Fungal Skin Infection: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A fungal skin infection, also known as dermatophytosis, is a contagious condition caused by fungi such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch, where the fungi infect the outer layer of the skin, often entering through cuts or weakened skin.

Caused by factors like warm and moist environments, poor hygiene, and compromised immune systems, fungal skin infections can lead to discomfort, itching, and pain, potentially developing into serious health issues like skin thickening, scarring, and even organ damage if left untreated. To relieve fungal skin infections, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem have antifungal properties, while medicinal preparations like topical creams and ointments can be made from these herbs.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper preparation and application guidelines to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of fungal skin infection, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of fungal skin infection?

The main causes of fungal skin infection are a combination of factors, including excessive sweating, warm and humid environments, skin trauma, compromised immune system, and previous fungal infections.

People with diabetes, obesity, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are more susceptible to fungal skin infections due to their compromised skin barrier. Fungal spores can penetrate the skin through minor cuts or scratches, allowing the infection to take hold. Poor hygiene and inadequate drying of the skin after bathing or swimming can also contribute to the development of fungal skin infections.

Additionally, wearing tight clothing and sharing personal items such as towels and razors can increase the risk of fungal transmission.

• Trichophyton: Trichophyton is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments and can infect skin through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, infected animals, or human carriers, leading to conditions such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
• Epidermophyton: Epidermophyton is a type of fungus that infects skin and nails, often causing conditions like jock itch and onychomycosis due to its ability to adhere to keratinized skin cells and nails, making it difficult to eliminate.
• Microsporum: Microsporum is a type of fungus that causes ringworm and other skin infections, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals, due to its ability to infect hair follicles and skin, leading to scaly, itchy lesions.
• Candida: Candida is a type of fungus that can infect skin, particularly in warm, moist areas like the groin, feet, and armpits, due to its ability to overgrow and cause conditions like intertrigo and balanitis in individuals with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene.
• Aspergillus: Aspergillus is a type of fungus that can cause skin infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, due to its ability to produce toxins that cause inflammation and infection in the skin.
• Fusarium: Fusarium is a type of fungus that can infect skin, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, due to its ability to produce toxins that cause inflammation and infection in the skin.
• Malassezia: Malassezia is a type of fungus that can cause skin infections, particularly in individuals with oily skin, due to its ability to thrive in oily environments and cause conditions like pityriasis versicolor.
• Sporothrix: Sporothrix is a type of fungus that can cause skin infections, particularly in individuals who come into contact with contaminated soil or plants, due to its ability to infect skin through puncture wounds or scratches.
• Histoplasma: Histoplasma is a type of fungus that can cause skin infections, particularly in individuals who come into contact with contaminated soil or bird droppings, due to its ability to infect skin through inhalation or direct contact.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for fungal skin infection?

The main medicinal herbs used for fungal skin infection are Aloe vera, Melaleuca alternifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Echinacea purpurea, Silybum marianum, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum.

Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe and treat fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, contains compounds that exhibit antifungal activity, making it effective against fungal pathogens. Calendula officinalis, with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, accelerates wound healing and reduces the risk of infection.

