From the Guidelines
Natural treatment options for fungal scalp infections are not recommended as a primary treatment due to the lack of strong evidence supporting their efficacy, and oral therapy with antifungal medications such as griseofulvin or terbinafine is generally indicated to achieve both clinical and mycological cure 1. However, some natural remedies may be used as adjunctive treatments or for mild cases.
- Tea tree oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to affected areas twice daily for its antifungal properties.
- Apple cider vinegar rinses, using one part vinegar to three parts water applied after shampooing, may help balance scalp pH and inhibit fungal growth.
- Coconut oil can be massaged into the scalp and left overnight, as it contains medium-chain fatty acids with antifungal effects.
- Aloe vera gel applied directly to the scalp for 30 minutes before washing can reduce inflammation and provide antifungal benefits.
- Garlic paste (crushed garlic mixed with olive oil) can be applied for 30 minutes twice weekly, though it may cause irritation for some people. It is essential to note that these natural treatments may not be effective for severe or persistent infections, and prescription medications may be necessary to effectively treat the fungal infection, as indicated by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of tinea capitis 1. The choice of systemic therapy should be directed by the causative dermatophyte and/or local epidemiology, with griseofulvin and terbinafine being the most widely used first-line treatments 1. In cases where natural treatments are used, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene by washing hair regularly with gentle antifungal shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole or pyrithione zinc. Ultimately, for severe or persistent infections, consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the best course of treatment, as oral antifungal medications are generally more effective than natural remedies in achieving clinical and mycological cure 1.
From the Research
Natural Treatment Options for Fungal Infections on the Scalp
- Tea tree oil (TTO) has been shown to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity, making it a valuable addition to traditional antifungal drugs 2, 3, 4
- Shampoos containing coal tar, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione have been found to have antifungal properties and may be useful as adjunctive therapy for scalp infections 5
- Herbal medicines such as Solanum species and oil of bitter orange preparations have also been tested for their antifungal activity, with encouraging results 3
- A combination of essential oils, such as Origanum vulgare and Syzygium aromaticum, has been found to have a synergistic effect and may be effective against fungal infections at low concentrations 6
- A 5% tea tree oil shampoo has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of dandruff, a condition related to the yeast Pityrosporum ovale 4
Key Findings
- Tea tree oil has been found to improve the penetration and retention of ketoconazole, an antifungal agent, through the artificial skin membrane 2
- The use of hydrogels and organogel-based formulations has been increasing for the treatment of fungal skin infections due to their ease of preparation and long-term stability 2
- Herbal antifungal gels, such as those containing Origanum vulgare and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils, may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for treating fungal infections 6
Treatment Considerations
- Tea tree oil preparations have been tested in several randomized clinical trials and have shown promise as a natural treatment option for fungal infections 3
- The use of herbal medicines and essential oils may require further investigation in rigorous clinical trials to fully understand their efficacy and safety 3, 6