The 6 Best Remedies To Fight Fungus On The Scalp

How to fight fungus on the scalp? It is essential to consult a general practitioner or a dermatologist. However, there are some home remedies that can help us fight these fungi.

Also known as ringworm, scalp fungus infection is a problem that can affect anyone. It is nevertheless predominant in children. This infection is characterized by the presence of light scales or large inflammatory plaques and extensive alopecia. How can we fight it?

When faced with this problem, it is essential to consult a general practitioner or a dermatologist, as medication to treat the infection is usually necessary. Likewise, some medicinal shampoos and some home remedies help speed up the healing process.

What do fungi look like on the scalp and what are the causes of their appearance?

There are several types of scalp infections caused by fungi. However, the best known form is ringworm, which is linked to the presence of dermatophytes. According to a publication in the scientific journal  Mycopathologia, symptoms vary depending on the type of capillary invasion, the host’s resistance level and its degree of inflammatory response.

Symptoms can range from a mild hair loss with small scales detectable with close inspection to an inflammatory, painful and severe lump that can cover a large part of the scalp. The presence of fungi causes the hair to stop growing or grow fragile.

This infection is often caused by microorganisms that proliferate due to constant humidity. It can also be linked to the presence of lesions or wounds and poor hygiene.

This infection is contagious. Contact or use of personal accessories by someone with this infection should therefore be avoided . Of course, it is essential to consult a doctor in order to obtain effective treatment.

Scalp fungus treatments

A doctor or dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth such as terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole. At the moment, itraconazole and terbinafine are authorized in some countries for children.

The duration of treatment can extend to six months or even more. In addition, the patient may also need to use medicinal shampoo. This product helps eliminate fungal spores and thus prevent the infection from spreading. 

How to avoid fungus on the scalp?

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is difficult to prevent the presence of fungus on the scalp because it is a highly contagious infection. However, there are some measures that help reduce the risk.

These measures include the following:

• avoid keeping hair wet for too long
• do not use beanies or hats on wet hair
• keep your hair clean and use a good shampoo
• avoid contact with infected animals
• inform children and adults about the risk factors for this infection
• do not use other people’s personal effects such as combs, tongs, hats, cushions, towels, etc.
• Keep all items used when taking care of the hair clean.

6 remedies to eliminate fungus on the scalp

As a complement to the treatment, it is possible – according to beliefs – to use certain remedies of natural origin. These remedies can help relieve symptoms. However, the following fact must be taken into consideration: the evidence on the reliability and safety of these remedies is limited. They should therefore be used with caution.

Moreover, although these remedies have become popular, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If in doubt, consult your doctor. And if you notice any strange reaction after applying any of these remedies, immediately stop using it and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

1. Garlic solution

This remedy is popular. Nevertheless, this remedy can be a bit strong for sensitive people. Perform a small test first before using this remedy completely.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of lemon juice (125 ml)
• 6 rosemary leaves
• 5 cloves of garlic

How to do ?

• Peel the garlic cloves and bring them to a boil with the lemon juice and rosemary leaves for about 10 minutes.
• Then, apply the mixture obtained on the scalp daily.

2. Sodium bicarbonate scrub

Due to its texture, baking soda works as an exfoliant to remove dander and dead cells that build up on the scalp. Furthermore,  its application also helps soothe itching . However, as in the previous case, it should be used with caution if you have a sensitive scalp.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of hot water (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate (9 g)

How to do ?

• Mix the cup of hot water and the tablespoon of baking soda.
• Then, apply on the scalp after the bath with circular massages and leave on for 5 minutes.
• Finally, wash off with plenty of water.

3. Apple cider vinegar

The antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar have been studied. Nevertheless, this remedy does not enjoy scientific support as an alternative treatment for ringworm. Despite this, popular belief accepts this remedy as an alternative remedy to treat ringworm.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar (62 ml)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to do ?

Dilute the apple cider vinegar in the cup of water and apply the mixture to the scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with plenty of water.

4. Lemon yogurt

There is no evidence to show that the combination of yogurt and lemon helps fight this infection. Nevertheless, it seems that yogurt has antifungal properties thanks to the presence of living microorganisms.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of plain yogurt (100 g)
• A few drops of lemon juice

How to do ?

• Mix the two ingredients together, apply them to the scalp, then leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
• Wash off with plenty of water and dry your hair well. You can repeat the procedure three times a week.

5. White vinegar

Much like apple cider vinegar, the idea that white vinegar helps fight ringworm comes mostly from popular culture. It is advisable to dilute this product, because in its natural state, this product can be very aggressive for the scalp.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of white vinegar (62 ml)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to do ?

• Mix the ingredients together.
• After washing the hair well, apply the preparation on the scalp and leave on for 5 minutes.
• Finally, rinse thoroughly with water.

6. Aloe vera gel

The Aloe vera contains aloin a substance which is attributed antifungal effects. These properties were also recognized in a study published in the medical journal  Oman Medical Journal . 

Ingredients

• Aloe vera gel

How to do ?

• Apply the aloe vera gel to the scalp using a brush so that it comes into direct contact with the scalp.
• It has a strong effect, so it is recommended to leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with plenty of water.

In short …

The presence of fungus on the scalp is a problem that should be addressed with the help of a healthcare professional. Although there are some alternative remedies, it is best to seek medical treatment. Preventive measures should also be taken to prevent the spread of infection.