FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #17103
151 days ago
201

Antifungal Cream - #17103

Abigail

I’ve been dealing with a persistent fungal infection on my feet for the past month. It started as a small patch between my toes, but it has gradually spread to the sides of my feet and the soles. The itching and irritation have been unbearable at times, and I’ve been trying to manage the symptoms with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. While the cream provides some relief, the infection hasn’t gone away completely, and I’m starting to worry that it might get worse if not treated properly. I’ve been using the antifungal cream as directed, but I’m not sure if I’m applying it correctly or if I need to use a stronger treatment. I’ve also been trying to keep my feet clean and dry, but the infection seems to come back as soon as I stop using the cream for a day or two. I’m concerned that the fungal infection might become resistant to the cream, and I’m unsure if there are any other treatments I should try. Since I prefer natural and holistic approaches, I’ve been wondering if there are any Ayurvedic remedies that could help treat the fungal infection or support my body in fighting it off. I’ve heard that herbs like neem, turmeric, and tea tree oil are often used for fungal infections, but I’m unsure how effective they would be in my case. I’d love to learn more about how Ayurveda views fungal infections and what natural treatments could complement or even replace the antifungal cream. Has anyone here dealt with a persistent fungal infection and found relief through natural remedies or Ayurvedic treatments? What worked for you, and how long did it take to heal?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dealing with a persistent fungal infection can be really frustrating, especially when it keeps coming back despite using treatments. It's good that you're being proactive about managing the infection and are considering a more holistic approach. Fungal infections, especially on the feet, are common and can be persistent, but there are certainly ways to support your body and help heal the infection naturally. In Ayurveda, fungal infections are often seen as a result of an imbalance in the body's internal systems, typically linked to excess moisture (which creates a breeding ground for fungi) and toxins (ama) that accumulate in the body. So, alongside topical treatments, Ayurveda suggests strengthening the body’s natural defenses and balancing the body’s internal elements to combat the infection. Some Ayurvedic remedies that might help include: Neem: Neem is known for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can apply neem oil directly to the affected area, or even soak your feet in a foot bath with neem leaves or neem oil diluted in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. This can help kill the fungus and soothe irritation. Turmeric: This herb is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, thanks to its active compound, curcumin. You can apply turmeric paste (a mix of turmeric powder and water) directly to the infection. Turmeric also helps boost your immune system and could be taken internally in the form of a turmeric tea or capsules to help fight the infection from the inside out. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is an excellent antifungal agent and can be applied topically to the affected area. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply it to the infected areas twice a day. Coconut Oil: This oil contains caprylic acid, which is known for its antifungal properties. Coconut oil also has soothing properties that can help calm the irritation and discomfort associated with fungal infections. You can apply virgin coconut oil to your feet several times a day. Triphala: Triphala is a blend of three fruits that is often used to detoxify the body and support overall immune function. It might be helpful to take Triphala internally (in powder or capsule form) to help address any internal imbalance and support healing. In addition to these herbs, Ayurveda recommends maintaining a dry and clean environment for your feet, as fungal infections thrive in moist, warm conditions. Try to wear cotton socks and avoid keeping your feet enclosed in tight shoes for long periods. Allow your feet to breathe and dry out, especially between the toes. As for diet, Ayurveda suggests focusing on a light and easily digestible diet that can help clear out toxins, such as warm, cooked foods with plenty of vegetables. Avoid heavy, oily, and sugary foods, as they can worsen imbalances that contribute to fungal growth. If the infection continues or worsens despite these natural treatments, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, as there may be underlying factors at play, like an immune system imbalance or a particularly resistant strain of fungus.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
145 days ago
4.83
It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent and frustrating fungal infection, and while antifungal creams can help, they sometimes don’t provide long-term relief or can cause the fungus to become resistant if not used correctly. In Ayurveda, fungal infections are often considered an imbalance of the body’s internal systems, particularly the doshas (especially Pitta and Kapha), which can affect skin health and immune function. Natural remedies like neem are well-known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can apply neem oil directly to the affected area or use a neem-based cream. Turmeric is another powerful remedy, as it has both anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, and it can help support healing when applied as a paste or used in bath water. Tea tree oil is also highly effective against fungi and can be used topically when diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil. In addition to topical treatments, Ayurvedic herbs like Giloy (known for boosting immunity) or Triphala (which supports detoxification and overall health) can be taken internally to help your body fight off infections. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene and keeping the feet dry is crucial to preventing further growth of the fungus. If you continue to have trouble, it might be helpful to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to tailor a holistic plan for your condition. Many people with persistent fungal infections have found relief through consistent use of natural remedies, although healing times can vary depending on the severity and consistency of treatment.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers

0 replies
Absolutely, fungal infections can be quite a nuisance, can't they? It sounds like you're already doing quite a few things right - keeping your feet clean and dry is essential. But sometimes those pesky infections linger longer than we’d like... Let's dive into some Ayurvedic perspectives and remedies that might help. Ayurveda sees fungal infections primarily as an imbalance of the Kapha and Pitta doshas. When dampness (Kapha) and heat (Pitta) get out of balance together, it can create a perfect storm for things like fungal infections. The over-the-counter cream is helping manage symptoms, but eh, maybe it's time to bolster your defenses with some holistic ways. First up, neem, you mentioned it, is indeed a solid choice. In Ayurveda, neem is known as a powerful antifungal and antiseptic agent. Here's what you could do: Make a foot bath by adding a few teaspoons of dried neem leaves to warm water, soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes, twice a day. Turmeric is another great ally - it's anti-inflammatory and can help soothe irritation too. You might try making a paste with a pinch of turmeric powder mixed with a little water or coconut oil, and apply it directly to the affected area, let it sit for around 30 minutes before washing off. Keep an eye on staining though! Turmeric has a mind of its own that way. Now tea tree oil, it's effective, but it's quite strong. Always dilute it, like 3-4 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g. coconut or jojoba oil), and apply gently. Doing it twice a day, post-neem soak, might show results. Stay on top of keeping shoes and socks dry and clean too. Avoid synthetic socks if you can, cotton is preferable. It’s great that you're cautious about resistance, but do remember Ayurveda is not just about topical treatments. Diet is key too. Try to keep Kapha and Pitta in check with a diet free of sugary foods, spicy or overly oily stuff for a bit. These remedies can be quite effective, but remember patience is part of the journey. Hopefully in a few weeks, maybe even less, you'll begin noticing a difference. If it doesn't improve, do check back with a healthcare pro - nothing wrong in mixing the ancient ways with modern medicine when need be, yhknow? Your health is what matters most!
26394 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions