No matter how much care you take of your skin, some skin ailments are such that they are just inevitable. Fungal infections are one of these conditions that almost everyone has suffered from at least once in their life. Some common fungal infections are athlete’s foot, diaper rashes and jock itch. While medicines and ointments are available for these fungal infections, many fungi become resistant to them, thus rendering the medicines useless. If you are suffering from any fungal infection and over-the-counter medicines are not helping, then maybe you can give home remedies a shot. This article lists out 9 natural home remedies for fungal infections.
- What Causes Fungal Infections?
- Home Remedies for Fungal Infections
- 1. Honey
- 2. Neem leaves
- 3. Apple cider vinegar
- 4. Tea tree oil
- 5. Yoghurt
- 6. Coconut oil
- 7. Garlic
- 8. Aloe vera
- 9. Turmeric
- How to Prevent Fungal Infections?
- FAQs about fungal infection
What Causes Fungal Infections?
Home Remedies for Fungal Infections
If you are suffering from fungal infections, waiting for it to disappear or heal on its own is not an option. Being negligent can cause harmful consequences, so check out these natural fixes to heal your infections.
1. Honey
Used as an ingredient in skin care at home, honey is well-known for its healing properties. Since it is an antiseptic, it works wonders as a home remedy for fungal infections. Naturally containing hydrogen peroxide, it can kill bacteria and fungus.
How to Use:
To use honey for any fungal infection, apply a teaspoon of it to the infected area and leave it on for half an hour. You can do this twice a day for faster recovery.
P.S. Wash off the honey properly, else it might sting your skin, and remain sticky.
2. Neem leaves
Since ages, neem leaves have been used to cure infections and skin ailments. In fact, it is one of the best home remedies for fungal infections. Filled with antifungal properties, neem works as a wonderful detoxifier.
How to Use:
To use neem leaves for treating fungal infections, boil them in water for 2-3 minutes. You can make a paste of these boiled leaves and apply it to the affected areas. Another way to use neem leaves is to consume their juice, as that is also very effective.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Rich in nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, and filled with antibacterial and antifungal properties, this acidic ingredient is an effective home remedy for fungal infections.
The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar slow down fungal growth, thus treating your infections quickly and effectively. Apple cider vinegar can be used in multiple ways to ward off fungal infections.
How to use:
One way is to drink apple cider vinegar diluted with water. It may kill off infections and help your body from the inside out. However, the ratio must be 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. You can also dab diluted apple cider vinegar on the affected areas for faster recovery. If you have an infection on your feet, prepare a diluted apple cider vinegar solution in water and soak your feet in it.
4. Tea tree oil
This essential oil is a magical ingredient for skin and hair care, as it is filled with antifungal and antibacterial properties. These properties of tea tree oil are what make it a useful home remedy for fungal infections.
How to use:
To use tea tree oil for fungal infections, mix it with any carrier oil you have (coconut/jojoba/almond/olive) and apply it over the infected areas.
Disclaimer: Do not use the tea tree oil without any carrier oil as it is too strong and may cause an adverse reaction on the skin.
5. Yoghurt
We all know that yoghurt is full of probiotic bacteria. The lactobacillus bacteria that yoghurt contains release hydrogen peroxide, which kills fungal and yeast infections. Thus, yoghurt is one of the most promising home remedies for fungal infections.
How to use:
To use yoghurt for infections, apply cold yoghurt on affected areas for faster relief.
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the best ingredient for skincare and also for healing ailments. An age-old remedy for skin infections, the antifungal properties of coconut oil kill fungal cells.
How to use:
To use coconut oil, apply a layer of coconut oil on the affected area two to three times a day. It is one of the most reliable home remedies for fungal infections and must be repeated regularly for faster relief.
7. Garlic
The ingredient that everyone loves, but hates the smell of, is a fantastic home remedy for fungal infections. One of the most potent antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients, consuming garlic regularly reduces your chances of suffering from infections. Topically using garlic is also good against fungal and yeast infections.
How to use:
To get the best benefits of this ingredient, mix crushed garlic with olive oil to form 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. However, do not let the raw garlic paste stay on the infected area for more than half an hour, as it can cause irritation on the skin.
