Fungi are a ubiquitous part of life, and make up a central part of the ecosystem. They are present just about everywhere, both in the house and in the outdoors. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 fungi species on the face of the earth. Consequently, you would expect to have fungi that inhabits your skin. Naturally, fungi populations are maintained in a balanced state. Sometimes, however, different factors upset this balance and predispose you to fungal infections. These changes lead to the overgrowth of fungi and result in different skin conditions.
It is important to know that skin fungus can affect just about any part of the skin, including, but not limited to the feet, mouth, urinary tract, nails and vagina. Some of the factors that lead to an increase in skin fungi include a weak immune system, poor bodily hygiene, skin injuries as well as coming into contact with someone who already has a fungal infection. In quite a number of cases, fungal infections result from the use of prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics, while effectively treating bacterial infections, causes the consequential increase in fungal populations. This in turn, causes the infections.
Many people will get fungal infections at one point or the other. Knowing the appropriate home remedies that you may use to treat skin fungus goes a long way in providing relief as well as reducing the intensity of the associated symptoms. Each of the remedies below indicates the approximate time required to prepare and use the remedy, the ingredients required as well as the difficulty of the same. Most of the remedies indicated below are simple to use, which is what makes them an ideal option.
1. Raw Garlic:
Time Required: 40 Min
What You Need: 3 Cloves of raw garlic, a few drops of olive oil and warm water. Gauze and a pinch of coarse salt (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
One of the most popular natural remedies for the treatment of skin fungus is garlic. A potent anti-fungal, garlic has long been used to treat fungal infections on the skin. This is because it is rich in a sulfur-based compound known as allicin. In the presence of this sulfur compound, the fungus structure is destroyed. Additional healing properties found in garlic include its antibacterial nature. Olive oil is added to this remedy because it not only moisturizes the skin, it also provides a handy medium for application purposes. Olive oil is also gentle on the skin, and helps retain its smooth texture.
Directions:
- Peel the garlic cloves and wash before chopping into small pieces.
- Crush the garlic until you have a coarse paste. You may add a pinch of salt to the garlic to ease the paste preparation.
- Add the olive oil and mix the two well before applying to the affected skin.
- Leave the garlic remedy to dry on its own for about half an hour. Use a gauze to help the remedy remain in position.
- Rinse the skin using warm water and pat the skin to dry using a soft towel. Use this remedy at least twice daily for best results.
- You may also take garlic supplements to hasten the recovery process.
NOTE: This remedy should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, so it is important to consult your doctor.
2. Coconut Oil:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Coconut oil (preferably extra-virgin coconut oil), cinnamon oil and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy
Coconut oil, just like garlic, has natural antifungal properties that help get manage imbalances in the fungal population. This is attributed to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids that help destroy the fungi. Cinnamon oil is added because it compliments the function of coconut oil, making this remedy a potent solution to skin fungus. Use cotton wool for the application of this remedy.
Directions:
- Take 1 teaspoon each of coconut and cinnamon oil and mix well.
- Soak the cotton wool in the oil mixture and use the wet wool to gently rub on the affected skin.
- Use this remedy twice daily to keep the growth of fungi in check until the condition improves.
3. Tea Tree Oil:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon each of tea tree oil, carrier oil of choice (sweet almond/ jojoba/ olive oil) and cotton ball.
Difficulty: Easy
Tea tree oil is one of the most important home remedies for the natural treatment of skin fungus. With natural anti-fungal properties, the oil helps destroy the structure of the fungus. Over a period of time, this controls the spread of the fungi infection. Additionally, tea tree oil is also packed with antiseptic properties that prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
When it comes to the use of tea tree oil, it is advisable to use a carrier oil to prevent it from causing skin irritation particularly in people with sensitive skin. Some of the appropriate carrier oil choices include sweet almond oil, olive or jojoba oil, all of which have immense health benefits for the skin.
NOTE: If the use of this remedy causes any skin irritation, discontinue immediately and watch for any skin reactions.
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of the preferred carrier oil with tea tree oil.
