Fungal Infections: Symptoms, Treatments & Remedies

Victoria Wermers, RN,MSN,FNP, PMHNP
Sep 24, 2024
9 min read

Updated: Jul 10

From Yeast & Athlete’s Foot to Nail Fungus—Understanding Causes, Symptoms, & Best Treatments

I am still determining which I like least: viruses or pathogenic fungi. Both can cause problems that can be very invasive and difficult to treat.

Many people express disdain when they're told they have a "fungus" on their bodies. But, like

like bacteria, we naturally have fungi, or yeast, in and on our bodies. It is our microbiome: Normal yeast growth maintains a natural, helpful balance and provides us with some nutrients, vitamins, and a degree of immunity. Fungi are good, but...When things get out of whack and the balance is upset, the yeast grows and becomes a fungal overgrowth or infection. The truth is that almost all of us will experience one or more fungal infections during our lives.

The most common fungal infections we see in our clinics are ringworm (no, it is NOT a worm), athlete's foot, candida infections of the tongue (oral candidiasis or "thrush"), and vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections).

Who gets fungal infections? Why does this overgrowth occur? Yeast likes to grow in dark, moist places - on warm, moist feet, thriving in the darkness of black socks or under the breasts of a sweaty person. These infections can happen to anyone, but we see them most often in those with diabetes (yeast loves sugar, which is found in the sweat and saliva of diabetics). It loves people who are stressed (because stress lowers your immunity), those who spend time in gyms and locker rooms (very sweaty, moist, and warm environments), hot tubs and pools, people who have been on antibiotics (antibiotics kill off not only harmful bacteria in our bodies but the good bacteria that fights off yeast); people on birth control pills (because increased estrogen fosters yeast growth) and in those with weakened immune systems (when a

When a person takes steroids for inflammation, their immune system becomes weakened, and they can't fight off yeast naturally. Our bodies are well-balanced, "well-oiled machines." When something upsets the apple cart, strange things, like fungus, take over.

Fungal Infections: Symptoms, Treatments & Remedies-

Recognizing a Fungal Infection

What are the signs and symptoms of a fungal infection? Several sources claim that this imbalance can cause mood, concentration, memory problems, vision problems, and headaches. That may be true of invasive candidiasis (not common), but usually, it stays localized. What we DO know is that it almost always causes itching! Sometimes, it is accompanied by burning and erythema (redness) of the skin. Sometimes there is white matter - in the ears, the vagina, the nails. It can affect any body part, but some places are more common than others.

A diagnosis of fungus is usually based on the appearance of a rash, itching, and sometimes drainage; however, scrapings and cultures can be taken and examined in a lab. Sometimes, a special kind of lighting, or a Woods lamp, is used to detect some types of fungal infections.

If you suspect a fungal infection on your body, gently wash the affected areas well with soap and water (not hot) right away and daily after that. Pat dry and dry well. Even though it is tempting, do not itch the area because it can cause the fungus to spread, and more irritation can create a secondary bacterial infection. Fungal infections should be left open to the air if at all possible. If you cover them, you create a dark, moist place where the fungus will spread. If there is any possibility that you will be in direct skin-to-skin contact with someone, then the area should be covered temporarily to prevent transmission.

While some fungal infections are relatively easy to treat, others—especially foot and nail fungus—can be extremely stubborn. There are two main reasons: first, many fungi have developed resistance to common antifungal medications; second, topical treatments must be formulated gently, since ingredients strong enough to kill fungus often damage human cells as well. This makes developing effective solutions both challenging and nuanced.

Hopefully, as you read the information here about fungal Infections: symptoms, treatments & remedies, you will find the right treatment for you. But remember to be diligent about treating your fungal infection: Follow instructions. Sometimes it takes months to get rid of fungal infections. If the first approach does not work, try another.

Treatment and Remedies for Fungal Infections

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Approaches to Fungal Infections

OTC: There are many over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, gels, and sprays (specifically clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine) that work well to eradicate fungal infections but often need to be used from4-6 weeks. Sometimes, they take time. There are also stubborn cases of mycosis that do not respond to over-the-counter medicines, in which case you may want to talk to a healthcare provider to get one of the more potent prescription medications.