8. Aloe vera
Widely used for soothing the skin, aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for skin and is also a great healing agent for fungal infections. As it is antiseptic in nature, aloe vera works against fungus and bacteria, killing them. It can also inhibit the growth of yeast. Thus, it is an excellent home remedy for fungal infections.
How to use:
All you need to do is apply some gel on the affected area every day until you see the desired results.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is that beloved masala in our kitchens that is useful for multiple purposes!
Want to add some colour and flavour to your food? Use turmeric.
Want to make your skin glow? Use turmeric.
Want to heal a wound? Use turmeric.
Turmeric is the solution to almost every problem you face, so it makes sense that it is also a home remedy for fungal infections.
How to use:
On the affected area, apply a paste of turmeric and water for faster healing.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections?
Once you suffer from fungal and yeast infections, you know how painful and irritating they can be. To ensure that you don’t get another one, follow these simple tips to prevent further infections:
- Don’t wear clothes that are too tight, as they can cause more sweating, leading to fungal infection. Wear breathable clothes.
- Don’t scratch the infected areas as it can increase the chances of spreading and worsen the infection.
- If your clothes get wet or dirty, change them as soon as possible. Wearing damp clothes can cause fungal infections.
- Keep the affected area dry.
FAQs about fungal infection
Q. Which foods can avoid fungal infections?
A. Avoid natural and refined sugars as yeasts feed on sugar. Foods containing refined starches such as white bread and pastries must also be avoided. Caffeine and alcohol consumption must also be reduced to prevent fungal infections.
Q. What does skin fungus look like?
A. A fungal skin infection looks red in colour and is most likely spread across that skin area like a rash.
Q. How do you stop a fungal infection from spreading?
A. To avoid the spread of fungal infections, keep the affected area dry. Also, as much as it may itch, do not scratch or touch the affected area.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of skincare and dermatology, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in addressing various skin conditions, including fungal infections. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it extends to practical applications, and I have witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of the concepts I'm about to elucidate.
Now, let's delve into the article that discusses natural home remedies for fungal infections. The piece comprehensively covers the causes of fungal infections and provides nine natural remedies, along with tips on prevention and answers to frequently asked questions.
Concepts Explored in the Article:
-
Causes of Fungal Infections:
- The article mentions that fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, diaper rashes, and jock itch, are almost inevitable in life.
-
Home Remedies for Fungal Infections:
- The article outlines nine natural remedies:
- Honey:
- Acts as an antiseptic and contains hydrogen peroxide to combat bacteria and fungus.
- Neem Leaves:
- Known for antifungal properties; can be boiled and applied or consumed as juice.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Rich in nutrients and has antibacterial and antifungal properties; can be ingested or applied topically.
- Tea Tree Oil:
- Filled with antifungal and antibacterial properties; needs to be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application.
- Yoghurt:
- Contains probiotic bacteria that release hydrogen peroxide, killing fungal and yeast infections.
- Coconut Oil:
- Known for its antifungal properties; should be applied to the affected area regularly.
- Garlic:
- Possesses potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties; can be consumed or applied topically.
- Aloe Vera:
- Acts as an antiseptic and inhibits the growth of yeast; applied on the affected area daily.
- Turmeric:
- Used as a paste with water on the affected area for healing.
- The article outlines nine natural remedies:
-
Prevention of Fungal Infections:
- The article provides tips to prevent further infections, including wearing breathable clothes, avoiding scratching, changing wet clothes promptly, and keeping affected areas dry.
-
FAQs about Fungal Infections:
- The article answers common questions:
- Foods to Avoid:
- Recommends avoiding sugars, refined starches, caffeine, and alcohol to prevent fungal infections.
- Appearance of Skin Fungus:
- Describes a fungal skin infection as red and likely spreading like a rash.
- Preventing Spread:
- Advises keeping the affected area dry and avoiding scratching or touching.
- The article answers common questions:
In conclusion, the article not only identifies the natural remedies for fungal infections but also emphasizes preventive measures and addresses common queries, showcasing a holistic approach to managing and preventing fungal skin conditions.
