7 Remedies For Skin Fungus Using Things You Already Have At Home
Dec 20, 2018 by apost team
Skin conditions can be a nuisance as they provide victims with discomfort, itching, and embarrassment. Ringworm or Dermatophytosis is a popular skin problem that is easily spread from person to person. While the name ringworm gives us mental images of a worm crawling under the skin, it is actually just a skin fungus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows us just how common ringworm is with their estimates that over 700,000 people go for ringworm treatment each year.
While none of us want to be faced with a skin fungus like ringworm, it's very likely to happen at some point in our lives. Although it's always best to seek help from a medical professional, here are 7 things you can do to ease your symptoms from the comfort of your own home:
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Neem Leaves
While you may not be able to find these leaves in your kitchen cabinet, they are well worth going to pick up at the store. Neem leaves were used by the Native Indians and are known for their antifungal and detoxifying properties. To use neem leaves, you will need to boil the leaves in water for several minutes, then use the water to wash the infected part of your skin. Be careful not to boil the leaves for too long, as they can be harsh on the skin.
Garlic
Garlic doesn’t just scare off the vampires – it turns out this plant can ward off fungus and infection as well. While putting garlic paste directly on the fungus can cause some serious skin irritation, it is fine when diluted with oils such as olive and coconut. Once you’ve made a paste, use a cotton ball to apply it to the ringworm area. Keep the paste in place for two hours and then rinse it off. Continue to apply this paste every day until an improvement can be noticed.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a wide range of health benefits with one being that it works to directly damage the cell membranes of the fungus that is causing problems. Since coconut oil comes in a paste-like consistency, it is easy to rub it over the affected skin. The oil should be applied three times a day and can continue to be used as a preventative measure after the fungus is gone.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has long been recognized for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It continues to live up to its reputation by removing toxins from the affected skin area while limiting inflammation. To use tea tree oil, dilute it down to 2% by mixing it with coconut oil before applying it to the ringworm area. Continue to apply this mixture three times a day.
Turmeric
While you may only think of turmeric as a spice used for cooking, it also has some fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and the curcumin that it contains may also fight microbes. To use turmeric for ringworms, you can choose to either start implementing it in your food and drinks, or put it directly on the affected area of skin. Putting turmeric on your fungus will provide the best results.
To apply turmeric to your skin, make a paste by mixing it with water or coconut oil; apply this paste directly to the skin and then avoid rinsing it for as long as possible. While turmeric can make your skin look yellow, this color wears off within a few days and will cause no lasting problems.
Oregano Oil
Get some wild, diluted oregano oil that can help to stop fungus growth. This can be applied directly to the affected area up to three times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Most of us probably have a jug of apple cider vinegar stashed away somewhere in our homes. If you want to fight ringworm, apple cider vinegar could be the magic cure you need to relieve the dryness and itchiness of your condition. Since apple cider vinegar works to neutralize pH, it can also help to regular the growth of yeast.
The best way to use apple cider vinegar is to soak a cotton ball in the liquid and then apply it directly to the ringworm area. You can do this up to three times a day for the best results. The vinegar can be left on as long as you want; however, you can rinse it off after 15 minutes if the smell is offensive to you.
Avoiding Ringworm
There are steps that you can take to avoid ringworm and stop the problem before it gets started. Some of the measures that you can take to avoid ringworm include keeping your skin dry, showering regularly, wearing shoes with good air circulation, and putting on fresh socks and underwear every day.
Don’t share personal items like towels and socks, wash hands after touching animals, and keep your nails trimmed. While all of these are basic steps toward good hygiene, they will also go the extra mile to keep ringworms and other infections away.
Caring for Ringworm
If you’ve already been infected with ringworm and are trying the treatment techniques listed above, you can still care for your skin while you wait for it to heal. Here are some of the best ways to care for your affected area:
- Keep your skin dry and clean. When you wash and dry your body, use a separate towel for the area that has ringworms.
- Keep your clothes loose and comfortable. Don’t wear tight clothing that will chafe against affected areas and cause further infection.
- Prevent chafing with pads. If you find yourself wearing clothes that rub against your thighs or underwear, use cotton pads to reduce the friction.
- Don’t scratch! Your affected area may itch, but scratching will only make it worse in the long run.
- Keep things clean. Change your clothes at least once a day and then clean the affected skin at least twice a day.
- Avoid Perfumes. Stay away from perfumes and scent-based liquids such as detergent. By avoiding these, you can keep your skin from becoming more irritated.
By choosing to try some of the seven techniques listed above, you can work to help any medicine rid your body of ringworms at home. While all of these methods have been researched and tested, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you begin any at-home remedies.
Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!