Natural Cures for Fungal Skin Infections

Fungi are plantlike organisms that like to grow in dim, dank places and feed off dead tissues. Think of mushrooms on the forest floor. Then again, maybe you’d rather not, because fungi can also grow on our bodies and live off the dead tissue of hair, nails, and skin.
You might be host to the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, ringworm, ringworm of the scalp, or jock itch. The rashes that these fungi produce are itchy and mildly contagious. Most can be handled with over-the-counter or herbal remedies. Call your doctor if you’re not sure whether your rash is fungal, if home treatments fail to relieve it in two to four weeks, or if the rash is severe or becomes infected with bacteria (if this happens, you’ll see increased redness and yellow discharge). Also see your doctor for fungal infections of the scalp or nails, because these infections can be difficult to treat. In the case of progressive scalp infections, they can produce scarring and permanent hair loss.

Herbal Remedies

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

This potent antifungal oil can kill several types of organisms. In a study of people with toenail fungus ( which is extremely hard to get rid of), 1oo percent tea tree oil performed as well as a 1 percent solution of clotrimazole. Typical dosage: apply undiluted oil to clean, dry feet or ringworm lesions two or three times per day. Continue for 7 to 10 days after fungal rash clears. Caution: Some people find tea tree oil mildly irritating. If you do, dilute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil. If you experience an allergic reaction to the diluted product, discontinue use. Do not take tea tree oil internally.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This herb can kill many microbes, including the fungi that infect the skin. Because straight garlic can irritate skin, dilute it in olive oil. Mash of blend a clove with 1 or 2 teaspoons of olive oil and apply this paste to the skin. Remove after an hour. You can also make a garlic-infused oil by adding 4 crushed cloves to a jar containing 1/4 cup of olive oil. Let stand at room temperature for three days, strain, and store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Apply the oil to the skin two to three times a day. For persistent infections and scalp ringworm, you might also want to take garlic internally. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 raw, minced garlic cloves mixed into food, or three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day (look for a daily dose of 4,000 to 5,000 micrograms of the active ingredient allicin per day).

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This extract is made from the seed, pulp, and inner rind of grapefruit. Studies show the extract fights several types of fungi, including those that infect the skin. You can apply the liquid concentrate to the skin three times a day until the infection clears, then two times a day for another week.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

These two common spices are antifungal, according to the German Commission E, that country’s version of the Food and Drug Administration. Studies show that both herbs inhibit fungi that commonly infect the skin. An easy way to use them is to dab the diluted essential oil of either plant on the rash three times a day. Or apply a diluted blend or geranium, cinnamon, clove, and tea tree essential oils. To dilute the oils, mix 1/8 teaspoon of essential oil with 1 1/4 teaspoons of a neutral vegetable oil, such as almond, olive, or sesame. Caution: Try a patch test of these oils first, applying the diluted blend to a very small area of skin unaffected by the rash. If irritation occurs, do not use. Do not take these essential oils internally.

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium spp.)

This flower oil is both antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Its anti-inflammatory properties relieve itching. Adults can use this oil undiluted. Apply two or three times per day; continue for several days after the rash clears. Caution: Do not take essential oils internally.

An Ounce of Fungus Prevention

If you’re prone to fungal infection, here are a few strategies for keeping them away.
* Keep skin clean and dry.
* Because fungal infections can spread, don’t share combs, brushes, hats, towels, clothes, or shoes with
others.
* To reduce the risk of getting athlete’s foot, have a spare pair of socks handy and change into them if your
feet become sweaty. Better yet, wear sandals.
* Disinfect shower stalls and tubs frequently.
* To prevent jock itch, change into dry clothes after exercising; choose loose clothing that improves air circulation and wear fabrics that breathe or that wick away perspiration.

Cure From the Cupboard

Vinegar is a simple antifungal treatment. Apply plain white, distilled, or apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball or clean cloth, or soak the affected area in vinegar for two minutes. Do this two times a day until itching is gone and continue for one week afterward.