In This Article
Are you suffering from skin fungus infection? Are you searching for the natural remedies to get rid of it? You are in the right place. Skin fungus is an infection, which is caused when fungal pathogens breed in warm or moist environments. Fungus often grows in socks, shoes, showers, and public places such as gyms, swimming pools. Infections can appear on hands, thighs, feet or indeed on the neck and face. Some prescription and OTC medications are available for dealing with skin fungus infection, but you can quickly treat mild to moderate cases with a variety of natural home remedies. Keep reading on Effective Remedies to discover a few of the most effective home remedies for skin fungus infection on hands, feet, and other parts of the body.
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25 Effective Home Remedies For Skin Fungus Infection On Hands & Feet
I. Types Of Fungal Infections
Below we list out some of the common types of fungal infections:
- Ringworm: Ringworm is caused due to the skin fungus Tinea corporis. It’s spread due to direct contact with infected animals or people. Sharing wash towels, clothes, or even furniture can lead to infection. Plus, humidity, heat, and sweat can make the infection more likely. Its symptoms are scaly, rough and dry skin with round red marks. Sores filled with pus, swelling of lymph nodes, and fever can happen for serious infections.
- Tinea Versicolor: It is caused by Malassezia Globosa. Infection is common for people living in humid, hot environments. The skin fungus will cause white patches to appear anywhere on the body. When exposed to sunlight, the white patches turn red or pink. Other symptoms include scaling, itchiness, and flaking of skin.
- Jock Itch: It’s caused due to the skin fungus Tinea cruris. People with diabetes, obesity, and low immunity are most likely to the jock itch. It can be caused by rubbing of the skin, wearing tight clothes, excessive sweating, and candida. Jock itch will affect the genital area including the vaginal and anal region, the inner thighs, and buttocks. The fungal infection groin symptoms include red rashes, flaking skin, burning sensation, and itching around the genitals and thighs.
- Athlete’s Foot: The skin fungus Tinea pedis causes the athlete’s foot. A foot fungus infection can be contracted by wearing contaminated shoes or socks, sharing a towel, or walking in infected locker rooms, etc. Symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging on the soles of your feet.
- Intertrigo: Intertrigo is caused due to the skin fungus Candida albicans. It typically happens in the skin-fold areas such as, under armpits, beneath the breast, and between the buttocks. An air circulation deficiency and excessive friction and moisture between skin folds lead to infection. The symptoms of intertrigo are a reddish-brown or red rash, or itchy, raw, or oozing skin.
II. Most Effective Home Remedies For Skin Fungus Infection On Hands & Feet
The following remedies can help you fight against the traces of the fungal infections and offer you back the normal skin.
1. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Garlic
Why This Works
Garlic has been used in as a home remedy the Chinese medicine for centuries to deal with skin fungus According to a study, garlic can fight off candida and other types of fungal infections thanks to its allicin. Apart from that, it possesses antibacterial and antibiotic properties, which aid in the recovery process.
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Things You Need
- Garlic cloves – 2
- Olive oil – few drops
How To Do
Firstly, crush the cloves of garlic and next, add the olive oil to it to attain a paste. Start applying to your affected areas with this paste. Wash with lukewarm water after around 30 minutes and pat dry thoroughly. Try using this remedy twice every day for good results. Alternatively, take some garlic cloves and add them to your food to boost the healing process of any skin fungus infection. Also, take garlic supplements after consulting a doctor.
Side Effects Of Garlic
Garlic is thought to be likely safe when taken for short-term. Taking garlic may cause allergic reactions such as difficult breathing, hives, swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat.
2. Home Remedies For skin Fungus – Apple Cider Vinegar
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar comes with antimicrobial properties, which are perfect for killing the fungus contributing to the infection. Plus, it also comes with a compound named pectin that is beneficial for improving the gut bacteria and enhancing the immune system. Once your immune system gets better, the risks of getting skin fungus infection eventually decrease. In addition to this, thanks to its mild acidic nature, it can inhibit the infection from spreading and accelerate speedy recovery.
Things You Need
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – two tablespoons
- Warm water – a cup
How To Do
Dilute the ACV with the water and after that, apply the solution externally on your affected skin. Wait for roughly 30 minutes and once done, pat dry thoroughly with the support of a dryer or towel. Alternatively, you can mix the apple cider vinegar with warm water and have it two times daily. Follow this treatment until you battle the infection completely.
Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Consuming ACV is likely safe in food amounts. For most adults, it is also safe when used for medical purposes for short-term. Besides, ACV might lead to burning at the beginning. You should never use undiluted ACV if your skin is sensitive.
3. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Turmeric
Why This Works
Turmeric is a fantastic option for combating different types of infections. It’s a well-known natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and antifungal property. Apart from that, it contains healing agents that can boost quick recovery and inhibit the infection from reoccurring.