Natural Remedies for Fungal Infections

Because these may help, the herbs and oils might be worth a try. It is pretty amazing how many herbs and supplements help to mitigate mild to moderate cases of mycosis. For ringworm and other fungal skin infections, such as skinfolds, athlete's foot, and groin rashes, the following are some that claim to help: apple cider vinegar, turmeric preparations, aloe vera, powdered licorice, and cinnamon, among others.

The NIH has studied some antifungal herbal oils against fungus, including citronella, geranium, orange, eucalyptus, myrrh, peppermint (the latter two may be less effective), and topical horseradish. In addition, oregano oil, tea tree oil (popular), coconut oil, lemongrass oil (or tea), lemon balm oil, thyme, and clove oils are recognized for their antifungal properties. Be sure to check the instructions for these and use them appropriately. Also, remember, if you use oils, most need to be diluted (see essential oils)

In general, things you can add to your diet, like probiotics (with acidophilus), vitamin C, and fermented foods, like Kimchi, may help ward off this stuff, especially if you keep repeat fungal infections. Use less sugar. Yeast loves sugar. Again, maintain optimal immunity with adequate rest, avoidance of stress, hydration, optimal diet, and exercise. Avoid rubber gloves if you can and consider wearing shower shoes when in your shower, public showers, and in pools and spas if you have foot fungus (it is also easily spread). Take care of yourself!

Prescriptive Treatments for Fungal Infections

If you are not having success with over-the-counter products and no longer want to mess with those products, or if the fungal infection is stubborn or extensive (especially the case for athlete's foot), there are more potent powders, creams, and foams that your healthcare provider can prescribe. If the fungus is VERY VERY stubborn and not responding to the above measures, your healthcare provider may give you oral antifungal pills - one commonly prescribed medication is terbinafine. The problem with these oral medications is that they can be liver-toxic, so it's good to try everything else first. Also, keep this in mind: The oral medications should not be taken if you plan on drinking alcohol.

Approaches to Specific Fungal Infections

In addition to the general measures above, other treatments are mentioned in the following section to address specific problems. Unless otherwise noted, most of the following conditions will respond to these over-the-counter products. It sometimes takes four weeks or more to clear this with over-the-counter treatments. Consistency and diligence are essential in the daily application of these products. Speak to your healthcare provider if your fungal infection does not respond to topical treatments.

Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis (thrush), usually presents as a white tongue. Some people describe the white matter as "looking like cottage cheese" (but it is often not that bad). The white matter can extend to other parts of your mouth, causing soreness, a bad taste, and, in a severe case, bleeding. This can also occur after antibiotic use: Antibiotics upset the balance between good bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans).

Considered Alternative Remedies

Oral candidiasis may respond to garlic (tablets, raw garlic oil, extracts), boric acid tablets, and baking soda paste (use baking soda with enough water to make it pasty). You can also try echinacea, grapefruit seed extract (topical or oral), lemon, oregano oil, probiotics (or certain yogurts), baking soda, or clove essential oil .

Prescriptive treatment

A healthcare provider will likely give you a prescription for an antifungal lozenge (troche) or a swish-and-swallow (or swish-and-spit) solution to use for two weeks. (The latter solution can

also be brushed on.

Tinea Corporis:

Candida is commonly found under the breasts and under the flap of the skin of the abdomen (the pannus), where it is moist and dark. The skin becomes a "fiery red" from burning and moisture.

Over-the-Counter: Most over-the-counter topical/creams (common: Lotrimin Ultra, Terbinafine AT) will work for these.
Prescriptive Medications: Oral antifungal medications (common: fluconazole or itraconazole) are good treatments for fungal infections, but they should not be taken by people with liver problems and interact with a LOT of medications.
Also - see section above - "Treatments and Remedies for Fungal Infections.

Ringworm:

People get ringworm—no, it's not a worm; it's a fungus. It is called ringworm because the rash usually presents in a ring-like configuration. It can occur anywhere on the body and is contagious from others AND pets!

