FUNGAL INFECTIONS HOME REMEDY

Fungal Infections

Fungi can live in the air, soil, water, and plants. There are also some fungi that live naturally in the human body.

Like many microbes, there are helpful fungi and harmful fungi. When harmful fungi invade the body, they can be difficult to kill, as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person trying to get better.

Types

The following conditions are all common types of fungal infections.

 

Athlete's Foot

Tinea pedis or athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the foot.

Athlete's foot is commonly associated with sports and athletes because the fungus grows perfectly in warm, moist environments, such as socks and shoes, sports equipment, and locker rooms.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of athlete's foot may vary slightly from person to person. 

 -Redness or blisters on the affected area

-The infected skin may be soft, or layers may start to break down

-Peeling or cracking skin

-The skin may scale and peel away

-Itching, stinging, or burning sensations in the infected area

Prevention methods include allowing the feet plenty of air to breathe and keeping them clean and dry. It is a good idea to wear sandals in public showers or locker rooms.

If home remedies do not work or the problem has been going on for more than 2 weeks, a doctor or podiatrist may need to help.

A doctor may prescribe antifungal creams or medicines if the infection does not respond to at-home treatments.

It is important for people to treat a persistent case of athlete's foot because the fungus can spread to the nails, other body parts, and other people.

Prevention 

To keep feet fungus-free, people should follow these guidelines:

-Keep nails clipped short. Nails can more readily pick up bacteria and fungi if they are long.

-Never walk barefoot in public places. Wear sandals or waterproof shoes in public pools, showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, and other areas that get wet.

-Wash feet at least once a day and dry thoroughly.

-If a family member has athlete's foot, disinfect the bathtub or shower after each use until it is gone.

-Do not share towels, shoes, socks, or other items that touch the feet.

-Alternate shoes daily to give each pair time to dry completely.

-Wear lightweight shoes and change socks frequently to keep feet dry. Avoid warm, heavy footwear if possible.

Athlete's Foot Treatment At Home

1- St. John's Wort Oil

-St. John's Wort contains antifungal as well as antimicrobial properties that help kill fungi. Plus, it makes the immune system strong, which helps in faster recovery. St. John's Wort has antibiotic and astringent properties that help get rid of the symptoms of a fungal infection like the burning sensation, swelling and skin irritation.

-Gently rub St. John's Wort oil on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three times daily until the infection clears up.

-For toenail fungus or athlete’s foot, steep 5 teaspoons of dried St. John's Wort in 5 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool and then soak the affected foot in it for 30 minutes. Repeat twice daily for two weeks. 

2- Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has powerful antifungal qualities and is a natural antiseptic and germicide that helps reduce itchiness and inflammation of the skin. 

People should take care when using tea tree oil because it can be irritating to the skin. Some people may need to stop using the oil because of rashes and irritation.

To use tea tree oil, people should place a few drops into a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and rub it on their feet. Alternatively, tea tree oil creams and salves may be available at health food stores.

People should not use undiluted tea tree oil on their skin.

3- Hydrogen Peroxide With Lodine

Peroxide and iodine are commonly used to disinfect cuts and wounds and to kill germs on the skin.

To try this remedy, mix iodine solution and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket or large bowl. Iodine solution is available at most drugstores in the wound care section. Dip the feet directly in the solution or use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected areas.

Do not use iodine on the skin without diluting it because it can damage the skin if used by itself.

Peroxide may sting if the skin is broken or irritated, and it can bleach hair and fabrics. Iodine may also cause stains.

4- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is an item most people have readily available. It may also be an effective way to cure athlete's foot.

To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. When done, dry the feet thoroughly but do not rinse.

5- Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV for those familiar with this crushed, fermented apple product) has been used since the times of Hippocrates, when it was prized for its medicinal properties. It’s known to be especially beneficial against yeast and fungus, and many people take it internally to keep candida in balance.

To use ACV to remedy athlete’s foot, make sure you’ve got a good, high-quality, unpasteurized version (the ones still containing the “mother” are better, and you can even make your own!). Of course you can also buy in stores or online, I get mine here.

In a foot bath container, mix together:

-2 cups of water

-1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar

Soak your feet for around half an hour. You can also apply plain ACV directly to the infection with a cotton ball. Apple cider vinegar will likely sting, so be aware and dilute more if necessary. 

6- Oil of Oregano

The herbaceous oil doesn’t smell the best, but thanks to its active ingredients carvacrol and thymol it can fight fungus. One study not only found that it can treat athlete’s foot, but it had the most antifungal powers of all 11 essential oils tested. 

Mix two drops oil of oregano and 2 drops tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon anti-fungal emu oil and apply to both feet and nails.  

7- Cinnamon Bark Oil

A potent anti-fungal and antimicrobial, this sweet-smelling oil, derived from the bark of cinnamon trees, has been shown to both kill off Trichophyton rubrum, the fungus behind athlete’s foot, and decrease painful inflammation.

