Fungi (yeast or mold) can cause infections on your skin, nails and in other parts of the body. They are opportunistic and take advantage of situations like weakened immunity, excess moisture and tight clothing.
You can get fungal infections through direct contact with infected people, or by sharing items like shoes, towels and hair brushes with someone who has an infection. You can also get them from walking barefoot in public areas and from wearing sweaty shoes or socks.
Yogurt
Yogurt has been a breakfast favorite and probiotic powerhouse for thousands of years. It’s no wonder it’s also become a skin care staple and a star in DIY face masks. The tangy yogurt is rich in probiotics that help your body fight off fungal infections and contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that help brighten the skin. The lactic acid in yogurt also inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin in the skin.
Fungal infections are a common problem that can affect any part of the body where fungi live. Fungi invading your skin, nails or mucus membranes can cause symptoms that include itching, redness, dryness and a rash. Fungi that infect the nail can cause brittle, discolored and thickened nails. If the infection spreads to your skin, it can be painful and embarrassing.
Fungi can also infect your eyes, ears and intestines. If not treated early, a fungal infection can be serious and hard to get rid of. Some people are more prone to developing a fungal infection than others. A weak immune system, poor hygiene and exposure to fungus in public areas may increase your risk of infection. Other risk factors include a family history of fungal infections, pregnancy, diabetes and contact with an infected person or item. A weakened immune system may make it harder to treat an infection. Fungi that invade your nails, skin or feet are called dermatophytes and can lead to ringworm on the skin (tinea pedis), in your groin and inner thighs (tinea cruris or jock itch) or in your nails and fingernails (onychomycosis). Other types of fungus cause infections in your lungs, brain, eye or intestinal tract.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural antifungal agent, and can be found in its pure form as well as in some skincare products. It is also a popular ingredient in hair care products. It can help to reduce dandruff, as well as treat dryness and itching.
Its antifungal properties are due to its lauric acid content. This medium chain saturated fatty acid has strong antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. A test-tube study has shown that it is able to kill off several strains of fungi. (2)
Another beneficial property of coconut oil is its ability to moisturize the skin. It does this by preventing moisture from leaving the skin’s surface. This can reduce itching, which is a common symptom of fungal infections.
It can also help to heal mild wounds. Linoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is found in coconut oil, functions as an emollient and soothes the skin. It can also fight bacteria, and has been shown to be effective against a variety of organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus. (3)
Fungus infections are opportunistic, which means they take advantage of certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system. To help protect yourself, practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, and never share personal items like shoes or towels. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and manage your stress to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
Aloe Vera
If you’re dealing with a fungal infection, it’s important to follow treatment routines to get rid of it as quickly as possible. This includes keeping the area as dry as possible and washing it twice a day. You should also avoid scratching your skin as this can make the infection worse and increase its likelihood of spreading to other areas of your body.
Yogurt contains live and active cultures that can help restore the balance of bacteria on your skin. Simply apply plain yogurt to the infected area and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. This should be done several times a day until your fungal infection is gone.
Another effective natural remedy for fungal infections is coconut oil. This superfood is a natural moisturizer with antifungal properties. It can be applied directly to the affected area a few times a day. Be sure to use the best quality coconut oil you can find to get the most benefits from this healing ingredient.
Aloe vera is a widely used medicinal plant and has been shown to have wound-healing properties. It contains many nutrients and compounds such as sugar, anthraquinones, saponins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, simple/complex polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds.
Research has found that different concentrations of aloe vera extracts can inhibit the growth of two common fungi that cause fruit decay1. This is likely due to the fact that aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the strongest natural antifungal agents available. The oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree has been shown to inhibit fungal growth in laboratory studies, and it can also be used topically to kill fungus on skin. It is recommended that you dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive before applying it to the affected area. It is best to use the oil three times a day for optimal results.
Other natural remedies that can be used to fight a fungal infection include ginger tea, grapefruit seed extract, and licorice root extract. These natural antifungals contain ingredients that help to reduce itching and irritation, which are common symptoms of a fungal infection. It is important to note that these natural remedies can take some time to work and may not be able to completely clear up a fungal infection, especially in the case of a severe infection.
In addition to these natural antifungal remedies, you can help to prevent future fungal infections by practicing good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently, wearing shoes that allow for air circulation, and not sharing personal items like towels and combs. It is also recommended that you avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms and showers. In addition, you can use antifungal powders and sprays to keep your feet dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV, is gaining traction again as a health and wellness trend. It is popular as a detoxifier and cleanser and people purchase large jugs to create DIY beauty treatments.
ACV has acetic acid, which is thought to help reduce fungal infections on the skin. It can be mixed with water and sprayed on the skin or applied with a cotton ball or swab twice daily.
The vinegar may reduce odor and may lighten age spots or blemishes. One study found that the acetic acid in ACV reduced seborrheic keratosis, noncancerous brown or black spots on the skin.
In addition, the acetic acid in ACV can reduce the fungi that cause itching and other symptoms of athlete’s foot. Adding two tablespoons of ACV to a tubful of warm water and soaking the feet twice per day may improve the condition.
Another use for ACV is to lower uric acid levels. Uric acid forms when your body breaks down purines, which are chemicals in foods. Too much uric acid can lead to gout. ACV may help to reduce the level of uric acid in your body by raising your pH level. However, it is important to note that the ACV can irritate certain types of skin and should only be used in small doses (a tablespoon daily mixed with a cup of water). For this reason, many people avoid using it as a treatment for gout.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works as a disinfectant and antiseptic to kill fungus and other bacteria. When applied to the skin or nails, it releases oxygen that damages and destroys fungal cell walls. This can help prevent infection, reduce symptoms and promote healing. Soak a cotton ball or swab in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and apply directly to the affected area of the nail at least once daily. You can also mix a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide to soak your feet in the morning or evening. It’s important to remember that higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may cause burns and skin irritation, so be sure to test a small amount on a patch of skin before use.
Fungus infections are most common on the skin, in the nails or in mucous membranes (like the mouth, throat or vagina). You can get a fungal infection from direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also get one from sharing clothing, towels or shoes with an infected person. You can also develop a fungal infection from taking certain medications that allow fungi that naturally live in or on your body to grow out of control, or from exposure to a fungus in the environment (like mold) or a cut on your skin.
Fungus can be stubborn, but consistency and the right home remedies can help you fight it off. Try combining some of these treatments for a one-two punch: tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar, for example. Just be sure to always apply these treatments to clean, breathable skin.
