Removing Skin Fungus with Homemade Remedies
Removing skin fungus is important as this problem can affect both your health and even decrease your quality of life if not treated properly, as per your doctor’s advice.
Skin fungus is often caused by dermatophytes and yeast, microorganisms that grow on dead keratin, a delicate protein present in skin, hair, and nails.
All cases show up differently, but they generally include symptoms like itching, discoloration, peeling, and, sometimes, bad odor.
Fungal infections are generally more common in individuals with a compromised immune system, diabetics, or atopic dermatitis, although they can also affect people with poor personal hygiene, or anyone who’s consistently exposed to damp environments. It’s important to highlight that these patients will require medical treatment and shouldn’t resort to using home remedies.
Homemade remedies for removing skin fungus
According to popular belief, those who don’t have a chronic illness (such as dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, etc.) can use certain home remedies (from time to time) to eliminate skin fungi, if a doctor authorizes it.
Keep in mind that the remedies don’t work in the same way for all people. Therefore, it’s essential to be careful with them.
On the other hand, you must remember that neither its efficacy nor its safety are scientifically proven. Thus, we can’t say that they’re recommended in all cases. Still, there are those who have been encouraged to try them.
1. Oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil is often said to have antifungal properties. However, it’s never been scientifically proven that applying it directly to the skin can effectively fight infections.
It’s believed that you can combine it with a bit of olive oil to boost its effects and help it moisturize your skin.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of oregano oil (10 g.)
- 1 tsp. of olive oil (5 g.)
Instructions
- Combine the two oils in a bowl
- Apply to the affected area and leave it to work for a few minutes
2. Lemon-baking soda
While both ingredients are often recommended for eliminating skin fungi, it’s important to use them with extreme care, as they’re both harsh, aggressive ingredients. The following recipe is a paste which is said to be able to help treat fungi.
Warning: Doctors recommend avoiding remedies containing baking soda, lemon, and apple cider vinegar, as these aren’t suitable for skin care.
Ingredients
- The juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. of baking soda (10 g.)
Ingredients
- Squeeze the lemon and mix it with the baking soda to create a smooth paste
- Once ready, apply to the affected area and let it do its thing for five minutes
- Rinse and continue using until the infection is cured
- After each application, finish by using a moisturizing cream to prevent the area from drying out
- Apply, let set, and rinse
We think you might find this article interesting: Natural Remedies with Baking Soda
3. Apple cider vinegar
Alternatively, some people also believe that the malic acid and acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help to eliminate skin fungus.
Note: Others recommend mixing it with a few drops of diluted tea tree essential oil.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. of apple cider vinegar (125 ml.)
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 2 qts. of water
Instructions
- Heat water to a tolerable temperature. Then, add the apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil
- Use the water as a bath and soak for 10 minutes
4. Natural yogurt might be effective for removing skin fungus
Although it’s been proven that the topical application of yogurt doesn’t help to treat infections, some people choose to use it in their home remedies when it comes to fighting skin fungi.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. of plain yogurt (50 grams)
- The juice from 1/4 lemon
Instructions
- Mix the plain yogurt with the lemon juice and rub over the affected areas
- Leave it to work for 30 minutes, then rinse well with soap and water; then, thoroughly dry the area with a clean towel
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5. Garlic
While it’s been shown that the properties present in garlic’s natural compounds have no effect whatsoever when applied to the skin (except under certain laboratory conditions) there are some who choose to use freshly crushed garlic in home remedies for removing fungal nail infections.
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil (15 ml.)
Instructions
- Crush the garlic cloves with a mortar and pestle and mix into a paste with the olive oil.
- Apply to the fungus and let it work for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse.
6. Onion
Onions are from the Alliaceae family, like garlic and leeks. Rich in flavonoids and sulfur compounds, it contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that is more easily absorbed by the human body than quercetin from apples or tea.
Raw onion is antibacterial and antifungal (a property also present in cloves and oregano).
Ingredients
- One raw onion
- Cotton
Procedure
- Blend the onion into a uniform mixture
- Place it in a bottle when it has the consistency of an ointment
The best way to use it is to spread it on the affected surface, cover it with a bandage at night and rinse it in the morning. Before using it, do a test on another area of the skin and watch for any negative reactions.
7. Sea salt
According to popular belief, when used alongside good personal hygiene habits, a little sea salt and water can help to relieve irritation, itching, and other forms of discomfort associated with a fungal infection.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of sea salt (14.3 g.)
- 1/2 glass of water (125 ml.)
Instructions
- Dissolve the sea salt into a glass of water and use it to wash the affected area
- Dry the area thoroughly
8. Coconut oil
Coconut is a seed rich in minerals and trace elements. It has antioxidant, bactericidal, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. The caprylic acid and lauric acid in coconut oil break the walls of fungi, preventing their growth.
To apply it, spread a little on the fungus twice a day, massaging gently and waiting for the skin to absorb it.
9. Calendula essential oil is good for removing skin fungus
The active principle of calendula is the essential oil, flavonoids, and mucilages. It has anti-inflammatory, healing, antiseptic, antiparasitic, and fungicidal properties, among others. As a precaution, the fresh plant can cause irritation on direct contact.
Ingredients
- Calendula flowers
- Virgin vegetable oil (sunflower, soybean, or olive)
- A glass jar
Preparation
- Put the flowers in the jar and cover them with the oil.
- Then let it stand for 30 days.
- Every day the contents should be stirred, and at least two or three hours in the sun.
- Then strain and keep the oil in an opaque glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
It’s important to prepare the amount you’re going to use in a short period as it tends to lose its effectiveness. The use is only topical, and you’re to apply it on the affected area as a soft massage three times a day.
What’s the best method for removing skin fungus?
To treat a fungal infection (or any other type of infection) properly, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and follow their instructions carefully. If you want to try these home remedies, you can ask your doctor about them first, just to be on the safe side.
Immunosuppressed people, and those with diabetes or atopic dermatitis should avoid these home remedies and follow their doctor’s advice.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Accame, M. E. C. (2014). Plantas medicinales en dermatología (II): aceites de almendras, germen de trigo, coco, sésamo y rosa mosqueta. Panorama actual del medicamento, 38(372), 345-349. https://botplusweb.portalfarma.com/documentos/2014/9/17/75051.pdf
- Belmont, R. M., Cruz, V. C., Martínez, G. M., García, G. S., Licona, R. G., Domínguez, S. Z., … & Moreno, M. C. (2000). Propiedades antifúngicas en plantas superiores. Análisis retrospectivo de investigaciones. Revista Mexicana de Fitopatología, 18(2), 125-131. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/612/61218210.pdf
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50-62.
- Majewski, M. (2014). Allium sativum: facts and myths regarding human health. Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, 65(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263431830_Allium_sativum_facts_and_myths_regarding_human_health
