Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Fungal Infection

An infection caused by a fungus is known as a fungal infection. The introduction of an infectious type of fungus in the body can cause infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or thrush infection. 

Homeopathy offers natural and highly effective treatment for fungal infections. Homeopathic medicines for fungal infection work by restoring the natural healing processes that help fight fungal infections. It works on two aspects in such cases. Among these, the first includes relieving symptoms like itching, burning, pain and controlling any discharge from eruptions. Next is healing the eruptions or the rash on the skin. In mainstream medicine, various antifungal medications are used in treating fungal infections. These medications may include external applications like ointments, creams, powders and also oral medications. These medicines offer temporary relief by suppressing the complaint, and exhibit side effects. They do little in terms of treating the root cause of the problem internally hence the infection can recur again with more severity. On the other hand, homeopathy offers curative treatment rather than temporary relief in fungal infections on the skin. Homeopathy is the science of internal medicine that works holistically to treat the root cause and gives long-term results without any suppression and side effects.

Homeopathy is highly suitable in treating acute, chronic and recurrent fungal infections. After treating infection in acute stage homeopathic medicines aim to prevent the frequent recurrence of fungal infections and treat the chronicity of the problem. It helps by strengthening the self-healing mechanism of the body and makes it strong enough to overcome acute infection as well as build immunity. Homeopathic medicines are free from any chemicals and synthetic components.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Fungal Infections

The top remedies to deal with fungal infection are Sepia, Tellurium, Graphites, Sulphur, Silicea, Thuja, Antimonium Crudum, Bacillinum, Borax and Pulsatilla.

1. Sepia – Top Remedy For Fungal Infection Ringworm

Sepia tops the list of homeopathic medicine when it comes to treating fungal infections especially ringworm of skin (tinea corporis). Circular, ring-shaped lesions on the skin in isolated spots is the key feature of using it. This can be attended with itching and burning when scratched, and increased sweating. Ringworm, if appears in spring season specifically, then Sepia is the right choice of medicine.

When to use Sepia?

The use of Sepia is applicable in ringworm infection with isolated ring-shaped lesions on skin.

How to use Sepia?

In the beginning, its 30C potency is safe to start with that can be used once or twice a day. For switching to high potencies like 200C or 1M, consider prior consultation with homeopathic expert.

2. Tellurium – For Ringworm With Multiple Rings Connected Together

Tellurium is also a major medicine for ringworm infection. It is prescribed for cases where multiple ring-shaped lesions are joined together forming intersecting rings crowded over each other. The lesions are elevated and spread across the whole body. Sometimes mild scaling covers these lesions. In a few cases, vesicles (tiny fluid-filled bumps) over the rings may appear, attended with a heated sensation on the skin.

When to use Tellurium?

This medicine can be given when a case of ringworm presents with numerous ring-shaped lesions on the skin joined together.

How to use Tellurium?

It is advised to take Tellurium 30C once or twice a day as per the severity of the complaint.

3. Graphites – For Fungal Infection With Rash Between Skin Folds

Graphites is highly effective for fungal infections that affect skin folds. It can be used when a rash appears in the groin (crease formed at the junction of abdomen and thigh), bends of limbs (like behind knees, elbow bend), neck fold, behind ears and between toes. The affected area is red, sore and painful. In some cases, a characteristic watery, sticky discharge may ooze out from the affected parts. It is also helpful when cracks develop in skin folds. There is intense itching in the affected area which gets aggravated at night. It is also very useful for cases of Tinea Cruris or Jock’s itch presenting with rash in the groin area.

When to use Graphites?

The use of this medicine is highly recommended when there is fungal infection causing a rash between skin folds. Additionally, it is the most effective if cracks appear in the folds and watery sticky fluid oozes from the affected skin area.

How to use Graphites?

It is usually prescribed in 3X potency. One may start with Graphites 3X one tablet once a day in mild cases and one tablet twice a day in case of moderate intensity. Avoid using higher potencies without the physician’s guidance.

4. Sulphur – For Fungal Infection With Marked Itching, Burning

Sulphur is a highly effective medicine to manage itching and burning on a skin rash. In cases needing it, the affected portion is dry and scaly along with itching which gets worse at night. Washing also makes it worse. Burning sensation is felt on the skin after scratching. The affected portion is painful and sensitive to touch.

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine can be considered in cases of fungal infection on the skin when there is marked itching and burning.

How to use Sulphur?

