
The are many different types of skin fungus, all of which are contagious and easily caught. Infections can appear on hands, feet, thighs or indeed on the face and neck. They are caused by humid, sweaty conditions where fungus can grow between folds of skin or joints. Symptoms include rashes, flaky sore skin, where some fungal infections may cause blistering that oozes pus. However, if you want to know how to cure fungal infection on skin naturally then we have you covered. There are several essential oils and home remedies for to get rid of skin fungus that you can try. These fungal infection treatments will stop the disease from spreading and repair your damaged skin.
Types of fungal infections
There are four broad types of skin fungal infections that you should know. All of these fungi thrive in warm moist conditions and are the most common cause of skin problems worldwide. The home remedies and essential oils listed below are effective at getting rid of all main types of skin fungus.
Tinea versicolor
Fungus: Tinea versicolor is a type of fungal infection caused by Malassezia Globosa. [1]
Fungal Infection Symptoms: The skin fungus causes white patches to appear all over the body. The white patches turn pink or red when exposed to sunlight. Other symptoms of this disease include itchiness, scaling, and flaking of skin.
Infection: Infection is common for those living in hot, humid environments.
Athletes foot
Fungus: Athletes foot is caused by the skin fungus Tinea pedis.
Fungal Infection Symptoms: Symptoms include itching, stinging, and burning on the soles of the feet. Itchy skin blisters appear between the toes. The skin may crack and peel leaving open sores.
Infection: The fungus requires warm environment and sweaty, warm feet that are infrequently cleaned provide the perfect conditions.
A foot fungus infection may be contracted by walking in an infected locker room, sharing a towel, wearing contaminated socks or shoes, etc.
Jock Itch
Fungus: Jock Itch is caused by the skin fungus Tinea cruris.
Fungal Infection Symptoms: Jock itch affects the genital area such as the anal and vaginal region, buttocks, and the inner thighs. Symptoms of fungal infection groin include red rashes, itching around the thighs and genitals, flaking skin, and burning sensation.
Infection: People with diabetes, low immunity, and obesity are most prone to jock itch. A jock itch fungal infection can be caused by wearing tight clothes, rubbing of the skin, excessive sweating, and candida.
Several other factors may include heat, humidity, and the usage of public bathrooms and restrooms.
Ringworm
Fungus: Ringworm is caused by the skin fungus Tinea corporis.
Fungal Infection Symptoms: The symptoms of ringworm include scaly, dry and rough skin with round red spots. Ringworm in scalp can cause loss of hair in patches.
Sores filled with pus, fever, and swelling of lymph nodes can occur for serious infections.
Infection: Ringworm is spread by direct contact with infected people or animals. Sharing clothes, wash towels or even furniture can cause infection. Humidity, sweat, and heat can make infection more likely.
Intertrigo
Fungus: Intertrigo is caused by the skin fungus Candida albicans.
Fungal Infection Symptoms: The symptoms of intertrigo include a red or reddish-brown rash, or raw, itchy, or oozing skin. The skin may crack and become crusty, and there may be a foul odor
Infection: Intertrigo typically occurs in the folds of the skin such as between the buttocks, under armpits, and beneath the breast. Infection can occur due to excessive moisture and friction between skin folds and a lack of air circulation.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Skin Fungus
- Use Yogurt
Fresh yogurt contains a high amount of lactobacillus, a strong anti-fungal agent. It is a fantastic home remedy to get rid of skin fungus.
Consuming a cup of yogurt every day can also enhance the friendly bacteria in your GI tract. These bacteria are responsible for fighting and preventing fungal infections. [1]
Be sure to look for the yogurt with “active culture” written on the label.
- If you don’t feel like consuming yogurt, take a cotton ball to apply it on the affected area.
- Wait for half an hour before washing it off with warm water.
- Use this method twice every day until the infection goes away.
- Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid which has anti-microbial properties. It also contains another compound known as pectin which improves the gut bacteria and enhances immunity. [2]
Once your immunity gets better, the chances of getting skin fungus eventually reduce.
- Take one part of raw apple cider vinegar and add 4 parts of water to it.
- Apply this mixture on the affected area and wait for half an hour.
- Now rinse it off with water and repeat twice every day.
- Eat More Garlic
Garlic has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It has been used in the Chinese medicine as a home remedy to get rid of skin fungus for centuries.
It can be effective against candida and different other types of fungal infections due to a compound known as allicin. [3]
- To use garlic as a natural medicine for fungal skin infection, take 2 cloves and crush them.
- Add some olive oil drops to form a paste.
- Use this paste on the affected area for 30 minutes.
