Fungal skin infections are caused by
different types of fungi, including dermatophytes and yeasts.
Fungi invade and grow in dead keratin.
Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails. There are several
different types of fungal infections. They are divided into different groups
depending on what type of fungus is involved.
Types of
fungal skin infections
Dermatophyte infections
Athlete’s
foot (Tinea pedis)
Nail infections (Tinea unguium)
Ringworm of the body (Tinea corporis)
Ringworm
of the groin (jock itch)
Ringworm
of the scalp (Tinea capitis)
Yeast infections
Intertrigo
Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea versicolor)
Thrush (Candida albicans)
Symptoms
The symptoms and appearance of a fungal skin
infection depend on the type of fungus that has caused it. They will also
depend on which part of your body is affected. Fungal rashes are sometimes
confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Fungal skin infections can cause a variety of
different skin rashes. Some are red, scaly and itchy. Others may produce a fine
scale, similar to dry skin. The fungus can affect just one area, or several
areas of your body. If you get a fungal infection of your scalp, you may lose
some hair.
Remedies
for Fungal Infection
1. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is a common treatment for any kind of fungal infection. Due to the
presence of antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar helps kill the fungus
causing the infection. Plus, its mild acidic nature helps prevent the infection
from spreading and promotes speedy recovery.
- Mix two tablespoons of apple cider
vinegar in one cup of warm water and drink it twice daily.
- Another option is to dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water, and then apply it externally on the affected skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes. You can even soak the infected skin area in this solution for 30 minutes. When done, pat dry the area thoroughly with a towel or dryer.
2. Plain
Yogurt
For treating
a fungal infection, you can use plain, unsweetened yogurt with live, active
cultures. The probiotics present in plain yogurt can keep the growth of fungi
in check by producing lactic acid.
- Soak cotton in plain yogurt and apply
it on the infected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off
with warm water and pat dry. Follow this remedy two times a day until the
infection clears.
- In case of vaginal infection, dip a
tampon in yogurt and insert it in the vagina for two hours. Do this twice
a day.
- Also, make plain yogurt a part of your
daily diet. Eat two to three cups of plain yogurt daily until the
infection is gone completely.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a
useful antifungal agent and hence very effective for any type of fungal
infection. It also has antibacterial and antibiotic properties that play a key
role in the recovery process.
- Crush two garlic cloves and add a few
drops of olive oil to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas
and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then wash the area with lukewarm water and
pat dry the skin thoroughly. Follow this treatment twice daily until you
get rid of the infection.
- To treat a fungal infection in the
vagina, wrap one garlic clove in gauze and put it in the vagina for not
more than 30 minutes. Use this treatment once daily for several days.
- You can also add a few garlic cloves
to your food to speed up the healing process of any fungal infection. You
can even take garlic supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.
4. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
has natural antifungal compounds that help kill the fungi that cause fungal
infections. Plus, its antiseptic qualities inhibit the spread of the infection
to other body parts.
- Mix together equal amounts of pure tea
tree oil and olive oil or sweet almond oil. Apply this solution on the
affected skin area several times a day.
- You can also prepare a mixture with
three parts of tea tree oil and one part of aloe vera gel. Rub the mixture
on the infected area twice daily.
- For a vaginal infection, place a few
drops of tea tree oil on a tampon and insert it into your vagina for two
to three hours. Repeat twice daily.
All these
remedies must be followed for several weeks.
Note: Pregnant
women should not use tea tree oil remedies.
5.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
works as an effective remedy for any type of fungal infection due to the
presence of medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids work as natural
fungicides to kill the fungi responsible for the infection.
- Gently rub extra-virgin coconut oil on
the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three
times daily until the infection clears up.
- Mix equal amounts of coconut oil and
cinnamon oil and apply it on the affected area. Follow this remedy twice
daily to control the growth of the infection.
- For a vaginal infection, soak a tampon
in organic coconut oil and insert it in the vagina. Leave it in for two
hours. After removing the tampon, rinse the area thoroughly with lukewarm
water. Repeat the process once daily until the infection is gone.
6. Tea
The tannins
in tea can help kill the fungi responsible for fungal infections. Plus, tea has
antibiotic and astringent properties that help get rid of the symptoms of a
fungal infection like the burning sensation, swelling and skin irritation.
- Soak a few tea bags in warm water for
10 minutes. Remove them from the water, and put them in the refrigerator
for 30 minutes. Apply the cold tea bags on the affected area. Repeat this
remedy three times daily until the infection clears up completely.
- For toenail fungus or athlete’s
foot, steep five black tea bags in four cups of boiling water for five
minutes. Allow the water to cool and then soak the affected foot in it for
30 minutes. Repeat twice daily for five to six weeks.
7.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil
contains antifungal properties that fight the fungi responsible for fungal
infections. Also, its antimicrobial property can be effective in preventing
fungal infections.
- Mix equal amounts of oregano oil and
extra-virgin olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area and leave
it on for a few hours.
- Alternatively, you can add three drops
of oregano oil to a glass of water and drink it twice daily.
- You can also take one or two capsules of oregano oil twice a day after eating your meals.
Note: Always
use the type of oregano oil that does not contain alcohol.
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8. Olive
Leaf
Olive leaf
contains antifungal as well as antimicrobial properties that help kill fungi.
Plus, it makes the immune system strong, which helps in faster recovery.
- Grind a few olive leaves to make a
paste. Apply it directly on the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes,
rinse it off with warm water and pat dry the skin thoroughly. Follow this
remedy once or twice daily until the infection is gone.
- You can also drink two to three cups
of olive leaf tea daily for faster recovery. To make the tea, steep one or
two teaspoons of crushed and dried olive leaves in a cup of boiling water
for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy your tea.
REMEMBER
Some fungi reproduce through tiny
spores in the air. You can inhale the spores or they can land on you. As a
result, fungal infections often
start in the lungs or on the skin. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a
weakened immune system or take antibiotics.