- Soak the cotton ball in the resulting oil mixture and then apply on the affected skin.
- Massage the oil mixture on the skin to ensure proper absorption.
- Repeat this procedure twice daily until the condition clears.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of warm water, clean towel and skin moisturizer.
Difficulty: Easy
Experience the healing properties of apple cider vinegar (abbreviated ACV) when used to get rid of fungal infections. If anything, ACV is effect for just about any fungal infection, thanks to its ability to upset the fungi population. This keeps the overgrowth in check. In addition to these traits, the acidity present in the vinegar prevents the spread of the infection and overall helps you make a speedy recovery. Just make sure you dilute the ACV prior to preparing the remedy as failure to do this has been known to cause skin irritation in some people.
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of the ACV with the water for dilution purposes.
- If possible, soak the affected skin in the ACV solution. If not, soak a clean cloth in the ACV solution and dab it on the infected skin area.
- Leave the remedy on for about half an hour.
- When the time elapses, dry the skin and continue with your normal skin care routine.
- Use this remedy severally until the skin is completely healed.
5. Natural Yogurt:
Time Required: 40 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup natural yogurt, cotton wool, warm water and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy
Whenever you need to treat skin fungus, remember to use plain natural yogurt. This yogurt is packed with probiotics that help manage the population of fungi on the skin largely due to the presence of lactic acid. The yogurt also plays a key role in exfoliation, effectively help restore the skin’s natural health and glow. It is preferable to go for unsweetened yogurt for the best results. You will need warm water to rinse off the yogurt after application.
Directions:
- Place the cotton wool in the yogurt and allow to soak for a minute.
- Apply the yogurt on the affected skin and leave it on for half an hour.
- Wash the skin after 30 minutes and then dry well.
- Make this remedy a part of your daily skin care routine.
- It also helps to drink the yogurt for added health benefits.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup of hydrogen peroxide and some warm water in a basin.
Difficulty: Easy
Hydrogen peroxide is a handy home remedy that you may use for the management of fungal infections. The enzymes present in the hydrogen peroxide destroy the fungi and help reduce the overgrowth of the skin fungi. This remedy is especially effective for the treatment of skin fungus that affects the feet as it is easy to soak the feet in water containing hydrogen peroxide. In other instances, simply soak some cotton wool in the dilute solution for application. Remember to dilute the hydrogen peroxide and avoid using it in its concentrated form as it is too strong for the skin and may cause irritation.
Directions:
- Dilute the hydrogen peroxide using warm water and proceed to soak the affected skin.
- If it is not possible to soak the skin, simply soak some cotton wool in the solution and apply on the affected skin.
- Let the hydrogen peroxide mixture air dry.
- Repeat this remedy until you are content with your skin condition.
7. Vinegar:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup vinegar, warm water in a basin and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy
Vinegar is a wonderful home remedy for the management of skin fungus. The vinegar’s acidic properties make it an effective solution for elimination of fungi populations, particularly at the onset of the infection. Just like apple cider vinegar, you need to dilute the solution prior to application. Use this remedy daily until the skin is completely cured.
Directions:
- Place 1/2 cup of vinegar in the basin containing warm water and stir.
- Soak the affected skin in the dilute solution. If this is not possible, simply soak a clean towel in the dilute solution and use it to dab on the skin.
- Use this remedy daily to ensure your skin makes a full recovery. You should be able to notice positive changes within a few weeks of using this remedy regularly.
8. Bleaching Solution:
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Cap of bleach solution, 1 cup of warm water and warm soapy water to wash off the remedy.
Difficulty: Easy
Bleach solution is an effective and quick home remedy for the elimination of fungal infections, but you need to exercise caution in using this remedy. Owing to the harsh nature of this remedy, it is extremely important to avoid it if you have sensitive skin, In addition, there are a number of people who cannot stand the pungent smell of bleach, making this a very tricky situation. As general advice, use this remedy only as a last resort, and even then, watch out for skin irritation. Like the remedies included above, make sure you dilute the bleach solution using warm water. You also need warm soapy water to completely wash the bleach solution off.
