Every one of us has fungus on and in our bodies. Still, lack of hygiene, damp clothes, humid weather, pollution, and even compromised immunity lead to harmful fungal growth in certain parts of our body. Hence, giving rise to the birth of “Fungal Skin Infection1.”
The fungus thrives on the moist and sweaty areas of our body like the armpits, groin, feet, folds of our skin, or on places that don’t get enough airflow. Athlete’s foot, scalp ringworm, jock itch, ringworm patch on the body, and candida infection are some common fungal infections.
Although fungal infections on the skin are quite common and are easily manageable with the help of over-the-counter medicines, antiseptic agents, etc., these medications often cause side effects, and their overuse could also lead to harmful consequences. In this scenario, the only question one constantly has in their mind is “How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally?“
1) What are Home Remedies?
Medicines made out of ingredients available at home are known as ‘Home Remedies.’
There are innumerable home remedies out there ready to overwhelm you but don’t worry because this article has got you covered and your search on “how to treat fungal infections?” finally ends here!
2) Following are Some Natural Home Remedies to Treat Fungal Infections
2.1) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a magical essential oil that has antifungal properties as it damages the cell membrane of the fungal infection and inhibits the growth of candida albicans (a pathogenic yeast), thus, inhibiting the growth of yeast spores and treating the fungal infection or the yeast infection.
Tea tree oil has been traditionally used to treat the most common fungal infection, athlete’s foot, and has shown positive results in reducing athlete’s foot just as effectively as over the counter medicines have. Studies have also found that using a mouthwash with a few drops of diluted tea tree oil for 30-60 seconds every day has shown quite an improvement in decreasing the growth of candida albicans in people suffering from oral thrush.
i) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Tea Tree Oil?
i) Tea tree oil alone has potent antimicrobial properties, hence, we recommend diluting it in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil before applying it to the affected area.
Warning: Do not use essential oils without any carrier oil as it may cause an adverse reaction on the skin.
ii) Soak a cotton ball in this diluted mixture and place it gently on the affected area for a few minutes.
iii) Repeat this procedure 4-3 times a day for a couple of days until you see visible improvement in your fungal infection.
iv) You can continue this treatment for a few more days even after your fungal infection has healed to ensure that the harmful fungal cells are killed.
2.2) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used as an excellent home remedy to treat fungal infections. It is blessed with antibacterial properties, anti inflammatory properties and is soothing and calming in nature.
Aloe can work effectively on both fungal infections as well as yeast infections. It can calm down the inflammation, itchiness, and discomfort caused by the skin fungus. Studies have shown the endless list of benefits that this wonder plant has blessed us with!
ii) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Aloe Vera?
i) Start with cutting a few thick leaves of the aloe vera plant.
ii) Wash and dry the leaves and trim the prickly edges of the aloe vera plant with a knife.
iii) Separate the interior aloe gel from the leaf and allow the yellow sap to drain out from the leaf.
iv) Scrape out the gel with the help of a knife and collect the gel in a container.
v) Apply the gel directly on the affected area thrice a day.
vi) For better results, continue this treatment for two to three weeks.
vii) Consumption of aloe juice has proven to reduce yeast growth in our bodies. However, don’t drink too much of it, as it can cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body.
viii) Drinking 1-2 caps of aloe juice every other day or once in two days is enough to keep the fungal infections at bay.
Check out: How to Make Aloe Vera Juice in 2 Ways
2.3) Raw Garlic Paste
Garlic is one of the most potent antimicrobial herbs with potent antifungal properties. Studies have shown that garlic paste can slow down the growth of various candida species primarily responsible for yeast infections.
Applying garlic topically has shown visible improvement in the conditions of fungal skin infections, and oral consumption of garlic has also proven to have positive biological effects on your immune system. In-vitro lab results have also concluded that garlic indeed has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties in it
iii) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Raw Garlic Paste?
i) Chop up garlic cloves and crush them to make them into a paste.
ii) Adding olive oil to the paste makes it denser.
iii) Apply the garlic paste to the infected area for about half an hour.
iv) If there is any stinging, tingling, or burning sensation because of this paste, then rinse it off immediately.
2.4) Neem Leaves
Neem leaf, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is naturally antifungal and has been used for ages to cure fungal skin infections, etc.
It is one of the best home remedies with natural healing properties and is suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive skin. Neem leaves paste is also beneficial for treating yeast infection. Age-old grandma recipes suggest having a neem leaf water bath to soothe and treat chicken pox.
iv) How to Cure Fungal Infection on the Skin Naturally using Neem Leaves?
i) Boil a handful of neem leaves in water for about 2-3 minutes.
ii) Strain the neem water and store it in a container.
iii) Grind the leaves in a grinder and make a thick paste.
iv) Apply a thick layer of the paste on the affected area and leave it on for about half an hour.
v) Then wash the infected area with neem water.
2.5) Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is filled with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties. This essential oil helps in treating a variety of fungal infections as well as skin infections. It is also a pain relief oil, a stomach problem aid, and a popular essential oil for relaxation and massage.
v) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Lemongrass Oil?
i) Dilute a few drops of this essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil.
ii) Soak a cotton ball in this diluted mixture and place it gently on the affected area for a few minutes.
iii) You can gently massage the diluted oil onto the affected area.
iv) Continue this treatment for several weeks to see positive results.