Though it can be used in different potencies, 30C potency is most frequently recommended. For mild cases, Sulphur 30C should be used once or twice a week. If itching and burning are moderate to severe, one may use Sulphur 30C once a day. Avoid using it more than once a day. It is a strong medicine, so do not self – medicate with its high potencies.

5. Silicea –  For Fungal Infection on Feet: Athlete’s Foot ( Tinea pedis)

Silicea is the best prescription for cases of fungal infection of feet. In cases needing it, there is rawness and soreness in the affected part, along with cracked skin in between the toes. Peeling of skin also occurs. There is itching and pain in the affected area. Excessive sweating having fetid odour is felt on the feet, with blisters in severe cases.

When to use Silicea?

Anyone who has a fungal infection on his feet can go ahead with this medicine. It will heal the skin lesions and provide relief in pain and control further progression of complaint.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea 6X (4 tablets) three to four times a day is the optimal dose to start with.

6. Bacillinum – For Ringworm And Tinea Versicolor

Bacillinum is another prominent medicine indicated for treating fungal infections. Firstly, it is very beneficial for cases of ringworm. Apart from treating acute ringworm cases, this medicine also helps to control the tendency for ringworm infection occurring time and time again. Secondly, this medicine is well indicated to treat cases of tinea versicolor in which skin pigmentation is affected resulting in discolored patches on the skin.

When to use Bacillinum?

This medicine can be given in cases of ringworm in both acute as well recurrent cases and also in cases of tinea versicolor with discolored patches on the skin..

How to use Bacillinum?

The use of this medicine is usually recommended in 30C potency (should never be used below this power). This medicine is used in infrequent doses. Just one dose a week of Bacillinum 30C is suggested in any case. Wait to see the changes for about one week after taking its one dose. Do not rush into repeating the medicine often.

7. Thuja – For Fungal Infections in Beard and Moustache Area (Tinea barbae)

Thuja is a natural medicine sourced from the plant Arbor Vitae.  It is highly suitable for fungal infections that appear as ringworms in the beard, mustache, and neck area. Persons needing it may have pimples (small red eruptions) or hard nodes in the affected areas. Itching and burning may worsen upon cold washing.

When to Use Thuja?

This medicine is apt for cases of fungal infection in beard and moustache with pimples, and itching and burning.

How to Use Thuja?

One may start with Thuja 30C once a day only.

8. Antimonium Crudum – For Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis / Tinea Unguium)

Antimonium Crudum is a highly-ranked medicine to treat nail fungus. It works well for discolored, brittle nails that break off easily. Nails are distorted and grow out of shape, sometimes there may be pain in nails.

When to use Antimonium Crudum?

Antimonium Crudum should be used as the first remedy when it comes to treat nail fungus. It will improve discoloration, help to strengthen the nail, and gradually eliminate the infection.

How to use Antimonium Crudum?

From its different potencies, 30C potency is the right choice to start with a treatment that can be taken twice a day.

9. Borax – For Fungal Infections In The Mouth (Oral Thrush)

Borax is the main medicine to treat fungal/yeast infections that occur in the mouth. Signs and symptoms to look for to its use are whitish patchy growths in the mouth and tongue that are tender and sore, along with redness in the mouth. Besides, bitter taste and dry mouth attend to it.

When to use Borax?

Borax is an incomparable medicine when it comes to treat fungal infection in the tmouth. It can be used when white fungal patches appear in the mouth that are tender.

How to use Borax?

It is used in different potencies varying from case to case. When using it in 30C potency, it can be taken twice a day. While in 200C potency, the dose should be limited to just once a day.

10. Pulsatilla – For Vaginal Candidiasis

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine for treating fungal infections in vagina – vaginal candidiasis.  This medicine is used when there occurs thick white, milky or cream-like vaginal discharge. The discharge cause burning and irritation in the vagina. Itching is also felt in the vagina. The discharge gets worse after menses.

When to use Pulsatilla? 

This medicine can be given if there is a fungal infection in the vagina with white-colored vaginal discharge.

How to use Pulsatilla? 

Pulsatilla 30C can be taken twice a day, and when symptoms are intense even thrice a day.

Note One may use these medicines only in the recommended doses for about 3 to 4 weeks. If in this time span no changes are seen in the skin condition, then kindly consult a homeopathic doctor for further action.

Causes Behind Fungal Infections

A fungal infection is caused by microorganisms like Tinea, Dermatophytes, Candida albicans, yeast, etc.

Fungal infections can occur in two ways.

