18 Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are a common yet sometimes ignored health issue, affecting over a billion people worldwide every year. These conditions are caused by various types of fungi that tend to affect different parts of the body. Fungal infections are not just limited to humans but can affect other animals too, and some can even be transmitted from animals to us.

As we delve into this article, we will explore the various types of fungal infections, their causes, symptoms and most importantly, home remedies for fungal infection.

What are Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections or mycoses occur when our body is invaded by pathogenic fungi. Based on the location of the infection, fungal infections are traditionally divided into three categories:

1. Superficial fungal infections: These are the types that affect the outer layers of the skin, nails, and hair.
2. Subcutaneous fungal infections: These affect the deeper layers of the skin such as the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and even bone.
3. Systemic fungal infections: These are more serious and can affect multiple organs including lungs, eyes, liver, and brain. They often occur in immunocompromised individuals like those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatments.

Quick Recap – What Have We Learnt?
Fungal infections impact more than 1 billion people globally each year. They are classified into three types: superficial (like ringworm), subcutaneous (affecting deeper skin layers), and systemic (affecting organs). Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk, especially those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment.

Common Reasons For Fungal Infections:

Fungal infections can result from factors compromising the body’s ability to resist fungal growth. Understanding these factors will not only guide you in identifying the possible causes behind your symptoms but also help you in deciding the most effective home remedies for fungal infections.

1. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or people on immunosuppressive medications tend to have a more challenging time warding off systemic fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis.
2. Environmental Factors: Fungi are everywhere. They’re in the air, soil, and even on your skin. Certain occupations like agriculture or construction, or activities that disturb soil or bird droppings can expose you to a higher level of fungal spores, leading to potential infections.
3. Moist and Warm Conditions: Fungi love warm, moist environments. Excessive sweating, wearing tight or non-breathable clothing and poor hygiene can increase your susceptibility to superficial fungal infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch. You might notice fungal infection symptoms more frequently during hot, humid weather.
4. Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics have a crucial role in fighting bacterial infections. However, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt your body’s normal flora balance, allowing opportunistic fungi like Candida to overgrow. This could lead to infections such as vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush.
5. Personal Habits: Little things matter, believe it or not! Not showering after workouts, wearing sweaty clothes for long periods or not changing socks regularly can create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
6. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health conditions like diabetes, obesity or hormonal changes can predispose you to fungal infections. If you have such conditions, you might find certain warm, moist areas of your body more prone to fungal infections.
7. Travel and Exposure: Travelling to areas with high fungal spore counts or outbreaks can increase your risk of infection, especially if you already have a compromised immune system.

Read More – Types of Fungal Infection

Home Remedies For Fungal Infection

There are several home remedies for fungal infections that you can try out. Here are a few:

1. Yoghurt and Probiotics: These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria, which help restore the natural balance of flora in your body, especially important when fighting yeast infections like candidiasis. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help inhibit the growth of harmful fungi. Incorporating yoghurt, kefir, and other fermented foods into your diet may boost your immune system and reduce the frequency of these pesky infections.
2. Soap and Water: Regularly washing the affected areas with soap and water removes excess moisture and debris that might promote fungal growth. Remember to thoroughly dry your skin afterwards, as fungi love damp environments. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of superficial infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm, particularly after sweating or exposure to contaminated surfaces.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been touted for its numerous health benefits, including its antifungal properties. Diluting ACV with water and applying it to the affected area may restore the skin’s pH balance, making it less conducive for fungi. Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar may also boost your gut health and immune system.
4. Tea Tree Oil: When diluted with a carrier oil, applying it topically to affected areas can effectively treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and ringworm. It also helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, some individuals may experience skin sensitivity or allergic reactions, so always perform a patch test before use.
5. Coconut Oil: Rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, it can inhibit fungal growth while also moisturising your skin. It’s especially effective against conditions like candidiasis and athlete’s foot. Consuming it may also enhance your overall immune function.
6. Turmeric: The golden spice turmeric is not just for adding flavour to your dishes but can also help fight fungal infections. Its active compound curcumin has potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a paste made from turmeric powder and water to affected areas can soothe irritation and reduce fungal growth. But be careful, as turmeric can stain your skin and clothes.
7. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties. The gel straight from the aloe vera plant has antifungal effects and can be applied directly to your skin to treat fungal infections. It helps hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. You can even drink aloe vera juice to boost your immune system.
8. Garlic: Garlic is another powerful natural antifungal agent due to its active compound, allicin. Consuming raw garlic or taking garlic supplements may help fight fungal infections from within. You can also apply crushed garlic topically on the affected areas but remember to dilute it with a carrier oil first to prevent skin irritation.
9. Oregano Oil: Rich in carvacrol and thymol, this oil possesses potent antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of various fungi, including Candida. You can use it topically (after dilution with a carrier oil) or take it as a supplement. However, due to its potency, consult with your family doctor, especially for internal use.
10. Neem Leaves: Boiling neem leaves in water and using the strained liquid as a rinse can bring considerable relief from skin infections. Neem oil applied topically to affected areas, can also work wonders. Regular use could reduce fungal growth and soothe irritated skin. Though neem is generally safe, it’s always wise to conduct a patch test before widespread application.
11. Consuming Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, can enhance immune function and promote overall health. Fungal infection symptoms can be kept at bay by including these foods in your daily diet since vitamin C aids your body in resisting such infections, helping speed up recovery. Moreover, as an antioxidant, Vitamin C also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
12. Baking Soda: Interestingly, baking soda is a natural antifungal agent that neutralises pH levels on the skin, making it inhospitable to fungi — a simple yet effective fungal infection home remedy. A paste created from baking soda and water applied to affected areas can alleviate itching and irritation. Adding it to baths can also soothe skin infections. However, be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid dryness or irritation of the skin.
13. Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a household name due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties that make it an effective tool against superficial fungal infections. Dilute it with water and apply it to the affected area to kill fungi and prevent further infection. It can also be used to disinfect surfaces and tools but proceed with caution when using it on the skin, as it may cause irritation.
14. Ginger: Ginger, blessed with natural antifungal properties, can combat fungal infections successfully. Boost your immune function by either consuming ginger tea or incorporating fresh ginger into your meals. Besides, ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe symptoms associated with fungal infections.
15. Honey: Honey, especially raw or manuka honey, is celebrated for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Applying honey topically to infected areas can soothe irritation and promote healing. Honey creates a moist environment conducive to tissue regeneration while inhibiting fungal growth. Note that it should not be used on deep wounds or by individuals with diabetes without consulting a healthcare provider.
16. Grapefruit Seed Extract: Grapefruit seed extract is a potent natural antifungal agent that can be taken as a supplement or diluted in water for topical use. It may help combat various fungal infections, including those caused by Candida. This extract is rich in antioxidants and supports immune health. Topical application should always involve dilution with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
17. Powdered Liquorice: Powdered liquorice root contains glycyrrhizin, an ingredient known for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system and fight off fungal infections when consumed as a supplement or made into tea. Excessive consumption should be avoided due to potential side effects, particularly in individuals with high blood pressure.
18. Lemongrass Oil: Last but not least, we have lemongrass oil, known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Applying it topically, diluted with a carrier oil, can treat skin infections and provide a soothing effect when added to baths. Lemongrass oil is effective against various fungi, including those that cause athlete’s foot and candida infections. Inhaling lemongrass oil can also offer aromatherapy benefits, reducing stress and indirectly supporting immune function.