2.6) Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has high levels of thymol2 present in it, making it perfect for treating fungal infections. High levels of thymol and carvacrol in oregano destroy fungal infections. It is not advisable to consume the oil, as it is very potent and therefore harmful to our internal tissues and organs, but one can consume wild oregano herb. Studies have also highlighted the cancer-preventative properties of wild oregano herbs.
vi) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Oregano Oil?
i) Dilute 2-3 drops in a carrier oil, like coconut oil
ii) Gently massage this oil on the affected skin area every night.
iii) Leave it overnight and wash it off the next day.
iv) You can also dilute this oil in warm water and have a bath.
v) For better results, continue this treatment for 2-3 weeks.
2.7) Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts our body’s immune system and helps to fight off candida infection. Consuming foods that are rich in vitamin c will boost the immune system, which in turn will help you in treating fungal infections faster.
With the advancement in science, topical ointments and serums with vit c are now available in the market.
vii) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Vitamin C?
i) Include vit c rich foods in your diet, like lemon, oranges, kiwi, pineapple, Indian gooseberry, etc.
ii) Squeeze half a lemon and mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
iii) Lemon is highly acidic in nature; hence, mixing it with honey will reduce the acidity of the lemon and will be safe to use on the skin.
iv) Apply the lemon + honey paste on the affected area and leave it for some time.
Warning: If you are experiencing a burning sensation for a persistent period, wash off the paste immediately.
v) You can also use store-bought ascorbic acid serums or ointments on the fungal infection.
2.8) Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an extremely effective, traditionally used, and popular home remedy to treat fungal infections. It has both anti-microbial and antifungal properties. It effectively kills the candida Albicans strain, whose overgrowth leads to yeast infection.
In coconut oil, the three different types of fatty acids- caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid- moisturizes scaly skin, subside irritation, and eradicate fungal infections.
viii) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Coconut Oil?
i) Massage a few drops of coconut oil on the infected area 3 to 4 times a day.
ii) Combining coconut oil with other antifungal additives will boost its effectiveness.
2.9) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antiseptic compounds3 capable of killing candida species. Laboratory research has scientifically proven that apple cider vinegar inhibits the growth of skin fungus. Apart from helping treat fungal skin infections, apple cider vinegar has various health benefits, such as reducing hunger, flushing toxins out of your system, boosting weight loss, etc.
ix) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally Using Apple Cider Vinegar?
i) Undiluted consumption of 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water boosts immunity.
ii) Apple cider vinegar bath is also effective in soothing and fighting yeast infections.
iii) Soaking feet in a diluted apple cider vinegar tub helps prevent ringworm and athlete’s foot.
iv) Soaking a clean cloth in a diluted apple cider vinegar solution and then wrapping the cloth over the affected area helps treat fungal infections.
v) You can continue consuming apple cider vinegar even after your fungal infection has healed to ensure good health and a better immune system.
2.10) Hydrogen Peroxide
Warning: For external use only.
Sounds like a dangerous chemical, but hydrogen peroxide is an effective antiseptic home remedy for killing yeast and fungus.
It is a colorless liquid solution that effectively kills the fungus that grows on toenails and prevents several fungal infections.
x) How to Cure Fungal Infection on Skin Naturally using Hydrogen Peroxide?
i) Mixing 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide in 8 cups of warm water and soaking hands and feet in it for 20-30 minutes has shown great improvement in the conditions of fungal infection.
ii) Applying diluted solution with a clean cloth on the infected area eradicates fungal infection.
iii) Continue using this treatment for several weeks to get the most benefit out of it.
Many fungal infections can be treated with the help of home remedies, and the home remedies mentioned above are common and effective. However, every person’s body responds differently to every ingredient. Hence, it is advisable to do a patch test before proceeding with any of the remedies mentioned above.
Remember to be patient while using these home remedies and remember that the fungal infection’s healing time depends upon your body’s severity and response rate to the treatment.
If your fungal infection doesn’t go away or if you don’t respond to these treatments within a week or two, then it is advisable to visit your doctor immediately to avoid any further spreading of your infections.
Prevention is always better than cure, so we advise you to maintain good hygiene, including prebiotic and probiotics food items in your diet, wear clean clothes, use soap and water to wash moist and sweaty areas of your body, use a tissue to wipe the moistness in your private areas.
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- Gupta, Aditya K., et al. “Fungal skin infections.” Pediatrics in Review 38.1 (2017): 8-22. ↩︎
- Lambert, R. J. W., et al. “A study of the minimum inhibitory concentration and mode of action of oregano essential oil, thymol and carvacrol.” Journal of applied microbiology 91.3 (2001): 453-462. ↩︎
- Reginato, Cássia Franco, et al. “Antifungal activity of synthetic antiseptics and natural compounds against Candida dubliniensis before and after in vitro fluconazole exposure.” Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 50 (2017): 75-79. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi