dermiford cream - #17991
About 2 weeks ago, I noticed this small red patch on my left arm. It was just a little itchy at first, so I thought maybe it was just dry skin or something. But after a few days, the redness started spreading, and the skin became rough, almost like a rash but not exactly. It felt warm to touch, and sometimes it itched so bad I couldn’t stop scratching. A pharmacist told me it looked like a fungal infection and recommended dermiford cream. I started using dermiford cream as directed, twice a day. The first few days, it seemed to be helping. The itching reduced a bit, and the redness faded slightly, so I thought it was working. But after a week, the patch didn’t completely go away. Instead, it started flaking, and now I feel like it’s spreading to the other side of my arm. I don’t understand, isn’t dermiford cream supposed to stop the infection? I even kept my skin clean, changed my bedsheets, and avoided scratching, but still, the problem isn’t going away fully. Now, my skin feels even more sensitive, and I’ve stopped using dermiford cream for a couple of days to see if maybe my skin is reacting badly to it. But without it, the itching seems to be getting worse again. I feel stuck because I don’t want to keep using dermiford cream if it’s only giving temporary relief. Someone told me Ayurvedic treatments are better because they remove the root cause instead of just suppressing the symptoms. Is that true? I don’t want this rash to keep spreading, and I definitely don’t want to rely on chemical creams forever. Are there any Ayurvedic alternatives that actually work for skin infections like this? Is there something I can apply directly or maybe a herbal remedy I can take internally to stop this from coming back? Also, do I need to change my diet or avoid certain foods to help clear it up faster? Any help would be really appreciated before I waste more time with dermiford cream.
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Doctors’ responses
Your symptoms indicate a fungal skin infection (Dadru in Ayurveda), which persists despite using Dermiford cream. Ayurveda treats such infections holistically by addressing both external symptoms and internal imbalances, particularly excess Kapha and Pitta, which create a warm, moist environment ideal for fungal growth. Externally, apply a Neem & Turmeric paste (twice daily) to kill the fungus and reduce inflammation. Rinse the affected area with a neem and Triphala decoction to prevent spreading. At night, use fresh aloe vera gel with tea tree oil to soothe irritation and aid healing.
Internally, detoxification is key to stopping the infection from recurring. Take Gandhak Rasayan (1 tablet twice daily) as a natural antifungal and blood purifier, along with Neem capsules (twice daily for 6 weeks) to cleanse the system. Triphala Churna (1 tsp at bedtime) helps eliminate toxins (Ama) that may be feeding the infection. Fungal overgrowth often stems from internal imbalances, so treating it from within ensures lasting relief.
Diet and lifestyle changes will further support healing. Avoid sugar, dairy, fermented foods, and excess spicy or oily meals, as they worsen fungal infections. Instead, eat more bitter foods like neem, turmeric, and bitter gourd to naturally fight fungi. Keep the skin dry by wearing loose cotton clothing and sprinkling neem or sandalwood powder on affected areas. With consistent use of Ayurvedic remedies, you should see improvement in 2-3 weeks, but continue internal herbs for at least 6 weeks to prevent recurrence.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a persistent skin issue that may be more than just a surface-level infection, and it’s understandable why you’d want to find a long-term solution. Ayurvedic medicine does focus on addressing the root causes of conditions like skin infections, often by balancing internal factors such as digestive health (Agni) and immune function (Ojas), in addition to treating the external symptoms.
For fungal infections, Ayurvedic herbs like Neem, Turmeric, Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Manjistha are commonly used for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. Neem is particularly well-known for its ability to fight infections and soothe irritated skin. You can make a paste with Neem powder and apply it directly to the affected area, or use Neem oil diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Turmeric, either taken internally as a tea or applied topically as a paste with water or milk, can also help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Tulsi is another herb known for its ability to purify the blood and boost immunity, which can be taken as a tea or used topically.
Regarding your diet, Ayurveda emphasizes eating foods that support your digestive health. Avoiding heavy, oily, and processed foods can reduce the buildup of Ama (toxins) in your system, which can contribute to skin issues. Focus on fresh, light, and easily digestible foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt (if you’re not vegan) can help maintain healthy gut flora, which in turn supports skin health. Also, drinking plenty of warm water throughout the day helps flush out toxins and keeps your system hydrated.
Additionally, you can try a gentle Ayurvedic skincare routine. Kesar (saffron) and rose water are excellent for soothing irritated skin, and regular Abhyanga (self-massage) with oils like coconut oil or sesame oil can help improve circulation and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
As always, it’s important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can provide personalized advice based on your unique constitution and imbalances. However, combining these topical treatments with internal herbs and a digestive-friendly diet should help you address the root cause of your skin issue and provide long-term relief.
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the skin issue you’re experiencing. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be dealing with a condition that could be related to an imbalance in your doshas, particularly in the context of Pitta aggravation, which can lead to inflammatory and itchy skin conditions.
Step 1: External Treatment To address the immediate symptoms while ensuring a more natural approach, consider using a soothing herbal paste. You can combine Neem powder and Turmeric powder with Coconut oil to create a paste. Apply this directly to the affected area once or twice daily. Neem has antimicrobial properties, while turmeric is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce redness.
Step 2: Internal Remedies Internally, incorporating Triphala (a blend of three fruits: Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki) can support digestion and detoxification, which is vital for addressing skin issues. Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder mixed in warm water before bed nightly.
Step 3: Dietary Adjustments In terms of diet, it would be beneficial to avoid spicy, fried, and overly oily foods, which can aggravate Pitta. Focus on a Pitta-pacifying diet rich in: - Cool foods: cucumber, radish, and leafy greens. - Sweet fruits: like pears and apples. - Whole grains: such as quinoa and barley. Staying hydrated with cool water infused with mint can also help.
Step 4: Lifestyle Considerations To improve skin health, incorporate gentle calming practices such as daily yoga or deep-breathing exercises. Avoiding harsh soaps and keeping the affected area moisturized with natural oils (like almond or coconut oil) can prevent further irritation.
Note If your condition worsens or does not improve within a week using these suggestions, it is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic physician for personalized treatment or consider further evaluation to rule out any serious conditions.
Please monitor your skin’s response to these recommendations and adjust as necessary. Empowering yourself with Ayurveda can indeed help address the root cause of your skin issue.

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