Every year, over 13 million people in the U.S. see their doctor about a fungal infection. But those who avoid going to the doctor because of inconvenience, cost, or difficulty in getting an appointment may resort to trying purported DIY at-home treatments instead.
Unfortunately, fungal infections are hard to eradicate, so effective treatment usually requires a dedicated antifungal medication. Let’s debunk 7 common myths about fighting fungal infections at home and explain how home remedies can sometimes make things worse by delaying the start of effective antifungal treatment.
How To Cure a Fungal Infection: Fact vs. Fiction
Your body is naturally home to millions of tiny living organisms that make up your microbiome. One of these types of organisms is fungi. There are many types of fungi, and some types that reside naturally in the skin, gut, and mucous membranes help protect against infection. However, when excessive environmental fungi are introduced to the body or the body’s balance of natural fungi overgrow, the fungi can cause fungal infections.
These infections most often affect the skin, lungs, mouth, nails, or vagina, and are more likely to occur in those with a weakened immune system. Treatment of a fungal infection depends on the area affected and type of fungal infection.
| Type of Fungal Infection | Common Location(s) | Primary Symptoms | Common Treatments |
| Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) | Soles of feet and toes | Peeling, itchy, dry, cracked, skin in between the toes or soles of feet | Topical antifungal creams, powders, or gels, including terbinafine, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, ciclopirox, tolnaftate |
| Fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) | Skin on the face, neck, chest or upper back | Small, red bumps, whiteheads, or pimples that feel itchy or cause a burning sensation | Topical antifungal face wash, shampoo, or creams, including ketoconazole, selenium sulfide shampoo, clotrimazole; oral antifungal treatment if topical treatment fails, including fluconazole, itraconazole |
| Fungal dandruff | Scalp and hair | Itchy and scaly patches of skin on the scalp, which may cause white, dry flaking of the skin and hair | Topical antifungal shampoos, creams or gels, including ciclopirox, ketoconazole shampoo, selenium sulfide shampoo |
| Fungal ear infection (otomycosis) | External ear canal, ear cartilage, or inner ear | Ear pain, fullness, pressure, itching, and a thick yellow or white discharge; sometimes dry flakey rash to the outer ear canal | Topical antifungal ear drops, including clotrimazole; oral antifungals if severe |
| Fungal pneumonia | Lungs | Fever, chills, cough with thick colored mucous, shortness of breath, chest pain, body aches, weakness | Oral antifungals, including itraconazole or fluconazole; IV antifungals if severe, including amphotericin B |
| Jock itch (tinea cruris) | Groin and genitals | Itchy red or discolored rash on the skin in and around the groin folds or inner thighs that may be scaly, burning, or painful | Topical antifungal creams, lotions, or powders, including terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole; oral antifungals if refractory or severe, including itraconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole |
| Nail fungus (onychomycosis) | Nails | Fingernail or toenail changes in color, shape, texture or thickness, may become brittle or cause discolored patches and debris on the nail | Topical or oral antifungals depending on extent; oral antifungals include terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole; topical antifungals include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, tavaborole |
| Ringworm (tinea corporis) | Skin, usually in a localized patch; can occur alone or multiple patches anywhere on the body | Localized itchy rash that appears as a slightly raised ring-shaped patch with a red, scaly border | Topical antifungal creams, ointments, or gels for localized rash, including terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, ciclopirox; oral antifungals if widespread or severe, including terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole |
| Thrush (candidiasis) | Mouth and tongue | Creamy, thick, slightly raised patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and other parts of the mouth; unpleasant taste, burning or soreness | Topical antifungals that stay in the mouth (troches, gels, rinses, or suspensions), such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin; oral antifungal treatment if severe, including fluconazole |
| Tinea versicolor | Skin, usually widespread and generalized; commonly appearing the torso, neck, or face | Flat, discolored spots or patches that are brown, tan, white, or pinkish; may be scaly or itchy | Topical antifungal shampoos, body washes, or creams, including ketoconazole shampoo, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide shampoo; oral antifungals if topical treatment fails or severe, including fluconazole, itraconazole |
| Vaginal yeast infection(vaginal candidiasis) | Vagina | Thick, white, curd-like or clumpy vaginal discharge; usually accompanied by severe intense itching, burning, and irritation; may cause an inflamed red rash with swelling around the vagina and vulva | Topical antifungal treatment via vaginal suppository inserts or topical creams/gels to outer vaginal skin, including clotrimazole, tioconazole, miconazole, terconazole; oral antifungal agents, including fluconazole as a single dose |
Many may think that antibiotics will treat any type of infection, but antibiotics will not treat fungal infections. Fungal infections require treatment with antifungal medications. Antifungal drugs are made specifically to target and kill fungi. They work in different ways, but many are designed to break down the exterior membrane of fungal cells, leading to fungal death. Many antifungals come from the same classes of drugs, which is why the drug names often sound similar (such as the ending “-azole”).
