11 Home Remedies For Fungal Skin Infections & Prevention Tips

It is important to try various medicinal techniques, both internal and external, to get rid of fungal skin infections. Research states that over a billion people usually suffer from hair, skin, or even nail infections caused by fungus or other bacteria. In addition, over 1.5 million people worldwide encounter a serious fungal issue accelerated by diseases like aids, tuberculosis, or any form of cancer (1).

Many make the mistake of ignoring the initial signs of white marks on their body as it causes no itch or pain in the beginning. Unfortunately, it only increases and flares after a while and causes extremely painful encounters in the long run. Consult your doctor for anti-fungal creams or oral medication, depending on the severity of the situation. In case of a mild infection, you can resort to some natural and organic ingredients to help cure them. The article explores how to cure fungal infection on the skin naturally. Keep scrolling to learn more about these remedies!

What Is A Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection or mycosis is a common infection of the skin that is a result of a fungus invading an area of your body.

Your immune system will try to ward off this infection initially, but when it becomes too much for the immune system to handle, it results in a fungal infection.

Fungi can survive anywhere – be it the air, soil, or water. Certain fungi also survive naturally in the human body. Like many microbes living in your body, there are both good and bad fungi living in there. While some of them may be beneficial, others can turn out to be harmful.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that more than 75,000 hospitalizations and 9 million outpatient visits are documented every year. It was further estimated that 23,000 cases of invasive candidiasis took place in 2017 and the number of fungal disease deaths was recorded at 7199 in 2021.

There are different types of fungal infections, and the symptoms of each type may vary.

Types And Symptoms Of Fungal Infections

The common types of fungal infections are as follows:

• Athlete’s Foot: It is also commonly referred to as tinea pedis, and it often affects the foot. Such fungal infections are quite common in athletes as the fungi can thrive perfectly in warm and moist environments like the socks and shoes worn by them. The symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
  • Blistering
  • Redness
  • Softened skin
  • Peeling of skin layers
  • Scaly skin
  • Itching, stinging, or a burning sensation

• Yeast Infection: Pityriasis versicolor is a common yeast infection that causes small, flaky discolored patches on your chest and back. It is triggered by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. Candida may also cause a fungal infection in the mouth, called thrush. This infection leads to creamy white lesions on your inner cheeks or tongue. Vaginal yeast infection is another common type of fungal infection caused by candida albicans. A Candida overgrowth often disrupts the balance of the vaginal flora. It is also capable of causing toenail infections and diaper rashes. The symptoms associated with a yeast infection include:
  • Swelling and/or itching around the vagina
  • A burning sensation or pain while urinating or during intercourse
  • Redness/soreness around the vagina
  • An unusual vaginal discharge
• Jock Itch: This condition is medically known as tinea cruris. Since fungi love moist and warm areas, they can easily affect certain areas of your body like the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. This type of infection is more common in summer and warm/humid parts of the world. Its symptoms include:
  • Redness
  • An itching or burning sensation
  • Chafing of the skin in the affected area
  • A red rash with raised edges
  • Peeling or cracking of the skin

• Ringworm: It is also referred to as tinea corporis. This type of fungal infection is triggered by fungi that thrive on dead tissues like nails (onychomycosis), hair, and dead skin. These fungi are also known to cause jock itch and athlete’s foot. However, if the infection occurs anywhere else on your body, it is referred to as a ringworm. The symptoms associated with it are:
  • A red, scaly, and ring-shaped patch with raised edges
  • Fissures
  • Skin darkening
  • Blistering

• Histoplasmosis: This fungal infection is caused by breathing in spores of fungus often found in bat and bird droppings. It is triggered by the fungus Histoplasma. This fungus thrives in soil that contains large amounts of bat or bird droppings. They are most commonly found in Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. The symptoms associated with it are:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Muscle aches
  • Chest discomfort

• • Eczema Fungal Infection: This is also known as eczema mycoticum, which occurs when a person with eczema develops a secondary fungal infection on their skin. This complication can exacerbate eczema symptoms and pose additional challenges for treatment. The symptoms associated with it are:

• • • Increased itching
    • Redness and swelling
    • Burning sensation
    • Oozing and crusting
    • Worsened rash
    • Foul odor

Additionally, individuals with an eczema fungal infection may experience pain and discomfort due to the symptoms mentioned. Scratching the intensely itchy areas may lead to further skin damage, potentially causing open sores and increasing the risk of bacterial superinfection. The presence of a fungal infection may also complicate the management of underlying eczema, demanding specialized treatment to address both conditions simultaneously.

Quick Tip

Some fungal infections, like Aspergillosis and invasive candidiasisⁱ  A life-threatening yeast infection that can spread through the bloodstream to internal organs, such as the heart and brain. , have been noticed to occur alongside Covid-19 and complicate the condition.

Some uncommon fungal infections include:

Blastomycosis: It is a rare fungal infection caused due to breathing in the spores of the fungi Blastomyces. It is a lung infection that can spread to the brain, skin, intestine, and stomach.

Sporotrichosis: It is also known as Rose Gardener’s disease. This infection occurs when an area of skin that is cut or scraped comes in contact with soil or plant matter in which the fungus Sporothrix lives.

Cryptococcosis: This fungal infection is caused by breathing in the microscopic fungus, Cryptococcus. It mainly affects the lungs or central nervous system, but can affect other parts of the body as well. This infection is not common in healthy individuals but occurs in people who have a weakened immune system, especially people with HIV/AIDS.

Mucormycosis: It is also known as black fungus. This is a rare dangerous fungal infection caused when you inhale mold spores of mucormycetes or come in contact with them in soil, rotting bread, or compost. It usually affects the lungs, sinuses, skin, and brain.

Let us now look into the causes of a fungal infection.

Causes And Risk Factors For A Fungal Infection

As we have already mentioned, fungal infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candida or Malassezia furfur) or by dermatophytesⁱ  Fungi that spread through contact with people, animals, and soil. They need keratin for growth and can cause skin, hair, and nail infections. like Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. An infection begins when the fungal spores touch certain areas of your skin or if the fungus is inhaled.

Some factors can also put you at an increased risk of developing a fungal infection. They are as follows:

• • • A weakened immune system
    • A genetic predisposition to fungal infections
    • Being in a profession that causes you to sweat a lot (e.g., an athlete)
    • Close contact with an affected individual
    • Obesity – Obese people tend to have more skin folds, which are perfect spots for a fungal infection.

As you can see, many factors could contribute to the onset of a fungal infection in an individual. Antifungal topical formulations are one of the most sought-after ways to combat such an infection. There are also a number of home remedies that may help in the treatment of mild to moderate cases of fungal infection. They are as follows.

Home Remedies To Treat A Fungal Infection

1. Coconut Oil

You Will Need

1-2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Apply coconut oil to the affected area. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes
    2. Rinse it off.
    3. You may also leave it on and allow it to dry on its own.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Coconut oil is antifungal and can help treat fungal infections, especially the ones caused by Candida (2).

2. Garlic

You Will Need

• • • 2-3 garlic cloves
    • 2-3 teaspoons of organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Mince two to three garlic cloves.
    2. Add the minced garlic to a few teaspoons of organic coconut oil.
    3. Heat the mixture over low flame for 4-5 minutes.
    4. Allow the mixture to cool and strain the oil.
    5. Apply the oil to the affected area.
    6. Leave it on for at least 30-40 minutes before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Garlic contains ajoene, an organosulfur compound that exhibits antifungal properties (3).

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• • • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
    • ½ cup of water
    • Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of water.
    2. Mix well and dip a cotton ball into the mixture.
    3. Apply the soaked cotton ball to the affected area.
    4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is effective in eliminating a wide range of microbes, including fungi, due to its antifungal nature. A study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics found ACV to be effective against Candida (4).

4. Cranberry Juice

You Will Need

500 mL of cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Consume 500 mL of cranberry juice daily until the symptoms clear away.

How Often You Should Do This

You may drink this juice once daily.

Why This Works

Cranberry juice is fungistatic. According to a study published in the journal Applied Microbiology, cranberry juice is effective against eight species of dermatophytes (5).

5. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

Freshly extracted aloe gel

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Take some freshly extracted aloe gel and apply it to the affected area.
    2. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily.

Why This Works

The fresh leaves extract of aloe vera possesses antifungal properties. A study published in Mycoses journal shows that aloe vera reduces the growth of Candida, a common fungal species (6).

6. Baking Soda

You Will Need

• • • ½ cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
    • Water

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Add half a cup of baking soda to a basin or bucket filled with water.
    2. Allow the baking soda to dissolve completely.
    3. Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
    4. Alternatively, you can also soak a clean washcloth in the solution and apply it to any of the affected areas.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

While the mechanism of its action is yet to be explored, a study published in the journal Mycopathologia found that baking soda exhibited antifungal properties (7).

7. Epsom Salt Bath

You Will Need

• • • 1 cup of Epsom salt
    • Water

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Add a cup of Epsom salt to a tub filled with water.
    2. Allow it to dissolve completely and soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once every alternate day until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Why This Works

Epsom salt contains magnesium. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties and is thus a great remedy to alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of a fungal infection (8).

8. Guava Leaves

You Will Need

• • • A handful of guava leaves
    • Water

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Take a handful of guava leaves and place them in a saucepan filled with water.
    2. Allow it to boil for 15-20 minutes.
    3. Let the mixture cool. Strain it.
    4. Use this solution as a soak, bath rinse, or wash for the affected areas.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily.

Why This Works

Guava leaves help inhibit fungal growth and may improve the functions of other antifungal formulations (9).

9. Ginger

You Will Need

• • • 1-2 inches of sliced ginger
    • A cup of water
    • Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Add the sliced ginger to a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan.
    2. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
    3. Allow the mixture to cool.
    4. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the affected areas.
    5. You can also drink ginger tea for additional benefits.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Ginger possesses antifungal

and fungistatic properties that may help in preventing the formation of fungi biofilmⁱ  Clusters of attached cells formed during infection, making them hard to treat with antifungals and the body's defenses. (10). These properties may also help in getting rid of fungal skin infections.

10. Neem Leaves

You Will Need

• • • A handful of neem leaves
    • Water

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Take a handful of neem leaves and put them in a saucepan filled with water.
    2. Bring the leaves to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
    3. Allow the mixture to cool and strain.
    4. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the affected areas.
    5. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Neem leaves

are rich in polyphenolic flavonoidsⁱ  An antioxidant compound found in plant foods, used in traditional medicine, and may protect against aging-related diseases and cancer. that exhibit antifungal properties (11). Hence, they may help get rid of fungal infections.

11. Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

• • • 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
    • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

What You Have To Do

• • 1. Add two to three drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil.
    2. Mix well and apply it to the affected area.
    3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil exerts antifungal action (12). This may help you deal with fungal infections.

Trivia

In the early 1840s, David Gruby, a Hungarian microscopist based in Paris, was the first to report that fungi can cause human diseases.

How To Prevent A Fungal Skin Infection

• • • Wear breathable cotton underwear.
    • Follow a good personal hygiene regimen.
    • Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.
    • Keep the folds and corners of your skin clean and dry.
    • Avoid vaginal douching.
    • Avoid using perfumed soap and scented tampons.
    • Manage your stress levels.
    • Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothes with others.
    • Change out of damp clothing, including swimwear and workout gear, as soon as possible.
    • Use antifungal powders or sprays if you are prone to infections, especially in humid environments.

In some cases, a fungal infection may be mistaken for psoriasis or bacterial infection. To be able to differentiate a fungal infection from them, you should be aware of the major differences between the three conditions.

Fungal Infection Vs. Psoriasis Vs. Bacterial Infection

The main differences between a fungal infection, psoriasis, and bacterial infection are as follows.

Fungal Infection

• It is caused by fungal spores like Candida.
• It may cause symptoms of itching, redness, peeling, and scaling.
• It is categorized into different types depending on the body part it affects.

Psoriasis

• • • It is a chronic condition that is triggered by an overactive immune system.
    • It causes cells to build up on your skin’s surface, thereby resulting in symptoms like red patches, scales, itching, burning, and swelling of your skin.
    • It can be categorized into different types.