- Repeat twice every day for good results.
- Try Turmeric
Wondering how to cure fungal infection on the skin? Try using turmeric
Turmeric is a popular choice for treating different types of infections. Its active component, known as curcumin, has strong anti-fungal effects. [4]
- Mix one tablespoon of honey with equal quantity of turmeric to form a paste.
- Use this paste on the affected area once every day for 20 minutes.
- Use Aloe Vera
You are well aware of the benefits aloe vera masks on skin. But do you know that it is also a natural medicine for fungal skin infections?
Aloe vera consists of anthraquinones which possess anti-fungal effects. These agents can start healing a fungal infection as soon as you apply them on the skin. [5]
Aloe vera is great for sensitive skin. As a home remedy for fungal infection on neck or groin where the skin is more sensitive, Aloe vera is a great option.
- Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract gel from it.
- Apply this gel directly on the affected area and let it stay for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy thrice every day.
- Go for Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-fungal agent which can effectively stop the growth of fungus on the skin. [6] [7]
It makes a great home remedy for skin fungus as it is so easy to use and get hold of.
- All you need is raw ginger or ginger paste and apply it on the affected area.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash it off.
- Repeat thrice every day.
- Prepare Green Tea
Green tea can help you get rid of skin fungus in the most natural way. Being rich in antioxidants, it can also ease the associated symptoms such as swelling.
Each cup of green tea that you consume can deliver 50 to 150 mg of antioxidants.
- Take several tea bags and soak them in hot water for ten minutes.
- Now, remove them and place them in a fridge for half an hour.
- Use the cold tea bags on the affected area twice a day. [8]
- Rely on Chamomile
From an upset stomach to skin eczema, this herb can treat a lot of infections.
If you want to know how to cure fungal infection on skin naturally, then chamomile is for you. It is one of the best natural antifungal herbs and home remedies for skin fungus.
Some studies show that chamomile is almost 60% as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone ointment. [9] It is being used in the form of teas, creams, and poultices to treat skin infections for long now.
- Take two tablespoons of dried chamomile and add it in 3 cups of boiling water.
- Strain the solution and drink it several times a day.
- You can also add chamomile flowers to your bathtub every day.
- Grind an Olive Leaf
Olive leaf has a high concentration of antioxidants. This makes it more effective than vitamin C, E, grape seed extract, and even green tea.
It can stimulate the immune system and can fight any unwanted intruders such as Candida. [10]
- Take a few olive oil leaves and grind them to form a paste.
- Apply it on the affected area for thirty minutes.
- Rinse it with cold water and repeat twice a day.
- Drink Cranberry Juice
You will have heard about cranberry juice as a treatment for urinary tract infection. But you can also use it to get rid of a fungal infection. [11]
Cranberry juice helps stabilize the pH and reduces the chances of fungal development.
Drinking cranberry juice in fresh form can flush out the yeast from your system.
Take care not to use sweetened juice as it can cause the infection to worsen.
- Buy Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which can treat a lot of skin diseases. One of its alleged uses is killing the fungus on skin.
Soaking the affected skin in this chemical serves as a natural medicine for fungal skin infection. However, be careful to dilute it first since it may irritate the skin. [12]
- Take one cup of hydrogen peroxide and add it to one gallon of water.
- Soak the affected area in this solution for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this every time.
- Repeat this remedy thrice a day.
- Get Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are loaded with antioxidants and are good for your skin health. Lemon, a type of citrus fruit, has antimicrobial, astringent, and antifungal properties and can be used as a home remedy for skin fungus.
Orange juice also has antifungal properties, stronger than those of lime or lemon. [13]
- Take one tablespoon of lemon juice and mix it with an equal amount of olive oil.
- Apply this on the affected area for 30 minutes.
- Wash it with water and repeat daily.
- Apply Onion Juice
Onion juice consists of certain compounds like thiosulphate and quercetin. These can treat different types of problems including fungal skin infections. [14]
Take one tablespoon of onion juice and mix it in equal amounts of betel juice. Apply it on the affected area twice a day for 20 minutes.
- Make Saltwater
A study has shown that saltwater baths can decrease skin infections to a great extent. This is most likely because of their antimicrobial properties. [15]
Taking a saltwater bath also improves the barrier function of the skin. This means that it can prevent skin fungus from recurring. Swimming in the sea also helps.
Take one bucket of water and add a cup of sea salt in it. Use this water to bathe. You may also add it in your bathtub and let your body soak in it.
So, if you wish to know how to cure fungal infection on skin naturally, all you need is water and some salt.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Seed Extract has anti-fungal properties [16].
Mix 4-5 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 3 tablespoons of lukewarm water.
Immerse a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it to the skin fungus infection area.
Essential oils for fungus on skin
There are several essential oils that combined with the home remedies above, make a formidable natural treatment to get rid of skin fungus.
Essential oils for fungus on skin are popular because the oils are absorbed deep into the skin.
They can get to work on fungal spores that are hard to access with other topical home remedies. As such, toenail fungus and athlete’s foot treatment works best with essential oils.
Whichever essential oil for yeast infection on skin you choose, be aware that some of these oils are irritant to more sensitive skin so always start with a diluted test oil.
- Coconut Oil
If you want to know to cure fungal infection on thighs, the coconut oil is your best option. The anti-fungal properties of this oil make it a suitable topical and oral remedy to get rid of skin fungus.
Coconut oil has three different fatty acids in its composition including capric acid, lauric acid, and caprylic acid. These fatty acids can fight all types of skin fungus and prevent recurrences. [17]
It is particularly effective against the Candida fungus and as a result is one of the best home remedies for fungal infection between thighs.
This essential oil is milder to your skin compared to other oils, which makes it perfect for curing skin rashes in the groin or other areas where the skin is very sensitive.
It is also one of the best antifungal essential oils for scalp as you can use it for your hair.
Take some extra-virgin coconut oil and massage the affected area with it twice a day.
- Camphor Oil
The antifungal activities of camphor oil were tested against 11 plant fungi and were compared with a popular antifungal reagent, benomyl.
The results showed that the oils are effective against a very broad spectrum the tested fungi. [18], [19]
Mix some camphor powder with sesame oil. Smear the resultant paste on the rashes caused by the fungus, 2-3 times a day. You can also apply camphor oil to alleviate the symptoms of skin fungus.
Note – Camphor is poisonous, it is not meant for internal use
- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil contains nearly 97% ‘wax esters’. Jojoba is the only plant known to produce wax esters which are a combination of fatty acids and fatty alcohol.
The jojoba wax ester molecule protects whatever it contacts from oxidation which makes it a very suitable for all types of skin treatments.
The anti-inflammatory property of this oil is used to cure skin infections [20] and get rid of skin fungus.
- Mix a few drops each of jojoba and a carrier oil such as olive.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- This is a soothing remedy for curing skin fungus rashes.
- Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is derived from the oregano plants via steam distillation. This earthy, aromatic liquid possesses concentrated properties of the oregano herb.
Oregano oil has almost 71% of antiseptic agents in its composition. These include phenols such as thymol and carvacrol. These antiseptic agents can stop skin fungus and treat it right away. [21]
To use oregano oil to get rid of skin fungus, mix one part oregano oil with one part olive oil. Use this mixture on the affected area and let it stay for a few hours.
Repeat twice a day until the infection goes away.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best remedies to kill a skin fungus due to its strong anti-fungal properties. Moreover, it is also an antiseptic and makes sure that the infection does not spread to other body parts. [22]
Be aware that tea tree oil is very powerful and to those with sensitive skin, it may irritate the skin.
So, for those looking for foot fungus or hand fungus treatment home remedies, tea tree oil is more suitable as the skin is less sensitive in these areas.
Remember that tea tree oil is a topical medicine for fungal infection so, do not take it orally.
How to use tea tree oil to get rid of ski fungus:
- Start with a mix of tea tree oil and olive oil in a ratio of 1:1.
- If your skin does not react, you can increase the strength.
- Apply it on the infected area for 20 minutes before washing it off with tap water.
- Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is traditionally used as a home remedy for vaginal discharge as a common cause of discharge is the Candida Albicans fungus. [23]
It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that quickly heal skin fungus [25].
For those looking for a remedy for intertrigo, lavender oil is an essential home treatment.
How to use lavender oil on skin fungus:
- Lavender oil can be applied directly to the affected area.
- Apply it several times daily to get rid of an infection.
- Clove Oil
The antifungal potency of clove essential oil has been studied extensively.
Both clove essential oil and its volatile vapor have been shown to inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth of several types of skin fungus.
The direct application of clove essential oil to the infected area will kill the fungus. [24]
Be aware that clove oil can have a numbing effect when applied to skin. It can also cause burning sensations when applied to broken skin, and may well cause a rash.
If applying topically, dilute the oil first with olive oil.
Do’s
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Avoid physical contact as long as you have a skin fungus
- Take care to treat all the affected family members as fungal infections have high recurrences
Don’ts
- Do not wear tight clothing
- Do not use swimming pools or other public areas as long as you have the infection
- Avoid going in overcrowded areas
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