Process 1
Things You Need
- Juice of raw turmeric root
- Lukewarm water
How To Do
Take some juice of raw turmeric root and apply it to your affected skin area. Let it work for 2-3 hours before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Try this treatment twice every day until the infection clears.
Process 2
Things You Need
- Honey – one tablespoon
- Turmeric – one tablespoon
How To Do
Mix the honey with the turmeric thoroughly to create a paste. Then, use this resultant paste on your affected region. After 20 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. It’s advisable to do the process once daily.
Process 3
Things You Need
- Milk – 1 cup
- Turmeric – one teaspoon
- Honey
How To Do
Boil the turmeric and milk at first and later add some honey to it. Consume the liquid while it’s still warm. You should try using this treatment daily to strengthen your immunity and inhibit infection.
Side Effects Of Turmeric
Taking turmeric in high doses may lead to gastrointestinal problems, nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachaches.
4. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Tea Tree Oil
Why This Works
The strong anti-fungal agents housed in tea tree oil work effectively in killing a skin fungus infection. Plus, the antiseptic in it helps to prevent the infection from spreading to the parts of the body.
Process 1
Things You Need
- Pure tea tree oil
- Sweet almond oil or olive oil
How To Do
Just mix the above elements in equal quantities and apply it to your feet and hands. Rinse it off after a couple of minutes. You can apply it a few times a day for quick results.
Process 2
Things You Need
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera gel
How To Do
Prepare a mixture with a part of aloe vera gel and three parts of tea tree oil. Afterward, rub this mixture on your affected areas. After 10-15 minutes, you rinse the areas with water. Follow it twice every day.
Process 3
Things You Need
- Tea tree oil – few drops
- A tampon
How To Do
Pick up the prepared tea tree oil and place it on the tampon. Then, insert it into the vagina for 2-3 hours. Follow it twice every day.
Precautions
People with sensitive skin should avoid using tea tree oil, as it can irritate the skin. Pregnant women shouldn’t use this oil. Also, don’t take tea tree oil orally because it’s a topical medicine for fungal infections.
5. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Tea
Why This Works
Tea is flooded with the tannins that can destroy the fungi contributing to skin fungus infection. Along with that, it holds antibiotic and astringent characteristics so that it can alleviate the symptoms of a fungal infection of the skin such as the swelling, burning sensation, and skin irritation.
Process 1
Things You Need
- Tea bags
- Warm water
How To Do
Take some tea bags and soak them in enough warm water for ten minutes. Later remove the bags from the water and now store them for thirty minutes in the refrigerator. Afterward, use this cold tea bag on your hands or feet. You can repeat this home cure thrice every day until this infection clears up totally.
Process 2 (athlete’s foot or toenail fungus)
Things You Need
- Black tea bags – 5
- Boiling water – 4 cups
How To Do
Just steep the black tea bags in the boiling water for around 5 minutes. Let the water cool and after that, soak your affected foot in it for roughly 30 minutes. It’s best to use this home cure twice every day for 5-6 weeks.
Side Effects Of Tea
When applied to the skin, tea is possibly safe. But consuming an excessive amount of tea may cause dehydration.
6. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Coconut Oil
Why This Works
Coconut oil embraces medium-chain fatty acids, which are perfect for handling any type of skin fungus. These fatty acids additionally help to kill the fungi causing the infection since they work as natural fungicides.
Process 1
Things You Need
- Extra –virgin coconut oil
How To Do
Take a little coconut oil and gently rub it on your affected region. Let the oil dry on its own. You can redo it 2-3 times every day until this infection clears up.
Process 2
Things You Need
- Coconut oil
- Cinnamon oil
How To Do
Mix the cinnamon and coconut oil in equal amounts and start applying this mixture on your feet and hands. Try this treatment twice every day to manage the growth and development of the infection.
Process 3 (for vaginal infection treatment)
Things You Need
- Organic coconut oil
- A tampon
How To Do
Pick up some coconut oil and soak a tampon in it. Then, insert it into your vagina and wait for around two hours. Rinse the area carefully with lukewarm water after removing the tampon. Redo the process one time every day until the condition is gone.
Side Effects Of Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil may cause acne breakouts, diarrhea, allergies, and intestinal distress. Also, if used for a prolonged duration, it may cause severe heart problems.
7. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Olive Leaf
Why This Works
Olive leaf can work wonders in killing fungi due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It further helps in faster recovery by making the immune system strong owing to its amazing antioxidant. Moreover, it is ideal for stabilizing and reducing blood sugars to starve Candida.
