It’s winter time in New Zealand, and the weather is getting colder and wetter!
In the recent weeks I have seen a surge of patients presenting with fungal skin issues.
What I also commonly hear is that the topical antifungal solutions provided by doctors work very well, but is often short-lived.
This is because fungal issues are not isolated to your skin, it comes from the inside! So the treatment approach should be both internal and external.
Here are my top 5 tips to help clear your fungal skin problem:
1) AVOID SUGARS & YEASTS – Sugars and yeast feed the fungus inside you. It is their fuel source, and that’s why it’s important to cut it out from your diet! No more sweets, ice cream, chocolate, juice and desserts until your skin clears. Also be careful with alcohol and baked goods as they often contain sugars and yeasts.
2) COCONUT OIL + MANUKA/TEA TREE OIL – The combination of coconut oil and either manuka oil or tea tree oil makes a fantastic antifungal moisturizer. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid which helps to kill off the fungus, and tea tree oil and manuka oil both have potent antifungal properties. rub the coconut oil on your hand until it becomes oily, then add 1-2 drops of either manuka oil or tea tree oil and mix together in your hands. Apply only the affected areas 2-3 times a day until the rash clears. Make sure to patch test for at least 24 hours before use!
3) THE RIGHT PROBIOTICS – Choosing the right probiotics will quicken the pace of healing when it comes to fungal issues. I often prescribe Saccharomyces Boulardii for my patients. This is a beneficial yeast that helps to shift the fungus out of your system. Take on daily basis until the rash clears.
4) APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BATHS – Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is naturally antifungal. Taking baths with ACV can be hugely beneficial especially if your fungal skin issue is wide-spread. Add about 2 cups of AVC to your bath water and soak for about 15-20 mins. Rinse off in the shower and apply moisturizer after your bath. ACV can sting a little, especially if the concentration is high. Adjust the amount to add to the bath water so that it is not uncomfortable.
5) ERADICATE MOULDS – If you notice a lot of moisture build-up or moulds in your house, this could be causing the fungal skin issue! Moulds can release toxic fungal spores into the environment and make you sick. Make sure to clean any signs of mould with vinegar, and invest in dehumidifiers/air ventilation systems/better insulation for your home to reduce mould build-up in the first place.
It is hard to tell sometimes whether it’s eczema, psoriasis or fungal skin infections as the symptoms can be rather similar. Here are some key symptoms you may want to look out for:
🩺 Rashes found around your scalp, face, neck, armpit, chest, bra line for women, abdomen, groin, inner thighs, between toes.
🩺 Sugar cravings
🩺 White coat on your tongue
🩺 Sinus congestion
🩺 Other fungal issues (eg thrush, fungal nails)
🩺 Tiredness
🩺 Gut issues (eg bloating, gassiness, altered stools, anal itch)
If you are not sure what is causing your skin issue, it would be best to have it checked by a health professional.
Please contact me if you would like a more targeted treatment for your skin issues 🙂