There are many forms of antifungal medications available, and providers determine treatment type based on the location and severity of the infection. Fungal infections typically take longer – from weeks to months – to treat and clear due to the unique structure of fungal cells. Common forms of antifungals include:
- Topical antifungals: These may come as a cream, ointment, powder, lotion, or shampoo that is applied directly to the area of infection. These are commonly prescribed for localized and superficial infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Topical antifungals are preferred because they are not absorbed by the entire body.
- Oral antifungals: These are medications you take by mouth, such as pills, tablets, and capsules. These act systemically throughout the body and are reserved for widespread, severe, or resistant cases of fungal infection. Antifungal systemic medications have a higher risk of drug interaction and side effects, including liver and kidney damage. They are used with caution and require close monitoring by a healthcare provider.
There is a great deal of misinformation about how fungal infections can be treated, including home remedies. Knowing the difference between myths and facts can help you get appropriate and effective treatment.
Myth: There’s a home remedy for every fungal infection.
At-home “cures” for fungal infections are common and popular. There are many circulating do-it-yourself remedy suggestions that claim to successfully treat fungal infections, including vinegar soaks and certain essential oils. Some are even promoted for specific conditions, such as Manuka honey for athlete’s foot, yogurt for vaginal yeast infections, or cornstarch for jock itch.
However, the reality is that few, if any, of these home remedies are effective in treating a fungal infection. At best, some remedies may offer some short-term symptom relief, but it may also mask your symptoms, allowing the underlying infection to go untreated and worsen. In most cases, fungal infections must be treated with a proper antifungal medication. If you have symptoms of a fungal infection, always see a medical provider for prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Myth: Once the symptoms stop, the infection is gone.
Even if symptoms stop being obvious, it doesn’t guarantee that a fungal infection is gone. For example, some fungal infections may itch. But itching as a symptom is not always consistent. At times, it may be intense and then subside, or even stop for a while, especially if you use an anti-itch product for temporary relief. That variation means itchiness alone can’t tell you whether an infection is cleared. It is also important to note that not all fungal infections cause itching, and not all itching is caused by fungal infections.
It is important to complete your entire antifungal medication regimen, even if your symptoms improve or disappear before the regimen is complete. If you do not complete the course of medication, the fungal infection can reoccur, spread to other parts of your body, or even result in a chronic infection that is resistant to treatment. Finishing the full course of medication reduces the chances of recurrence and complications.
Myth: Foot fungus (athlete’s foot) and toenail fungus are the same thing.
It’s a myth that toenail fungal infections and foot fungus (athlete’s foot) are the same. While both are caused by fungi, there are important differences, including symptoms and how they are treated.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that causes scaly, dry, and itchy skin between the toes or on the soles and sides of the feet. It can also make the skin crack and become painful and discolored.
Because fungi thrive and grow in moist environments, sweaty feet are an ideal place for fungal infections to occur. Athlete’s foot can affect anyone, and you can get the infection through any exposure to moist environments, such as contact with contaminated floors in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, or by wearing tight-fitting, nonbreathable shoes.
How to Cure Foot Fungus
Antifungal medications are the most effective treatment for athlete’s foot. There are over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal treatments available to apply directly to the foot, such as terbinafine, miconazole, and clotrimazole. OTC antifungal treatments are typically effective for mild infections, but more severe or recurring infections may need a stronger prescription antifungal medication.
Prescription topical antifungals include ciclopirox or ketoconazole cream, or an oral antifungal treatment. For moderate to severe cases of athlete’s foot, doctors may suggest combining topical and oral medications.
Some steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting athlete’s foot include the following:
- Washing your feet daily and fully drying them afterward
- Avoid any excess moisture to your feet
- Wearing dry, breathable moisture-wicking socks, and changing out of damp or sweaty socks as soon as possible
- Airing out your shoes after using them
- Wearing shoes that are breathable and not too tight around your feet
- Wearing shower shoes or flip flops whenever in public showers, pools, or saunas
- Avoid sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus infects the nail itself, the nail bed, or the surrounding/underlying tissue. This type of infection looks different compared to athlete’s foot because it primarily affects the hard part of the nail instead of the skin. Toenail fungus may cause one or more of your toenails to discolor, have more debris, become thicker, crumble, flake, or become more painful.
Like athlete’s foot, you can contract a toenail fungal infection from contaminated surfaces through moist shared spaces like locker rooms and communal showers. The risk of infection gets higher when your feet stay damp for extended periods of time, which promotes fungal growth. However, toenail fungus may also be caused by other conditions, such as a nail injury, tight shoes, or medical conditions such as diabetes and poor circulation.
How to Cure Toenail Fungus
It can be challenging to get rid of toenail fungus because the nails are harder to penetrate than the skin. Some topical treatments for toenail fungus can treat mild infections that are caught early, but moderate to severe infections typically require a prolonged systemic oral antifungal treatment that can last anywhere from a few months to a year and require close monitoring. Doctors may also recommend combining oral and topical medications for more thorough treatment of toenail fungus.
Prevention of toenail fungal infections are similar to preventing athlete’s foot and are focused on proper nail care and limiting moist environments. Regular habits that can help prevent fungal toenail infections include:
- Keeping your nails cut short to avoid injury
- Washing your feet and nails daily and drying thoroughly
- Disinfecting nail clippers after every use and not sharing hygiene tools
- Keeping shoes and socks dry
- Wearing breathable and non-tight shoes that prevent excess moisture
Myth: You can kill nail fungus fast.
You should be skeptical of any DIY treatment that promises to kill toenail fungus overnight or in a matter of days because these infections are notoriously tricky to treat and regimens typically take a minimum of months to over a year to completely cure.
Part of the problem is that the fungus lives in or under the hard nail plate, which makes topical medications struggle to reach it. Those who quit treatment the moment visible symptoms improve may also leave surviving fungi, causing a recurring infection that may cause resistance and prolong future treatment.
Myth: Fungal acne is just like regular acne.
Fungal acne may look like acne, but it’s caused by an entirely different skin issue. Regular acne occurs when your pores are blocked by sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Fungal acne is also more likely to be itchy.
Fungal acne, on the other hand, is an infection of the hair follicles in your skin caused by yeast, rather than the bacteria and skin cells that contribute to regular acne. It occurs due to overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast. This type of fungi lives harmlessly on the skin of most people, but it can become an infection if the skin gets damaged or if a change in skin or health conditions allows it to overgrow.
Common culprits that may cause fungal acne include excess sweating, heat, humidity, or certain products that trap moisture in the skin. It is more likely to occur in those who have weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications that increase risk of yeast overgrowth, such as antibiotics.
For those prone to this type of acne, using regular acne treatments that include antibiotics and antimicrobial cleansers may actually trigger fungal growth by eliminating good bacteria on the skin that keeps the yeast in balance. Because fungal acne is specifically caused by fungi, it is not treated in the same way as regular acne and needs antifungal treatment.
How to Cure Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can often be cured with either topical or oral antifungal medications depending on severity. Using an over-the-counter shampoo or a cream with selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or clotrimazole may help clear the acne. If these are ineffective, there are prescription options for stronger topical creams, or oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole.
Like all fungal infections, preventing future fungal acne involves proper skin care and excess moisture prevention:
- Quickly change out of clothes that are sweaty or damp, or shower after being in a humid or moist environment
- Keep your skin clean and dry
- Use oil-free and pore-clearing skincare products that do not irritate the skin barrier
- Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing such as cotton, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing that traps moisture against your skin
- Be careful not to damage the skin when shaving or using tweezers
Myth: Steroid creams can help any itchy fungal rash.
Steroid creams are anti-inflammatory products that help reduce inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling. It is a common over-the-counter medication that is used to relieve discomfort for many inflammatory common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and minor allergic rashes. While steroids are effective in reducing inflammation and bothersome symptoms, experts recommend against using steroid creams for fungal infections.
Steroids help inflammation but also reduce your body’s immune response, hindering your body’s ability to fight the fungal infection. Steroids can temporarily relieve itching and redness in fungal skin infections, but in the process may allow the fungi to grow quicker while masking symptoms. This can worsen the infection, causing issues in treatment and more severe symptoms later.
If used for a prolonged amount of time, topical steroids can also thin and weaken the skin, which can lead to scarring and discoloration, especially in delicate skin areas such as the face and gential areas. It is important to receive a proper diagnosis and evaluate your body’s response to guide your treatment.
Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all fungal treatment.
No single treatment works against all fungal infections. Different strains of fungi are more susceptible to specific antifungals, so the right medication depends on the type of infection you have, as well as the location of the infection. Fungi can also develop resistance to antifungal medications, especially if the previous fungal infection was not completely cleared before stopping the antifungal regimen. Receiving an accurate diagnosis and taking your medications as prescribed even if symptoms are feeling better can help prevent resistance.
Choosing the right formulation and duration of treatment also matters. Treatment is usually prescribed to clear the infection while causing the least amount of side effects. Length of treatment may also vary based on the severity and extent of the infection.
Formulation also varies based on the type of infection being treated. For example, nail fungus may require both an oral and topical treatment. For other infections, a cream or powder may be easiest to apply directly to the infected area.
The Real Way To Treat Fungal Infections At Home
Fungal infections are treatable, but require antifungal medication. These medications are available as over-the-counter formulations as well as prescription-strength treatments. For mild and localized fungal infections, OTC treatments may be enough to clear the infection. However, if you have a moderate to severe infection, or a non-resolving or recurring fungal infection, you may require prescription-strength treatment.
To access prescription antifungal medication at home, consider using a digital pharmacy platform. Be sure to look for a legitimate platform (and avoid scams), and ensure the platform you’re considering has trusted sourcing and third-party verification programs, such as active pharmacy licensure and LegitScript certification.
TelyRx has a catalog of FDA-approved antifungal treatments, as well as LegitScript certification and HIPAA-level privacy protections. When you request a treatment through TelyRx, an independent healthcare professional licensed in your state reviews your request and, if appropriate, prescribes the treatment that a TelyRx pharmacy fills and sends directly to your home.
Get The Right Treatment Without Guessing
The right treatment has to correspond to the type of infection you have. The symptoms, location, and severity can provide strong clues, but consulting a healthcare provider to receive the appropriate diagnosis can help guide the best treatment for your condition. Whether online or in person, they can help you determine if an over-the-counter or a prescription antifungal medication is best.
Once you have the proper treatment prescribed, make sure to complete the full course, which can help ensure the infection gets cleared while preventing fungal resistance and lowering the risk of a recurring infection.
Prevent Recurrent Fungal Infections
All types of fungal infections vary slightly, but they do share some similar characteristics and symptoms, such as a tendency to grow in moist environments, cause itching, and be stubborn to treat. However, knowing what contributes to fungal infections can help prevent them from occurring in the future. These tips can help prevent future infections:
- Practice good hygiene, including thoroughly washing your hands, feet, scalp, and any areas that can trap excess moisture
- Fully dry your body after every bath or shower
- Promptly change out of sweaty, damp, or wet clothes and shoes
- Rotate the shoes you wear so that they can dry out completely between uses
- Avoid sharing personal hygiene items, and use proper protective wear when walking or using public spaces such as showers, pools, and gyms
- Avoid taking antibiotics unless they are indicated for a bacterial infection because this can contribute to disruption in the natural flora and lead to fungal infections
- Adhere to treatment and complete all medications as prescribed
- Keep an eye out for signs of an infection and acting quickly when an infection starts
Your Next Steps
When considering DIY methods to deal with a fungal infection, know what does and does not work. Even if home remedies offer temporary relief, they don’t solve the underlying infection. If you have signs of a fungal infection, getting the right medication is the most reliable way to solve the problem.
Depending on the infection, you may have multiple options for treatment, including topical and oral medications, some of which are available without a prescription. Working with a healthcare provider, either at an appointment or online, can help you select the right medication and start getting relief.