Mix 2 drops cinnamon bark oil with 1 teaspoon of emu or olive oil and rub into feet and toenails.

8- Tea Foot Soak

Studies suggest tea polyphenols have an anti-fungal effect. 

Brew 2 tea bags, add to a foot bath filled with room temperature water and soak feet (repeat every day for a week).

9- Coriander Oil

One study found that a topical treatment of 6% coriander oil applied twice daily for 28 days cleared up athlete’s foot in 75% of cases. 

Add 30 drops coriander oil to a 1-ounce spray bottle filled with witch hazel, shake, and spray on feet and toes. 

Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections are a common form of Candida overgrowth in women, usually caused by Candida albicans.

An overgrowth of Candida disrupts the normal balance of the bacteria and yeast in the vagina. This imbalance of bacteria may be due to antibiotics, stress, and hormone imbalances, or poor eating habits, among other things.

Symptoms 
Yeast infections should be treated quickly, as the symptoms may become severe if left untreated. Symptoms of a yeast infection include:
-Itching and swelling around the vagina
-Burning sensations or pain during urination or intercourse
-Redness and soreness on and surrounding the vagina
-Unusual vaginal discharge, such as gray clumps that resemble cottage cheese or a very watery discharge

Yeast infections should be treated quickly, as the symptoms may become severe if left untreated.

Avoiding yeast infections begins with a balanced diet and proper hygiene. Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers may also help prevent infection. Washing underwear in very hot water and changing feminine products often can also help prevent fungal growth.

Yeast Infection Treatment At Home

1- Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. A review of research on this essential oil confirmed its ability to kill a range of yeasts and fungi.

In the majority of the studies reviewed, tea tree oil was tested on candida albicans, one of the most common yeasts in vaginal infections.

Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight.

However, extreme caution must be used when using tea tree oil, as it can irritate the skin, and the vaginal walls are particularly sensitive.

Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the tampon regularly.

Also, people can be allergic to tea tree oil. Test the diluted oil on an area the size of a dime on the forearm, and if there is no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use on the more sensitive genital area.

 

2- St. John's Wort Oil

Gently rub St. John's Wort oil on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three times daily until the infection clears up

3- Coconut Oil

Certain fatty acids found in coconut oil may kill fungal cells by damaging their cell membranes.

Some research suggests that coconut oil may be an effective remedy for people with mild to moderate skin infections. Use it to treat yeast Infection by applying liquid coconut oil to the skin three times per day.

4- Oil of Oregano

Using wild oregano oil was shown in some research to halt or inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Capsules containing oil of oregano may be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, it can be applied to a tampon before insertion. 

Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and never applied directly to the skin. People can mix 3-5 drops of oil of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or olive oil. A tampon should be soaked in this mixture for a few minutes, then insert and change every 2-4 hours during the day. People should not leave a medicated tampon in for more than 6 hours. It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on the forearm before use.

Jock Itch

Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is another common fungal skin infection.

These fungi love warm and damp environments and thrive in moist areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. Jock itch may be more common in summer or in warm, humid areas of the world.

Jock itch is mildly contagious and is often spread through direct contact with an infected person or an object that is carrying the fungus.

Symptoms 
Jock itch appears on the body as an itchy, red rash that often has a circular shape to it. Symptoms include: 

-Redness in the groin, buttocks, or thighs

-Chafing, irritation, itching, or burning in the infected area

-A red rash with a circular shape and raised edges

-Cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area

Jock itch can be prevented by wearing loose-fitting natural fibers, such as cotton underwear. Avoiding contact with others who have the infection is also important. Avoiding shared items, such as towels and sporting equipment may also help.

 

How to Prevent Jock Itch 
The best thing you can do is have good hygiene. Here are a few key tips to help prevent jock itch:

-Shower or take a bath daily, especially after playing sports.

-Keep the area as dry as possible by always using a clean towel after showering or swimming.

-Avoid sharing towels.

-Try to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and undergarments.

-Wash athletic supporters as often as possible.

-Change clothes and undergarments daily.

Jock Itch Treatment At Home

1- St. John's Wort Oil

Gently rub St. John's Wort oil on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three times daily until the infection clears up

2- Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is great way to treat jock itch because it has powerful antifungal qualities and is a natural antiseptic and germicide that helps reduce itchiness and inflammation of the skin. Studies show that teat tree oil, tested at different various concentrations, definitely possesses antifungal activity, naturally working to kill jock itch fungus.

Try combining three to four drops of tea tree oil with once ounce olive oil or coconut oil and apply to the area twice daily. Allow it to soak into the skin. Tea tree oil can sting a bit, so make sure to dilute with the base oils first.

