from white to a black, oxidized shade due to excessive melanin accumulation, it gives rise to blackheads. Blackheads, also known as closed comedones, come in contact with oxygen in the air, hence the typical black color. It is a common myth that blackheads are a sign of hygiene challenged individuals. The occurrence of blackheads has no relation whatsoever with maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads, as the name suggests, are small, white bumps on the surface of the skin. Milia or whiteheads are caused when excess of sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands. The pore or the hair follicle is the next recipient of the sebum. Here, the sebum becomes rigid and the result is the formation of a whitehead.

Acne Rosacea

Acne Rosacea is a condition that confines itself to cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Rashes and redness are some of the vital characteristic signs to look out for. Small red colored bumps, skin blemishes are an accompaniment with the redness caused due to this condition. If acne is concentrated on the nose, the condition appears worse. It is important to understand Red nose Rosacea as a condition or a skin ailment in itself and not muddle it with the easy-to-treat sunburns or on-and-off acne episodes.

Nose Acne Cyst

Nose acne cyst are painful, pus filled bumps formed due to a blockage in the sebaceous glands. These glands have burst, causing an inflammation of the nearby tissues. Cystic acne is considered one of the most painful of the acne clan. This condition can cause permanent scars. Nose acne scars are those unappealing marks that are left behind after the cyst has subsided. Pollution and humidity levels also cause nose acne cysts. A majority carry a preconceived notion that washing or over scrubbing your face could be the solution for a clean and clear skin. Unfortunately, this ‘fact-for-so-many’ does not hold true. This only results in dry skin or over- exfoliated skin that make the skin pores excessively susceptible to clogging. Picking or squeezing pimples is the worst crime to commit in the name of skin clearing process. It will only increase your agony. Your scares could get prominent and stick out on your nose with glaring clarity. Just makes matters worse, right!

Nose Acne Treatment

Nose acne could be treated by employing certain small yet significant steps that involve little effort but yield great results. First and foremost, one needs to understand that our face skin is the most delicate part of the body. Using a mild soap on the face helps keep it clean and blemish-free. We are often too lazy to remove make-up traces and call it a night. This is not advisable for skin prone to pimples and acne. Visiting a parlor and treating yourself to a facial or rejuvenating face mask relaxes your mind and soothes your senses. Do not trust anyone, except a trained beautician to conduct a treatment or a face therapy for you. Natural acne cures include a process of steaming your face and gently placing a hot towel over your face (do not burn yourself, please!) is also very helpful. One could gently squeeze out the blackheads and whiteheads on the nose with an instrument called the extractor. This should be followed by the application of a face mask made of multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) mixed with rose water, a pinch of turmeric and sandalwood. This is an effective way to control the recurrence of pimples. Applying honey with a pinch of sandalwood and rose water proves to be effective as well. Apply cucumber juice on your face and feel the difference. This face pack would soothe your pores for sure. Lemon juice for acne scars proves to be a savior treatment.

Last but not the least, granny’s Mommy’s and all the wise and prudent souls (Count me in here as well) are stuck on the same note and that is, do not squeeze those ugly ‘peas’ on your nose. Nose acne sufferers… just try these little ways to treat acne and I believe you would be much better off! Hope your nose, no more remains a nosy affair to deal with!

Types of Fungal Skin Infections


Fungal infections on skin are fairly common among children and adults. This article provides information about the various types of fungal infections.

Fungal infections, as the name suggests, are caused by certain types of fungi. Many types of fungi reside in our skin and most are usually harmless. An infection can occur if the fungus undergoes a change, if the individual has had an extended dose of antibiotics, or the immune system is weakened. Fungal infections target our skin because some fungi thrive on keratin, a protein found abundantly in the skin, hair, and nails. These infections are superficial, found only on the top layer of the skin, and can sometimes be contagious. They are caused by two types of fungi: dermatophytes and yeast.

Types of Fungal Skin Infections

Dermatophyte Infections

Athlete’s Foot

Also known as tinea pedis, it affects the foot, and in some cases, the toenails. Men are more affected by this infection than women. The skin between the toes becomes swollen, red, and scaly and can result in intense itching. Athlete’s foot is contagious and the most common places where you can get contaminated are swimming pools, saunas, and public shower rooms. If not treated properly, it can even result in painful blisters. To prevent this infection, always wear flip-flops around swimming areas. Avoid walking barefoot. Change into a fresh, dry pair of socks if your shoes and socks get wet. Most fungi live in moist areas of the skin. So make sure you dry the skin between your toes thoroughly. To treat athlete’s foot, keep the your feet and toes clean and dry. Anti-fungal medications can treat athlete’s foot effectively.