Bacterial Infection

• • • It is triggered by different bacterial species.
    • It can cause varying symptoms like cough, fever, nausea, sneezing, cold, and so on.
    • Bacterial skin infections cause symptoms like rashes, blistering, redness, pain, tenderness, and itchiness.
    • It is classified into different types, depending on the symptoms exhibited and the type of bacteria triggering it.

If you are unsure, it is best to consult a doctor.

Learn about skin fungal infections and how to treat them. Watch this video for tips on prevention and relief from the discomfort they cause.

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies For Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infections are quite common and easy to treat. You can opt for antifungal medication or creams to help manage and treat such infections.In addition, you can try out some home remedies that may help manage the condition. Check out the infographic below for more information.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Hope you found this article informative. Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments box below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kills fungus on the skin?

Any of the remedies discussed above can help in getting rid of fungus on the skin. Antifungal ointments are also effective in treating fungal skin infections.

How long does it take for a fungal skin infection to clear up?

While a superficial fungal infection may heal in a few days or months, a deep tissue infection may take up to two years.

What should you not eat with a fungal infection?

If you have a fungal infection, avoid sugar, white flour, glutenous foods, fermented drinks like alcohol, and certain dairy products like whole milk as they may aggravate the condition. Instead, you can start consuming more of antifungal foods like herbal teas and probiotics like yogurt.

What is the strongest over-the-counter antifungal medication?

Some of the most popular over-the-counter antifungal medications include butenafine hydrochloride, clotrimazole, miconazole nitrate, terbinafine hydrochloride, and tolnaftate.

How to test for a fungal sinus infection?

The common diagnostic tests for fungal sinusitis include total immunoglobulin E test, immunologic testing for allergens, and non-specific allergy testing.

Can I get a fungal infection from not washing my bath?

Bathrooms are the ideal place for fungi to grow as they are both warm and moist. Those susceptible to diseases are thus quite likely to catch a fungal infection from a dirty bath.

When to see a doctor for a fungal infection?

While most mild infections can be treated with the above home remedies for fungal infections and any of the over-the-counter medications, some symptoms may be quite severe and may not show any improvement despite treatment. In such instances, it is best to avail of medical treatment immediately.

Which type of fungal infection is the most serious?

Invasive aspergillosisⁱ  Mold-related infection that causes wheezing, chest pain, and fever, especially in those with weakened immunity or lung problems. is a fungal infection that is reported to have high fatality rates. It commonly attacks the lungs and can even spread to other body parts (13).

• 1. “Global and Multi-National Prevalence of Fungal Diseases—Estimate Precision” Journal of Fungi, US National Library Of Medicine.
  2. “In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria.” Journal of Medicinal Food, US National Library Of Medicine.
  3. “Antifungal activity of ajoene derived from garlic.” Applied And Environmental Microbiology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  4. “Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis.” Journal of Prosthodontics, US National Library Of Medicine.
  5. “Antifungal Properties of Cranberry Juice” Applied Microbiology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  6. “Aloe vera extract reduces both growth and germ tube formation by Candida albicans.” Mycoses, this US National Library Of Medicine.
  7. “Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections.” You must Mycopathologia, US National Library Of Medicine.
  8. “Magnesium Decreases Inflammatory Cytokine Production: A Novel Innate Immunomodulatory Mechanism” Journal Of Immunology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  9. “Analysis by UPLC-MS-QTOF and antifungal activity of guava (Psidium guajava L.)” Food and Chemical Toxicology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  10. “Survey of the Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Effects of Zingiber officinale (in Vitro Study).” Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  11. “Antifungal activity of different neem leaf extracts and the nimonol against some important human pathogens” Brazilian Journal Of Microbiology, US National Library Of Medicine.
  12. “Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, US National Library Of Medicine.
  13. “Emerging Fungal Infections: New Patients, New Patterns, and New Pathogens”, MDPI.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Kohei IguchiBNatMed

 

Kohei Iguchi is a naturopath, medical herbalist, and dark-field microscopist with 18 years of experience. He has also presented numerous talks and seminars to the public and other practitioners over the years. He carries a personal experience of falling chronically ill.

Read full bio of Kohei Iguchi

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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