Tinea Versicolor is a skin disorder that is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the body. It is brought by Malassezia globosa fungus and found in places that have a humid and warm climate.
Its common symptoms include white patches, flaking, scaling and slight itchiness. The patches tend to turn pink or red when the skin is exposed to the sun or heat. The neck, chest, back, and arms are the most affected part of this infection.
Luckily, there are readily available home remedies which are easy to prepare and do not require you to spend a lot of money as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This vinegar is a powerful and effective agent for cleansing. You can add a bowl of it to your bath water. A mixture with an equal part of apple cider vinegar and water can also be effective. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the infected areas.
This vinegar can dry-out your skin. Make sure to follow the cleansing routine with the application of neem oil or anti-fungal ointment to keep the skin moisturized.
Aloe Vera
For centuries, this plant has been used for a variety of skin conditions. Aloe Vera contains vitamin B12 which can effectively help in treating Tinea Versicolor. Aside from this, it can also alkalize your body – Tinea Versicolor can’t thrive in an alkaline environment.
Neem
This plant has antimicrobial properties that make it a highly effective remedy for Tinea Versicolor.
You can apply ground neem leaves on the affected area and leave it until the paste dries. Another way is by boiling the leaves in water until they get infused and use it in place of your regular bath water. You can also apply neem oil on the infected areas after showering.
Baking Soda
Baking soda alkalizes the body, therefore preventing the fungi that cause this infection from thriving.
Before you shower, use baking soda as a body scrub and concentrate on the affected areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes. This process will remove flakes and dead skin. After this, wash it off with an exfoliating brush. In just a few days, you will gain results.
Yogurt
Yogurt is packed with good bacteria that regulates metabolism, controls the growth of fungus and naturally-occurring yeast. Apply yogurt to your skin before showering and leave it on for 30 minutes. Use a mild soap to wash it off.
Turmeric
This remedy is an effective treatment for infections, injuries, and many more. Make a paste using this spice added with water or any soothing oil. Apply to the infected area and live for 30 minutes. Then, wash it off. In just a matter of days, you will find noticeable results. Aside from this, you can also try mixing a teaspoon of turmeric with a glass of warm milk and drink it every day. This would heal the infection.
Garlic
Garlic is a famous remedy for this fungal infection. Before eating anything else, consume two cloves of garlic with warm water every day. Infection can also be alleviated by applying the juice or oil of garlic on the area affected. Leave it for 30 minutes and use a mild soap to wash it off.
Tea Tree Oil
Due to its anti-fungal properties, this oil has been used to treat different skin infections. Dilute it first before application as tea tree oil is very strong and may cause a burning sensation on the skin. You can mix it with coconut or lavender oil, and then apply it on the affected areas of your skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil gives a soothing effect on the skin and also, keeps it moisturized and nourished. To effectively use this as a treatment, massage the oil on the infected parts every day. It has natural acids that eliminate infection and heal the skin.
Apart from using these remedies, you also need to make a few changes to your lifestyle. Avoid processed foods and switch to a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E. Consume more foods containing probiotics like garlic, coconut, sweet potatoes, and yogurt.
