Share on Pinterest Research shows that coconut oil has antifungal properties. Researchers have established that coconut oil is an effective anti-fungal. Studies indicate that coconut oil may be effective against Candida albicans, a type of fungus that is most commonly responsible for fungal infections.
Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people. You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.
Essential oils of peppermint, orange or lemongrass kill most strains of fungal and bacterial infections.
Traditionally, coconut oil is used to moisturize and treat skin infections. The emollient effect of coconut oil has been successfully demonstrated in atopic dermatitis patients, thereby showing that coconut oil is a potent natural emollient to be used in treatment of xerosis.
The same antifungal components of coconut oil — specifically lauric and caprylic acid — may help prevent other fungal infections, including athlete's foot.
Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that fights the growth of harmful microorganisms. Because lauric acid makes up almost half of its content, coconut oil is considered antibacterial.
Coconut oil
This oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-fungal properties. Therefore, this oil can help you get relief from the itching and discomfort caused by jock itch. But be sure to use virgin coconut oil. Just take a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and apply it directly to the affected area twice a day.
Use Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial. Mix it with any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and dab over the infected area about three to four times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.
Research has shown that ACV possesses antifungal properties. This has led to speculation that it may be effective against Candida infections.
Extra virgin olive oil has been shown to help combat candida overgrowth for several reasons. First, extra virgin olive oil contains a compound called oleupropein, which has anti-fungal properties. Second, extra virgin olive oil helps to restore the natural balance of gut flora.
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and exposure to heat makes it liquid. A person can use solid or liquid coconut oil on the skin. If it is solid, rub a small scoop between the fingertips until it softens. To reduce symptoms of eczema, apply coconut oil to the skin twice a day, or more often if necessary.
Coconut oil has the natural ability to penetrate the skin quickly and efficiently, which can boost hydration, improve skin elasticity, fight itch and reduce the chances of infection from this skin condition.
An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the bacteria cannot grow in the oil itself, it must have a watery media. The concern is due to infused oils or dressings where there is a mixture of oil and water.
After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation — ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder or spray — that work for you.
Athlete's foot occurs when a certain fungus grows on the skin of your feet. The same fungus may also grow on other parts of the body. However, the feet are most commonly affected, especially between the toes.