Read More – Top 10 Antifungal Powders

Fungal Infections – Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of a fungal infection is the first step towards effective treatment, including various home remedies for fungal infection.

• Skin: Skin infections can cause irritation, scaly skin, redness, itching, swelling, and blisters
• Nail: Nail infections lead to discoloured, cracked, thick, or brittle nails that may separate from the nail bed
• Vaginal: Vaginal yeast infections result in itching, burning, pain during sex, unusual discharge, and pain when urinating.
• Oral: Oral thrush causes white patches in the mouth and throat, pain, and a lost sense of taste.
• Others: Severe infections may cause fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Myth: Fungal infections only occur in people with poor hygiene.
Fact: Anyone can get a fungal infection, regardless of their hygiene practices. Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment and can infect individuals through various means, such as direct contact with contaminated surfaces or inhalation of spores. Cleanliness does help reduce the risk, but it does not guarantee immunity against fungal infections, which can affect anyone from children to adults, regardless of their hygiene habits.

Fungal Infections –Causes

Understanding the causes of fungal infections can be a crucial step in preventing them. Here we will explore the various factors that can lead to these infections, which can often be avoided with some basic precautions.

• Direct contact with fungi, such as touching an infected person or contaminated surface
• Breathing in or being exposed to an environment laden with fungal spores
• Weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, or certain medications
• Underlying health issues like diabetes or obesity
• Poor hygiene and wearing damp, tight clothing
• Prolonged use of antibiotics that disrupt the normal flora

Precautions to Prevent Fungal Infections

Recognising the symptoms of fungal infections and understanding the causes can significantly reduce your chance of contracting them. There are several precautions you can take to prevent fungal infections:

• Practice good hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water and drying thoroughly
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing and change out of sweaty clothes promptly
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, and nail clippers
• Maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management
• Seek prompt treatment with antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare provider

Top 5 Products for Fungal Infections

While there are numerous home remedies for fungal infections, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before starting any treatment. If you’re looking for over-the-counter (OTC) solutions, here are 5 products for fungal infections – all available on TrueMeds:

1. Candid Antifungal Powder
2. Dr Reckeweg R82 Anti Fungal Drops
3. Fungal F 150 Tablet
4. Amrutanjan Stop Itch Anti-Fungal Powder Spray
5. Dr Jrk Af Anti Fungal Cream

Note: Many antifungal creams and medicines are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. However, it’s advisable not to use these products without instruction from your doctor.

By using these products consistently as directed by your doctor or as instructed on the product packaging, you can effectively address your fungal infection. Always remember to keep the affected areas clean and dry and avoid exposure to damp or unclean environments to prevent re-infection.

To wrap up: while home remedies for fungal infections including topical and oral preparations using ginger, garlic, aloe vera etc may offer some relief, OTC products offer a targeted and effective approach to treating fungal infections. Always consult your doctor before starting any new treatment.

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