Furthermore, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale, which contain curcumin and gingerols respectively, exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activity, while Ginkgo biloba, Allium sativum, and Echinacea purpurea may help modulate the immune response to fight off fungal infections.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis, helps with fungal skin infection by exhibiting anti-fungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, due to the presence of compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which inhibit the growth of fungal cells.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Tea Tree Oil, helps with fungal skin infection by its potent anti-fungal activity, primarily attributed to the presence of terpenes like cymene and borneol, which disrupt the fungal cell membrane and inhibit the growth of pathogens like Trichophyton rubrum.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have direct anti-fungal properties to help with fungal skin infection, but it is often used in combination with other herbs to support skin health and immune function, which can aid in the body's natural defense against fungal infections.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as Marigold, helps with fungal skin infection by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and inhibit the growth of fungal cells like Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, helps with fungal skin infection by exhibiting anti-fungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, due to the presence of compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which inhibit the growth of fungal cells.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not have direct anti-fungal properties to help with fungal skin infection, but it is often used in combination with other herbs to support immune function, which can aid in the body's natural defense against fungal infections.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as Milk Thistle, does not have direct anti-fungal properties to help with fungal skin infection, but it is often used in combination with other herbs to support liver health, which is essential for detoxifying the body and aiding in the elimination of fungal toxins.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, helps with fungal skin infection by its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling, and its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of fungal cells like Candida albicans.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as Turmeric, helps with fungal skin infection by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, particularly attributed to the presence of curcumin, which inhibits the growth of fungal cells like Trichophyton rubrum and reduces inflammation.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum, also known as Garlic, helps with fungal skin infection by its antimicrobial properties, particularly attributed to the presence of allicin, which inhibits the growth of fungal cells like Candida albicans and other pathogens.

What are the main herbal preparations used for fungal skin infection?

The main herbal preparations used for fungal skin infection are Cream, Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Ointment, Capsule, Poultice, Gel, Tea, Suppository.

Cream is often used for mild cases, containing antifungal herbs like tea tree oil, which has been shown to inhibit fungal growth. Tincture and Decoction are liquid preparations that can be applied directly to the affected area or taken orally, often containing herbs like berberine and andrographis, which have antimicrobial properties. Salve and Ointment are semi-solid preparations that can be applied directly to the affected area, often containing herbs like calendula and aloe vera, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Capsule, Poultice, Gel, Tea, and Suppository are other preparations that can be used to treat fungal skin infections, with Capsule containing antifungal herbs like caprylic acid, Poultice using herbs like garlic and onion to draw out infection, Gel using herbs like aloe vera to soothe the skin, Tea being used orally to reduce fungal load, and Suppository using herbs like tea tree oil to target localized infections.

• Cream: A cream preparation made from the antifungal compound berberine found in Berberis vulgaris helps with fungal skin infection by forming a barrier on the skin's surface that prevents the spread of fungal spores and promotes a healthy environment for the skin to recover.
• Tincture: A tincture preparation made from the antifungal properties of the essential oil extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia helps with fungal skin infection by being absorbed into the bloodstream, which then fights the fungal infection internally and reduces the severity of symptoms.
• Decoction: A decoction preparation made from the antifungal compounds of the plant Calendula officinalis helps with fungal skin infection by releasing the active ingredients into a liquid solution that can be applied topically to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
• Salve: A salve preparation made from the antifungal properties of the plant Plantago major helps with fungal skin infection by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface that prevents the spread of fungal spores and promotes a healthy environment for the skin to recover.
• Ointment: An ointment preparation made from the antifungal compound salicin found in Salix alba helps with fungal skin infection by forming a barrier on the skin's surface that prevents the spread of fungal spores and reduces inflammation in the affected area.
• Capsule: A capsule preparation made from the antifungal compound artemisinin found in Artemisia annua helps with fungal skin infection by being absorbed into the bloodstream, which then fights the fungal infection internally and reduces the severity of symptoms.
• Poultice: A poultice preparation made from the antifungal properties of the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with fungal skin infection by applying a paste made from the plant material directly to the affected area, which reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing.
• Gel: A gel preparation made from the antifungal compound aloe-emodin found in Aloe barbadensis helps with fungal skin infection by forming a soothing and protective barrier on the skin's surface that prevents the spread of fungal spores and reduces inflammation in the affected area.
• Tea: A tea preparation made from the antifungal properties of the plant Lavandula angustifolia helps with fungal skin infection by releasing the active ingredients into a liquid solution that can be applied topically to the affected area or taken internally, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
• Suppository: A suppository preparation made from the antifungal compound berberine found in Berberis vulgaris helps with fungal skin infection by being inserted into the affected area, which then fights the fungal infection locally and reduces the severity of symptoms.