1. Harmful fungi enter the body throughdirect contact with an infected person or an infected animal or soil contaminated with fungi. It can also spread by using an object infected with fungi, like clothes, combs, towels and bed sheets.

2. It occurs when there is excessive multiplication of the fungi normally present in the body in a small amount. The growth of fungi present naturally in the body is kept under control by the immune system. When excessive multiplication of fungi occurs under certain circumstances due to a weak immune system, it results in an infection.

Signs And Symptoms Of Fungal Infections

The signs and symptoms depend on the type of fungal infection but some frequently noted symptoms common in most fungal types are redness in the affected area, irritation or itching, burning sensation, and cracked or peeled skin. Scaling on the skin and blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) may also be noted.

Which skin areas can be affected by fungal rash?

Although a fungal rash may arise anywhere on the skin, the most-affected areas are folds of skin, like behind knees, bend of elbows, groin, under-breast area, etc.

Risk Factors For Fungal Infection

Though anyone can contract a fungal infection but certain factors predispose a person.

1. Warm, damp, humid environment: Dampness, moisture, and humidity – these three conditions are enough for fungi to flourish.

2. Weak immune system:A healthy immune system keeps a check on the excessive growth of fungi naturally present in the body. If immunity drops, fungi get an opportunity to overgrow resulting in an infection. Diseases that decrease immunity, medicines that suppress the immune system, and stress that weakens immunity increase the risk of fungal infections. People with HIV deal with a weakened immunity that can give rise to opportunistic diseases.

3. Heavy sweating provides a favorable environment for fungal growth

4. Diabetes Mellitus: A hyperglycemic (high in glucose) environment favors immune dysfunction that gives fungi a chance to overgrow.

5. Sharing personal things like clothing, bed sheets, towels, combs, shaving razors, etc. with an infected person.

6. Obesity: In obese people, the skin folds tend to trap excessive moisture, which can promote fungal growth.

7. Use of certain medicines: Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy drugs reduce the body’s immunity. Antibiotics prescribed to kill harmful bacteria affect the useful bacteria in the body. These good bacteria help keep fungal growth in check as a result of inter-related factors. When the concentration of good bacteria decreases, the fungi get an opportunity to grow in excess, leading to fungal infections.

 Types of Fungal Infections

A. Ringworms (Tinea infection):It is not caused by a worm but is named so as it causes ring-shaped lesions on the skin.

Cause: Fungi of the genera Trichophyton, and epidermophyton.

Spread: Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Signs and symptoms: Red, circular ring-shaped patches on the skin along with itching.

Tinea infection can develop on different parts of the body and has different names as per the part affected. These are given below:

1.. Tinea Cruris: Ringworm infection on skin in the groin area.

2. Tinea Pedis/Athlete’s Foot: It affects feet, especially the area between toes

3. Tinea capitis: This ringworm infection affects the scalp.

4. Tinea unguium (Onychomycosis): It refers toenail fungus commonly affecting toenails

5. Tinea Barbae: It is the ringworm infection of the beard, mustache area of the face, and the neck.

6. Tinea Corporis– Ringworm on the body

B. Tinea Versicolor also named Pityriasis Versicolor

This type of fungal infection occurs when fungus Malassezia grows extensively on the skin. Discolored patches appear on skin that may be light or dark, as compared to the surrounding skin. Mild itching and scaling can occur too. The main affected areas are the chest, back, shoulders, neck and upper arms.

C. Candida Infection

Candida Albicans is a type of fungi present in the human body in a small amount. The fungus only causes a problem when it multiplies and increases in number. The infection caused by this fungi is known as candidiasis.

Some of the most common Candida fungi infections include:

1. Oral Thrush: An oral thrush is an infection of Candida Albicans inside the mouth or on the tongue. It is commonly seen in infants, older adults, and people with low immunity.

2. Vaginal Candidiasis– Vaginal candidiasis is also more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection. It is caused by the fungi candida, which is normally present in the vagina in a small amount. It causes vaginal candidiasis when it grows to an abnormal amount.
The infection tends to develop as a result of a weak immune system, intake of oral contraceptive pills, uncontrolled diabetes and use of extensive antibiotics.

3. Diaper rash: A red rash that develops on a baby’s buttocks due to overuse of diapers is known as diaper rash. There are many reasons for a diaper rash, but a candida infection is one of the most common. The warm and moist areas between a diaper and a baby’s skin serve as a favorable environment for the growth of fungi.