This is common in athletes who frequent gyms, do not clean their mats, and it spreads when people start wearing other

athletes' equipment. Keep this covered when you are in a gym - It is VERY contagious.

Most over-the-counter topical/creams (common: Lotrimin Ultra, Terbinafine AT) will work for these.

Also see section above - Treatments and Remedies for Fungal Infections.

Tinea Versicolor :

Some people get a splotchy rash, called tinea versicolor. This often occurs in humid environments.

UV light may, in addition to other topical antifungals like Selenium Sulfide should be applied to the area daily (rinse off after 10 minutes) for one week, or ketaconazole 2% cream applied daily for two weeks. Follow directions accompanying the product. There are also oral antifungal medications you can get with a prescription.

Also - see section above - Treatment and Remedies for Fungal Infections.

Vaginal Candidiasis:

Women get yeast infections, often accompanied by white, sometimes sour-smelling vaginal discharge and intense perineal itching and irritation. Once in a while, vaginal candidiasis will cause fungal cystitis or UTI. Vaginal candidiasis is often a side effect of antibiotics or hormonal changes.

Over-the-Counter (OTC):

There are antifungal creams and ovules over-the-counter for vaginal candidiasis to apply inside the vagina. Also, the NIH suggests that 600 mg boric acid capsules, inserted vaginally, may eradicate even resistant strains of candida. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist, explain your problem, and don't be shy. They hear everything and know what you need.

Alternative and Herbal Remedies

There are tea tree oil suppositories that may help. Medical News Today discusses a "recipe" and instructions for coating a tampon with 3-5 drops of tea tree and an ounce of warm coconut oil, but be careful - tea tree oil can sometimes be irritating. Others recommend coating a tampon with PLAIN probiotic yogurt and using it every night for a week. Studies show that vaginal insertion of salvia tablets can be helpful. Sometimes a person will insert a clove of garlic into their vagina. But really, inserting other stuff into your vagina without knowing more about it is probably not an awesome idea and may even cause some problems for you. Read reviews online first—just some thoughts.

Prescriptive Treatment

In the case of vaginal candidiasis, there is a pill called fluconazole (common: Diflucan) that you take just once or twice, and it typically goes away (if it does not, you better talk to your healthcare provider again - you may have a resistant fungus or something else - an STI?)

Jock Itch (Tinea cruris)

Men get jock itch (tinea cruris) accompanied by some VERY intense and inconvenient itching.

Over-the-Counter - (common: Terbinafine AT (Lamisil), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) as directed over the counter, and others.
Also - see section above - Treatment and Remedies for Fungal Infections.

Athlete's Foot

A very common situation is athlete's foot. It sometimes blisters and dries out the skin on the bottom of the foot/feet and between the toes (see photo below). Again, this can be "exquisitely" itchy.

Over-the-Counter: Mayo Clinic recommends Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole) and Lamisil AT (terbinafine).

Leave feet open to the air as much as possible. Avoid wearing dark socks if at all possible. Do not itch. Avoid hot air from the car floor heater for long periods.

This can be a very difficult condition to get rid of. You have to be diligent about using it every day as directed, often for several weeks. If it does not work, you may need to get a prescription for an oral antifungal from a healthcare provider (oral antifungals can be liver toxic and have interactions with many medications- discuss this with the healthcare provider).

Also - see section above - Treatment and Remedies for Fungal Infections.

Onchomycosis - Nail Fungus

(Nail Fungus)—Toenail fungus can occur with athlete's foot or alone: They often go hand-in-hand. Fingernail fungus can develop from working in damp conditions or with frequent rubber glove use—both of which create a moist, dark environment ideal for fungal growth. It’s also a risk at salons, especially when tools aren’t properly sterilized; acrylic nails trap moisture and fungus between it and the nail bed.

When nails develop a fungus, they turn white (or develop white spots) or they become yellow, and sometimes very thick (see photo above). This can be very difficult to get rid of.

Over-the-Counter

Kerasil, a brush-on solution, is not an antifungal but gets good reviews.

Alternative/Herbal Remedies

Tea Tree Oil (solution) has antifungal properties and may be one of the best alternative options if used consistently.