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Fungal skin infections Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about fungal skin infections

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Can herbal remedies such as tea tree oil help with fungal infections?

There isn't enough evidence to say whether or not herbal remedies can help to clear fungal infections.

Explanation

Many people who try herbal medicines such as tea tree oil to help treat fungal infections find that they help. However, there haven't been enough well-conducted clinical trials to say for sure whether there is a significant benefit to using these products. Tea tree oil has been investigated the most and may hold some promise, but further research needs to be done before scientists can make a proper assessment.

You could try herbal remedies if you wish, to see if you get any benefit, but shouldn't delay seeking help from your pharmacist or GP.

Sources

  • Martin K, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses 2004; 47:87-92
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Will improving my foot hygiene get rid of my athlete's foot?

Just improving your foot hygiene (eg by washing and drying your feet thoroughly and making sure you change your socks/hosiery every day) isn't usually enough to get rid of athlete's foot.

Explanation

There haven't been any well-conducted studies investigating whether improving foot hygiene is an effective way to cure athlete's foot. However, in studies investigating medical treatments for athlete's foot, some people were cured who didn't have any treatment at all - so it's possible that some people can get rid of their athlete's foot just by improving hygiene. It may not be enough for everyone, however, so you shouldn't put off seeking medical treatment from your GP or pharmacist.

It's still a good idea to make sure you carry out good foot hygiene anyway, as this can prevent spread of the infection to other parts of your body and the possibility of getting re-infected. Athlete's foot can commonly spread to toenails and also the groin.

Good hygiene measures include:

  • washing your feet daily and drying thoroughly, particularly between your toes
  • washing towels frequently and not sharing towels
  • not scratching the affected skin, as you may spread the infection to other parts of your body
  • wearing open shoes and alternating your footwear every two to three days to allow them to dry out
  • making sure you change your socks/hosiery daily
  • wearing flip-flops or plastic shoes in communal showers and changing areas

Sources

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How long will it take for my nail to get back to normal?

It can take up to a year, but it will depend on whether it's your fingernail or your toenail that's affected, and how well you respond to treatment.

Explanation

Treatment with antifungal medicines will usually get rid of your fungal nail infection. Fingernails are more likely to respond than toenails. Treatment isn't always able to completely cure your nail so that it looks 'normal', but it can usually get rid of the fungus involved so that your nail looks similar to the way it did before you were infected.

It can take up to six months after treatment has begun for fingernails to look normal again, and up to a year for toenails.

However, fungal nail infections come back in about a quarter of people who get the condition. This is more likely if you are older, if you have thickened or damaged nails, or if you have another nail disease.

Sources

  • Roberts D, Taylor W, Boyle J. Guidelines for treatment of onychomycosis. British Journal of Dermatology 2003; 148:402-410
  • Fungal/candidal nail infection. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 18 September 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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