Almost every one of us is definitely affected by a fungal infection of the skin at some point in our life. People who live in hot and humid places like along the equator are most prone to get skin fungal infections.
Although there are millions of fungus species, only around 300 of them may cause infections in humans. Not all fungal infections affect your skin, but a few of them may cause harm to you.
Fungal infections can affect your body in a variety of ways. These can be irritating to dangerous for you and your skin that’s why it is necessary to treat them earliest.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common skin fungal infections and how to treat and avoid them. We will also share with you 10 effective home remedies to cure them.
What Is A Skin Fungal Infection?
Fungi can be simple single-celled or very complex multicellular organisms. These microscopic organisms can live and propagate anywhere. They can be found in soil, plants, and even on your skin.
These microscopic organisms on your skin are usually harmless unless they proliferate at a faster pace than normal or penetrate your skin through a wound or lesion.
Since fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, That’s why fungal infections can often develop in moist or sweaty areas of your body where there is not much airflow. Legs, skin folds, and groin are some examples of such areas of the body.
These infections usually manifest as a scaly rash or skin discoloration that is usually itchy. Some types of fungal infections are quite common.
Although the condition of fungal infection can be annoying, painful, and uncomfortable, it is usually not serious.
Fungal infections are generally spread by direct contact. It can infect you if you come into direct contact with the fungi or clothing or any other item or a person or animal that was infected.
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Fungal Infections – Symptoms And Causes
For your better understanding, Here is a table indicating some of the most common fungal infections, their symptoms, and the name of the fungi.
| Infection | Symptoms | Fungi |
| Athlete’s foot | Similar to ringworm but on the feet especially between the toes, red scaly skin | Dermatophyte group of fungi |
| Body Ringworm | Tinea corpis, ring-shaped rashes on body and limbs, itchy | Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and up to 40 fungi species |
| Jock itch | Occurs in the groin and thigh area, most common in men, red rash with itchiness that may worsen with exercise, scaly appearance | Dermatophyte group of fungi |
| Scalp Ringworm | Affects the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, bald patches are common along with redness, tenderness and pain may occur | Dermatophyte group of fungi |
| Tinea Versicolor | The yeast is present on healthy skin but certain triggers can lead to overgrowth of the fungus, oval patches on the skin (chest, back, arms), lighter or darker than the surrounding skin | Malassezia |
| Onychomycosis | Occurs under the finger and toenails, leads to discolored and brittle nails, and nail thickness may increase | Trichophyton but many fingernail infections are caused by Candida (yeast type of fungus) |
Home Remedies To Cure Skin Fungal Infection
Many of the fungi that cause these skin infections are already becoming resistant to more aggressive forms of drugs.
Although many antifungal creams and over-the-counter medications are readily available in the market, most fungal infections respond very positively to home remedies.
Such skin fungal infections are easily cured with ingredients that are easily available in your home. Here we are sharing 10 of them which are pretty effective in treating skin fungal infections.
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Soap And Water
Hygiene is a must to fight fungal infections. Before applying any home remedy or any other medication, clean the affected area with soap and water twice a day. This will control the spread of infection.
While soap and water may not always be able to completely eliminate fungal infection, it does help to keep the spread down and reduce the intensity of the infection.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
This acidic substance is a useful home remedy for treating fungal infections as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties along with minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
The acidic characteristics of apple cider vinegar reduce the growth of the fungal infections, enabling your infections to be treated swiftly and efficiently. Apple cider vinegar may be used in a variety of ways to prevent fungal infections.
One way is to consume apple cider vinegar by diluting it with water. It can eliminate infections and benefit your body from inside to outside.
However, the ratio should be 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. For speedy recovery, apply diluted apple cider vinegar to the affected areas.
If you have a foot infection, soak your feet in a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is a magical ingredient for skin and hair care, as it is packed with antifungal and antibacterial properties. These properties of tea tree oil make it a useful home remedy for fungal infections.
So if you want to use tea tree oil to treat fungal infection, you need a carrier oil. Since it is an essential oil that is in concentrated form and very strong alone.
To use tea tree oil for fungal infections, mix it with any carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond, or olive oil, and apply it to the infected areas.
