Q. How can Tinea versicolor be treated naturally?
Warm, moist areas give infection-causing fungi a perfect environment in which to grow and thrive. Long-term use of corticosteroid-containing medications like prednisone also increase the risk of developing fungal infections. People with HIV disease and diabetes are particularly prone to certain fungal skin infections. Fungi are known to increase the production of inflammatory substances in the skin.
When tinea versicolor produces lighter-colored spots, it may take up to several months for the color to even out between skin areas that are affected and not affected. It always eventually does, however. Tinea versicolor does not leave permanent skin discoloration.
The rash of tinea versicolor tends to linger even after successful treatment, especially if the spots are lighter than surrounding skin. This persistent discoloration often leads people to think that the fungi are still present long after they have been eradicated. It may take months for skin color to blend and look normal, but it always does. The red or brown variety of rash, on the other hand, clears up visually right away. It is, therefore, a good idea to have the condition treated as soon as new spots appear so that any discoloration lasts as short a time as possible.
There are several herbs that may be used externally for this condition:
- Garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic is an antifungal antiseptic and is effective in treating tinea conditions. Steep several cloves of garlic in some olive oil for one to three days. Strain the garlic cloves from the mixture and dab the oil on the affected area with a cotton ball.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger contains caprylic acid which is good for fungal infections. To make a ginger tonic simply add one ounce of crushed ginger to a cup of boiling water and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When the mixture is cool enough to use, simply apply it to the affected areas using a cotton ball.
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice has 25 fungicidal compounds and has been used by the Chinese to treat Tinea conditions. Make a strong brew using five to seven teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When it is cool simply apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball.
- A mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax may help heal fungal infections of the skin.
- Pau d’Arco is also a wonderful antifungal herb. It has powerful Anti-viral and Anti-biotic properties.
A. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of almost all adults. This fungus exists in two forms, one of which causes visible spots. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities.