Directions:
- Place one cap of the bleach solution in a cup of warm water and stir to mix well.
- Soak the cotton wool in the resulting solution and then use it to apply the remedy on the affected skin.
- Leave the solution on for just a few minutes to allow the bleach’s anti-fungal properties treat the condition.
- After 5-10 minutes, wash off the bleach using warm soapy water to avoid skin irritation after using the remedy.
- Pat the skin dry and avoid exposure to direct sunlight immediately after applying the remedy.
- Use the once daily for best results.
9. Lavender Oil:
Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Lavender oil, dropper and cotton ball.
Difficulty: Easy
Lavender oil is an ideal home remedy for the treatment of skin fungus thanks to its potent anti-fungal properties. In addition to these healing properties, lavender oil also has a wonderful scent that makes it perfect for days when you are on the go and need a quick remedy. Note however, that at the time of purchase, you need to ensure that the lavender oil you select has pure medicinal properties if the remedy is to be effective. Look out that you do not buy one that has just a great scent but no medicinal properties.
Directions:
- Place a few drops of lavender oil on the cotton wool until it is soaking wet.
- Use the wet cotton wool to rub the affected skin and allow the oil’s absorption by the skin for quick healing.
- Leave the oil on the skin for about 20 minutes.
- Repeat this procedure twice daily for best results.
10. Turmeric Powder:
Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Turmeric powder, a few drops of water and gauze. Gloves (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
One of the remedies available for the natural treatment of skin fungus can be found in your kitchen: turmeric powder. This wonderful herb not only adds a magical touch to your meals, it is also ideal in getting rid of fungal infections. Its anti-fungal properties not only eliminate the condition, they also help to get rid of any resulting marks left as a result of the infection. You may need gloves to prevent staining your working surface.
Directions:
- Add a few drops of water to the turmeric slowly until you are able to get a paste with your desired consistency.
- With your gloves on, apply the turmeric paste on the affected skin and massage in for a few minutes.
- Place gauze on the turmeric paste and let it remain there overnight.
- Rinse the paste off using warm water.
- Use turmeric daily until your skin’s natural appearance is restored and the infection clears.
11. Baking Soda + Epsom Salt Mixture:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup of Epsom salts, 1/2 cup of baking soda, warm bath water and coconut oil.
Difficulty: Easy
Baking soda and Espom salts are both loved for their immense health benefits on the skin. It is for the same reason that they are recommended for the natural treatment of fungal infections. Epsom salts consist of Magnesium and sulfate salts whose antiseptic properties help clear the fungal infection. Baking soda on the other hand, is alkaline in nature. This helps keep the fungal population in check, effectively managing the infection. A combination of the to remedies increases the synergistic efficiency of the two ingredients. Prepare the remedy as follows.
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of the Epsom salts and baking soda and pour into the bath tub.
- Run warm water and mix well to dissolve the two remedies.
- Soak in this water for 20 minutes and then pat the skin dry.
- Finish off the procedure by applying virgin coconut oil to seal the effects as well as enhance the remedies’ healing effects.
- Use this remedy at least once a day in order to get total relief from skin fungus.
12. Oregano Oil:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon each of virgin olive oil and oregano oil, cotton wool and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
If you are looking for an easy and effective way to get rid of skin fungus, look no further than oregano oil. As mentioned above, one of the factors that cause skin fungal infections is dampness on the skin. By applying orgeano oil on the skin, you should be able to kill the skin fungus with ease. Use olive oil alongside oregano oil to keep the skin healthy and moisturized.
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of the olive and oregano oil.
- Use cotton wool to apply the oil mixture on the affected skin.
- Rinse the skin after 20 minutes or so.
- Use this remedy twice daily until the fungal infection is eliminated.
Other remedies that may be used include olive leaves, frozen teabags and cranberry juice. In addition to these remedies, ensure that you observe personal hygiene. Since the feet are predisposed to getting fungal infections, it is vital to clean and dry the feet well. If the fungal infection does not seem to diminish, feel free to seek medical advice from a dermatologist.