Please note- do not use tea tree oil without any carrier oil as it is very strong and can cause adverse reactions on the skin.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best ingredients for skin and hair care as well as good healing ailments too.
An age-old remedy for skin infections, coconut oil’s antifungal properties kill fungal cells quickly. Coconut oil also has healing properties, so it can be used on wounds.
Using coconut oil for fungal infections is pretty simple too. you just need to apply a layer of coconut oil to the affected area two to three times a day.
It is one of the most reliable home remedies for fungal infections and should be repeated regularly for fast relief.
In its unheated form, coconut oil also acts as a powerful antifungal agent. Applying it to the skin makes it a safe and good topical medication. Since it is easy on the skin, it is also useful for treating scalp ringworm.
Honey
Honey used as an ingredient in at-home skin care is known for its healing properties.
Since it is an antiseptic, Using honey is one of the easiest home remedies to treat fungal infections as it naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, which is very effective in killing the fungi and bacteria that cause skin infections.
To use honey for any fungal infection, apply a spoonful of it to the affected area and leave it for half an hour. You can do this twice a day for faster results.
One thing you should remember is that after using honey, wash the affected area thoroughly, otherwise it may remain sticky on your skin.
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Garlic
Garlic is one such food ingredient that everyone loves but many hate its smell. It is a great home remedy to effectively treat fungal infections.
One of the most powerful antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients, consuming garlic regularly reduces your chances of suffering from infections. It is also good to use garlic topically against fungal and yeast infections.
To get the best out of this ingredient, mix crushed garlic with olive oil to make a thick paste and apply it to the affected areas.
You can also use garlic paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. However, do not leave the raw garlic paste on the infected area for more than half an hour, as it can irritate the skin.
Neem
Azadirachta indica, margosa, or neem is a popular plant from the Indian subcontinent, It is used for centuries because of its medicinal properties.
Neem leaves are commonly used in India to cure infections and skin diseases. In fact, it is one of the best home remedies to treat any fungal infections.
Rich in anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, neem works as a great detoxifier and home remedy for the skin.
The antifungal properties of neem leaves work extremely well for the skin. Fungal infection is treated by washing the infected area with neem water.
To make neem water, boil neem leaves in water for 2 to 3 minutes. Else, you can make a paste of these leaves and apply it to the affected areas.
Another way to use neem leaves is to consume their juice, as that too is very effective.
Yogurt
Did you know that yogurt and other probiotics contain ample amounts of good bacteria that help ward off many fungal infections?
The Lactobacillus bacteria that yogurt contains release hydrogen peroxide, which kills fungal and yeast infections. Thus, yogurt is one of the most promising home remedies for treating fungal infections.
Fermented foods are another excellent source of probiotics. If these aren’t helping, you can use probiotic supplements that contain a more concentrated dose of good bacteria.
To use yogurt for infections, take a small amount of cold yogurt and apply it directly to affected areas for faster relief.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most time tried natural remedies to cure any skin infection. It not only treats infections but also repairs damage and soothes the skin.
Aloe vera is one of the best natural ingredients for the skin and is also a great healing agent for fungal infections.
Since it is antiseptic and antibacterial in nature, aloe vera works well against fungi and bacteria, killing them. It can also prevent yeast growth. These properties make it an excellent home remedy for fungal infections.
It is very simple to use, All you have to do is apply some fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area every day till you see the desired results.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory spice. Due to its wide applications in daily life, turmeric is said to be a panacea.
It has been used for centuries in many Asian countries to treat various skin and digestive problems.
To treat a skin problem, mix it with some water and apply it to the infected area. To get benefits in the internal environment of the body, mix it with hot water or consume turmeric tea.
This is one of the easiest home remedies for fungal infections as turmeric is easily found in our kitchens.
The Bottom Line
Skin fungal infections are very common and generally do not cause a worrisome situation, In most such cases, these home remedies work very well.
But in any case, you must not use them as an alternative to medical treatment. These home remedies are tried and tested methods, and many people are getting benefits from them.
If you have severe skin fungal infections or are not benefited from these remedies. I would suggest you, Immediate stop using them and consult with your doctor to diagnose the proper cause and treatment of your problem.