3- Lavender Oil

Lavender oil benefits the skin as well because it’s a great antiseptic that contains antifungal properties. It’s very helpful in rapidly healing wounds and may aid in preventing the formation of scar tissue. And because it’s mild, it is typically safe to use on children.

Studies published in Medical Mycology report that lavender oil is highly effective and fighting infection and, therefore, may reduce fungal progression and the spread of infection in host tissues.

4- Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies to treat any skin infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that aloe vera also has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may reduce your discomfort.

In addition, aloe vera penetrates deeply into the lower levels of the skin, bringing its remarkable properties to where they’re most needed. Although aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains a substance known as glycoprotein. Glycoprotein speeds the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation. It may also help stimulate the immune system.

5- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is commonly available in the kitchen all over the world. It has great properties to dry the skin and to heal the skin. It will balance the pH levels in the skin as well.

You should make a thick paste of baking soda by mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water. The solution should be applied for about 15 minutes. You should wash the area and should wipe it dry.

The application of baking soda can be done 2 or 3 times to get the best results.

Ringworm

Tinea corporis or ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues, such as the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm is the fungus that causes both jock itch and athlete's foot. When it appears anywhere else on the body, the infection is just called ringworm.

 

Symptoms 
Ringworm is usually easy to notice because of its shape. A red patch that may itch or be scaly will often turn into a raised, ring-shaped patch of skin over time. It may even spread out into several rings.

The outside of this ring is red and may appear raised or bumpy, while the inside of the ring will remain clear or become scaly.

Ringworm is highly contagious, and it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with pets, such as dogs. The fungus may also survive on objects, such as towels, clothes, and brushes.

The ringworm fungus also infects soil and mud, so people who play or work in infected dirt may catch ringworm as well.

Ringworm Treatment At Home

1- St. John's Wort Oil

Gently rub St. John's Wort oil on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three times daily until the infection clears up

2- Garlic

Garlic is often used to treat infection. Although there are no studies that examine the effects of garlic on ringworm, it has proven effective for other types of fungi, including Candida, Torulopsis, Trichophyton, and Cryptococcus.

To use garlic as a treatment, make a paste of crushed garlic cloves by blending the garlic with some olive or coconut oil. Apply a thin layer of paste to the affected skin and cover with gauze. Leave in place for up to 2 hours before rinsing. Repeat twice daily until symptoms resolve.

If the garlic paste causes stinging, swelling, or redness, rinse off immediately and do not reapply.

3- Epsom Salt

Mix some Epsom salt with warm water and you'll have yourself a great natural exfoliant and antifungal treatment. Comprised of magnesium and sulphate, Epsom salt is great at removing any moisture that the fungus might be thriving on, while treating the infection at the same time.

You’ll need about a ¼ cup of Epsom salt and a cup of warm water. Apply regularly and generously.

4- Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a great natural way to treat pesky fungal infections. The oil is great for your skin and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties will kill the fungus – plus it has a wonderful fresh smell.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to some warm water and apply to the affected area. 

5- Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains six antiseptic agents that, according to research, exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities.

Apply the gel from an aloe vera plant onto the ringworm patch three or four times daily. The gel also has cooling properties, so it may soothe itchy and swollen skin.

 

6- Coconut Oil

Certain fatty acids found in coconut oil may kill fungal cells by damaging their cell membranes.

Some research suggests that coconut oil may be an effective remedy for people with mild to moderate skin infections. Use it to treat ringworm by applying liquid coconut oil to the skin three times per day.

7- Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice with anti-inflammatory properties. A part of turmeric known as curcumin is believed to be responsible for the spice's health benefits. Numerous studies detail its extensive antimicrobial abilities.

Consume turmeric as a tea or add it to meals to reap its benefits. For topical applications, mix it with a small amount of water or coconut oil until it forms a paste and apply this to the skin. Leave it to dry before wiping off.

Be aware that turmeric may stain lighter skin a yellow color, but this will fade within a few days.

8- Powdered Licorice

A frequently used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, licorice demonstrates antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is also used as a home remedy for ringworm and other fungal infections. For best results, mix 3 tablespoons of powdered licorice root into a cup of water.

Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, it should form a paste.

Apply this to the ringworm patch twice a day, allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes each time before wiping or rinsing off.

9- Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has been shown to reduce the activity of several types of fungus. To use lemongrass oil for ringworm, mix it with a carrier oil, and apply it to the skin twice daily with a cotton ball.

10- Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano that is made from wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains two strong antifungals called thymol and carvacrol.

Some research has shown that oil of oregano can stop the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. Always dilute oil of oregano with a carrier oil before use. Apply the oil to the affected area up to three times daily.

Note that the majority of oil of oregano on the market contains common oregano (Origanum marjoram) rather than wild oregano.

When to see the doctor
If the ringworm does not clear up in two weeks, or appears to be getting worse – i.e. blisters develop or it starts to spread to other parts of your body, you should consult your GP.