Jock Itch

Referred to as tinea cruris, the fungus usually affects the groin area, inner thighs, genitals, and buttocks. Symptoms include redness in the groin area, itching and peeling of the skin, and the affected individual experiences raised, ring-shaped rashes over the skin. Jock itch occurs mainly in wet climate and summers. If you suffer from jock itch, wash and clean the affected area with a soft towel, and change your clothes, especially underwear, as frequently as possible, especially if you get wet or happen to sweat a lot. The fungus which causes jock itch flourishes in warm and wet areas on the skin. Affected individuals can use anti-fungal creams and sprays to get rid of the problem.

Ringworm of the Body

This infection can affect any part of the body, but its the stomach and limbs that usually get affected. Also referred to as tinea corporis, it is not caused by a worm as the name may suggest, but by fungi. It results in reddish, flat or elevated patches on the skin which can spread easily, usually from the center. Domestic animals are the most common source of infection. Topical over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and sprays can help to heal the problem.

Ringworm of the Scalp

This fungal infection affects the scalp and is also called tinea capitis. It is highly contagious and can spread easily through infected scalps, especially among children. The symptoms include intense itching of the skin, inflammation of the scalp, sometimes leading to hair loss. Tinea capitis is more commonly seen in people of African and Central American origin. This infection can sometimes be mistaken for severe dandruff. Oral anti-fungal medications are usually used to treat this condition.

Ringworm of the Nails

Fungal nail infections are referred to as tinea unguium. Nails become brittle and develop crumbling edges. Loose, malformed nails can also result in this type of infection. Toenails are more susceptible to this fungal infection, but this condition can affect fingernails too. Topical over-the-counter creams are not effective to treat tinea unguium. Doctors usually prescribe oral tablets. This condition does not heal quickly, with toenails taking a much longer time to heal than fingernails.

Yeast Infections

Pityriasis Versicolor

Also termed as tinea versicolor, this infection causes dark patches on very fair skin, and light patches on dark skin. It mostly affects children and young adults. Hot, humid climate is favorable for the yeast to grow and this infection can cause excessive itching and sweating. Topical anti-fungal ointments are the best way to deal with this infection. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to prevent this infection.

Intertrigo

This infection occurs mainly in skin folds, mainly where skin tends to remain moist. Candida albicans is the yeast which causes intertrigo. Red, shiny rashes with scaly edges appear on the folds of the skin, which can spread to the surrounding skin folds. Sometimes you may see bumpy patches on the skin with a pus-like discharge. As with most other fungal infections, topical anti-fungal ointments and powders can get rid of this ailment. Do not wear tight, ill-fitting clothes and change your clothes often if you are prone to intense sweating.

Thrush

A very common infection, this is also caused by candida albicans. The most common areas affected are the mouth, inside of the cheeks, and tongue, and women may also suffer from vaginal thrush. Oral thrush mainly affects children and results in soft, white, patchy sores, which turn red and can even bleed if rubbed. It usually disappears on its own, or you may be asked to rinse your mouth with a medicated, anti-fungal mouthwash by your doctor. Vaginal thrush symptoms include a yellowish discharge, and inflammation and itching of the affected area. Anti-fungal suppositories or lotions are usually prescribed in such cases. People with diabetes and high sugar levels are prone to thrush. The excess sugar found in the saliva is ideal for the yeast to grow. The best way to prevent thrush is to decrease your blood sugar level.

Fungal infections are not a serious skin condition, and most go away with the use of anti-fungal sprays and creams. But people who have a weak immune system, a history of fungal infections, are obese, suffer from diabetes, and have taken or are taking antibiotics or steroids are more susceptible to fungal infections. Even people who sweat a lot and live in places with damp, hot weather can fall prey to such infections. Moist skin favors the grow of yeast and fungi, so be sure to wear dry, loose-fitting clothes, and not remain in wet clothes for extended duration of time.

Maintain personal hygiene, do not wear tight shoes, disinfect used items, and do not share personal belongings like hairbrushes, pillows or hats. Often, these infections look like normal skin rashes. If you are not sure whether the rash you have developed is a fungal infection, do not take any over-the-counter medication without first consulting your health care provider. He can make the right diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medicine. So stay clean, follow a health regime and steer clear of fungal infections!