Process 1
Things You Need
- Olive leaves
- Warm water
How To Do
Get several olive leaves and grind them to form a paste. Start applying it directly to your problem area. Rinse the area off with warm water after approximately 30 minutes and pat dry. For quick results, you should try following this remedy one or two times every day.
Process 2
Things You Need
- Crushed & dried olive leaves – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Boiling water – 1 cup
How To Do
Steel the olive leaves in the boiling water for 10-15 minutes to make the tea. Strain and drink 2-3 cups of olive leaf tea every day for faster recovery.
Side Effects Of Olive Leaf
People with diabetes should avoid using olive leaf because of its low blood sugar effects.
8. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Chamomile
Why This Works
Chamomile is a natural antifungal herb and home remedy for skin fungus. It exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiseptic agents, which are potent in getting rid of the skin fungus infection.
Things You Need
- Dried chamomile – two tablespoons
- Boiling water – three cups
How To Do
Take the dried chamomile at first and later add it in the boiling water. Then, strain the solution and consume it a few times per day. Also, you can include chamomile flowers in your bathtub daily.
Side Effects Of Chamomile
Chamomile tea may cause some side effects such as vomiting and nausea. Allergies related to aster and daisy plant family can show an allergy to chamomile.
9. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Aloe Vera
Why This Works
Aloe vera acts as a natural medicine for skin fungus infection. The anthraquinones present in aloe vera possess anti-fungal effects, which can help heal a fungal infection. It also prevents the further proliferation of bacteria and fungi due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It also allows your skin to calm down while helping it to cope with symptoms including burning, itching, and redness.
Things You Need
- Fresh aloe vera leaf – 1
- Warm water
How To Do
Pick up the leaf of aloe vera at first and next, extract the gel from it. You apply this gel directly to your affected areas. Let it act for 20 minutes before rinsing with sufficient warm water. Use this easy remedy thrice daily.
Side Effects Of Aloe Vera
Some people are allergic to aloe vera. This allergy is common in individuals who are allergic to plants belonged to the Liliaceae family such as lilies, garlic, onion, hyacinths, and tulips.
10. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Plain Yogurt
Why This Works
Plain yogurt comes with the probiotics that aid in controlling the growth of fungi. It additionally consists of a bacterium named Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can curb the growth of infections in the body.
Home remedies for skin fungus – process 1
Things You Need
- Plain yogurt
- A cotton ball
How To Do
Just soak the cotton ball in some plain yogurt and begin applying it to your affected parts. Use warm water to rinse the applied areas after 30 minutes and pat dry. It’s advised to follow this cure twice a day.
Home remedies for skin fungus – process 2
Things You Need
- A tampon
- Yogurt
How To Do
Simply immerse the tampon in a little yogurt and start inserting it into your vagina. After two hours, remove it. Redo it twice a day.
Side Effects Of Plain Yogurt
Yogurt is likely safe when applied to the skin.
11. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Hydrogen Peroxide
Why This Works
Are you looking for the best ways to get rid of fungi fast? Then hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic choice. Hydrogen peroxide can fight off disinfecting wounds, as it can destroy fungi and bacteria.
Things You Need
- Hydrogen peroxide – 1-gallon bottle
- Water – a large bowl
How To Do
Firstly, measure a cup of hydrogen peroxide and later get the 1-gallon bottle. Then, fill it with water and after that, pour the bottle of water and the cup of hydrogen peroxide into a large basin. Stir well and soak your affected areas in it for a minimum of 20 minutes. Follow it daily twice or thrice until the fungi disappear.
Precautions
Don’t use undiluted hydrogen peroxide on the skin rashes since it can irritate the skin even more. You should end the treatment if you feel too much itching or burning.
12. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Essential Oregano Oil
Why This Works
Oregano oil can lower the presence of skin fungi along with other types of microorganisms, as it contains anti-fungal properties. Combine this oil with some olive oil to enhance the calming effects.
Things You Need
- Oregano oil – one tablespoon
- Olive oil – one teaspoon
How To Do
Just combine the oregano oil and olive oil in a bowl. Then, apply the necessary amount of this combination to the affected regions. Try this method twice per day for quick relief.
Precautions
If you have undergone any adverse reaction to basil, mint, thyme, sage, hyssop, and marjoram in the past, avoid using oregano oil.
III. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Must-Know Tips
As mentioned above, skin fungus has different types such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, etc. Below are some of the best ways to treat these types of skin fungus:
1. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Treat Jock Itch
You can use OTC antifungal products to assist in controlling the infection. These drugs should have miconazole, tolnaftate, clotrimazole or terbinafine. Stay away from wearing tight clothing since it irritates or rubs the skin. Plus, wash all athletic supporters and undergarments after one use.
2. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Treat Athlete’s Foot
OTC antifungal creams or powders are effective in managing or removing the infection. You should search for products that have miconazole, clotrimazole, tolnaftate, or terbinafine. Follow the packaged directions and use the medication for at least two weeks and an additional one to two weeks after the infection is gone to inhibit it from returning. Use soap and water to wash your feet two times a day. Make sure to dry your feet & between the toes thoroughly, and then put on one clean pair of socks.
3. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Treat Vaginal Infections
OTC preparations can deal with uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections. Use antifungal vaginal suppository foams, creams, ointments, or tablets from the azole class, as these include miconazole, clotrimazole, butoconazole, and terconazole. When applying the medication, you may see some slight irritation or burning to the area. Always follow the packaged directions.
4. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Treat Ringworm
Use OTC cream that comprises miconazole, oxiconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. Follow the packaged instructions for more than one week. You should wash and dry the affected area and apply the cream to it. After applying the cream, wash and dry the hands. You must see a doctor for treatments if you suffer from ringworm on your beard or scalp.
IV. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Prevention Tips
1. Boost Your Immunity
If you have a depressed immunity, you are more prone to get a skin fungus infection. Take a regular vitamin supplement and a probiotic to improve your immunity. Also, try eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and lower your intake of carbohydrate. Plus, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Along with that, getting enough sleep also helps to strengthen your immune system.
2. Keep The Skin Clean And Dry
Fungi often live in moist, warm regions such as in the groin and between the toes. You can lower the potential for infection by keeping the skin dry and clean. You can do a few things below to keep your skin dry:
- Cleanse and dry any skin fold regions such as under the stomach or the breast. When you’re going to arrive in a hot environment or are exercising, apply a medicated or drying powder to the skin folds.
- Change your socks once to twice every day. Leave your bath towels to air dry before utilizing them a second time.
3. Inhibit Current Infections From Spreading
Prevent a fungal infection from spreading to more areas of the body or to the family members of you already have it. Other family members need to be examined and cured if the infection is suspected. Because fungal infections are contagious, follow the precautions below to inhibit spreading the infection:
- If you suffer from athlete’s foot, utilize flip-flops in the shower.
- Avoid scratching the infection. Wash your hands regularly and keep them dry.
- Clean your bathroom sink, floor, and tub well after using.
- Treat all infected pets.
- Wash your towels in soapy, warm water and later dry in the dryer. Every time your shower, use a clean towel.
- Wear clean, dry clothes daily and avoid sharing socks or clothes.
- Soak brushes and combs for 60 minutes a day in a combination of half water and half bleach for three days if you experience tinea capitis. Also, don't share brushes, combs, hats, pillows, towels, or helmets with other people.
- Adults and children can use medicated shampoo twice to thrice a week for six weeks to help prevent tinea capitis (ringworm or itching of the scalp).
4. Learn Who Is At High Risk Of Getting A Skin Fungus Infection
There’re some things that can increase the chance of getting a fungal infection such as sharing personal care products (combs or brushes) or clothing with an infected person. However, there are also some risk factors for infection. People at risk include:
- People who perspire heavily.
- People taking long-term immunosuppressant drugs or antibiotics.
- People who have depressed immunity from steroids, medications, or other illnesses or infections.
- Babies or people who are unable or incontinent to hold their urine.
- People who spend time or work in an environment in which they come in contact with those who are at high risk, including nurses, hospitalized patients, school teachers, students, and coaches.
5. Recognize What Parts Of The Skin Are At Risk Of A Skin Fungus Infection
Moist parts of the skin are more at high risk for skin fungus infection because the fungus requires moisture to live. These areas include the areas under the breast tissue, between your toes, in the genital region & between folds of skin.
V. Home Remedies For Skin Fungus – Diet For People With Skin Fungus Infection
Diet plays a vital role in preventing and treatment for fungal infections. Below are some of the dietary tips you should follow:
- Try eating whole raw onions and at least several raw garlic cloves per day because garlic and onions both have strong anti-fungal effects and help you with fungal infections.
- Try to eat green leafy vegetables, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains, as they are very useful to one’s skin and health. You must also consume vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, grapefruit, and sweet lime.
- Try eliminating sources of sugar in the diet. Because yeast thrives on sugar, easing the source of their food can help eliminate them. Cutting down bread, sweet, and certain starches from your diet can treat yeast infections. During the first several weeks of treatment, beans and potatoes should be avoided. Avoid canned foods with junk, preservatives, oily and fried food since all these are detrimental to your skin and immune system.
In fact, skin fungus infection isn’t serious and would heal fast when you get the proper remedy. However, you should stop and check with your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement after about fifteen days. What do you think about the above home remedies for skin fungus infection? Have you ever used any of those treatments? Do find them efficient? Share your thoughts with us. All of the contents provided in this article are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.