10% Sulfur Soap
★★★★★
Hello! I've read many comments for many ailments and want to say thank you as this is my first post.
Every summer since around 2012 (very hot and humid Memorial Day weekend-long yard work) I've had tinea versicolor. Had my doctor look at my back in 2015 and was prescribed oral ketoconazole for two weeks and it worked but I sure felt physically weak (I workout). A few months later it was back and I stopped seeing that doctor after I learned ketoconazole lowers testosterone temporarily along with many other possible adverse side effects.
Every summer or other times I'd sweat the red spots and itchiness would return and then leave white spots after sun exposure, annoying and cosmetically not cool as it also started to appear on my shoulders, inner elbows, spotty on forearms and lower biceps.
Last week I came across an article that sulfur soap is good for all types of skin ailments; eczema, psoriasis, acne, tinea versicor, ring worm, warts(?), etc. Looked on Amazon for a 10% sulfur soap and read reviews and thought I didn't have much to lose except money. I've been using it for 6 days now but noticed the red spots from new occurrences were gone on day 4 also after being outside in some humid weather and sweating. It says to use the soap twice a day for 4-10 days but I only use it once before bed because sulfur smells and I don't want to be so potent smelling during the day. I lather up in the shower and also use it for my hair/scalp as I was having some slight dandruff and leave it on for 2-5 minutes. It looks like sulfur kills the overgrowth of Malassezia, one of the yeasts on our skin. I would recommend giving it a try!
Aloe, Tea Tree Oil
★★★★★
I have tried a number of natural things for him but they are usually oil based and will get on clothing. Plus natural remedies often take longer to get results, so he has not followed through with these.
I recently purchased some aloe gel in a bottle with a pump. So I decided to try some aloe gel and tea tree oil on his tinea versicolor. I would pump out 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of aloe gel and drop 2-3 drops of tea tree oil onto the little bit of aloe and apply this to his back once or twice a day.
We have both been delighted and surprised with how well it worked - better than the OTC stuff without leaving the skin greasy. Such a cheap option and better for the skin than an OTC antifungal.
I have also been using that aloe gel after applying magnesium oil to avoid the itch from the magnesium oil.
I had bought the aloe gel when we were on a family trip and I was wanting to be prepared for any sunburn. I did use it on one child who did get a bit of a burn in an area that he had not put sunscreen on and it worked.
Where has aloe in a pump bottle been all my life? In just 2 weeks I have found 3 uses for it!
~Mama to Many~
(Somewhere, Europe)
06/06/2018
(Tn)
06/06/2018
Dear Mmsg,
I think what I am the most excited about with the Aloe gel is that it is a very convenient carrier. Carrier oils like coconut, castor and olive are great and have their own healing properties but they are not always convenient. Aloe doesn't leave the skin greasy or clothes messy. It has just proven to be a helpful substance for diluting other things.
~Mama to Many~
(Somewhere, Europe)
06/07/2018
MtM, that makes sense. I was actually suspecting that maybe it was the other stuff you were adding to it, that was really helping. On the other hand, there are SO many reports of Aloe helping so many things that I just wonder why it never helped me, even for a small burn...
(Lancashire)
02/04/2024
Aloe, Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil
★★★★★
100ml Aloe gel 100 organic
5-10ml Teatree oil
5-10ml eucalyptus oil
Mix in bowl till emulsified to a white cream suck back into empty aloe gel tube
Apply twice a day after shower works a treat see results fast clear in about 3 days but continue treatment to stop reoccurrence.
All the best.
(Darwin, Nt)
06/25/2013
Honey is said to be able to treat Tinea Versicolor, manuka honey which has tea tree oil pollen as a14 day treatment, is too sticky for me though. I have tried everything, including oral ketoconzole, 400mg per day for 10 days. Then 400mg once a month. After 6 months I am just seeing a little improvement. Now also using listerine 2 times a day, soak a cotton swab and then wipe over. Virgin coconut oil has some natural acids and I also use once a day. This does appear to be minimizing the motley look on my neck area. OTC creams were useless, I tried them all over 20+ years:(
(Maui)
05/25/2015
I found this stuff in the local healthfood store on Maui called Haole Rot spray. After trying all the natural remedies above I decided to give it a try. Within 10 days the white spots were gone! Not sure if this stuff is sold online but its called Haole Rot spray because thats the slang term for tinea versicolor in the island.
Anti-Fungal Powder
★★★★★
(Tucson, Arizona)
08/21/2015
(Netherlands)
08/21/2015
Quantumnerd, tinea versicolor literally means fungus of opposite color.
White spots will occur on tanned skin. Light/untanned skin however, will get dark spots.
Did you google it yet? I see plenty of pictures where one has dark spots. I myself have white spots on my shoulder and neck, but near my armpits they are darker then the untanned skintone.
(New Jersey)
09/05/2015
(Florida)
07/05/2020
★★★★★
Same experience for the most part. I've had this plague my entire life (40+ years). I have tried almost everything with no lasting results. This summer has been really rough, I've been working outside sweating like crazy and the TV is rampant. I remembered that I had some anti-fungal foot powder and said heck it. I applied it all over myself with a house duster, would you believe its gone in just a few days? Amazing!
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Mine was gone after 3-4 applications.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
(Asheville, Nc)
04/15/2014
Hi Lyn! I've actually used ACV to get rid of a viral skin infection called Molluscum Contagiousum that was as HORRIBLE as the name sounds and literally NOTHING worked for, even medicines that cost $800.00 (believe it or not). I got it from sharing a towel and it was impossible to get rid of because there are very few things that aren't completely harmful to the body that will also kill viruses. Luckily, Tinea Versicolor is a fungus and much easier to kill or at least treat. For the virus, I had to apply ACV soaked cloths to my body over night once at the beginning of the week and once at the end of the week. In addition, I took ACV pills that you can find at any health food store (Whole Foods, Green Life, etc.) and/or drank a tablespoon of it everyday.THIS IS A VERY DRASTIC MEASURE THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED UNLESS NOTHING ELSE WORKS (for Tinea especially).
An explanation of why and the actual answer to your question are below. THE ANSWER : The reason that the treatment I did (described above) should be avoided for something like Tinea is because directly treating your skin with ACV is the equivalent of chemically burning yourself (Freezing off a wart, etc.), especially for the length of time that I did it for. Because it is a vinegar, it is very acidic (the acidity content can usually be found on the bottles) and it is more likely than not diluted in bottle to achieve that acidity level. The extent to which your skin may burn from this really depends on how resilient or tuff your skin is. I have pretty resilient skin, so the ACV didn't burn me as badly as it could have, but I have heard horror stories about people who tried the same treatment for the virus I had and ended up having to seek medical attention.
So, perhaps you can try diluting the ACV further with some water or maybe applying it for less time. You could also try taking ACV pills everyday or drinking a table spoon or two in the morning (I would mix it with apple or orange juice if I didn't feel like taking a shot of it). I took 2 every morning and once again later in the day (more than was directed, but I was desperate and, hey, it's ACV, so it couldn't be as bad as loading my body with chemicals). It may be my mentality, but when the ACV was burning I knew that it was working, so perhaps a little discomfort is normal and even desirable. Still, there are other methods you can try before trying ACV and if it's burning your skin badly enough, it would obviously be good to stop.
My Final Argument for ACV : All of this being said, and as tough as my skin is, I've had bad luck all my life with skin problems. While taking ACV for the virus and continuing the regimen well after the visible infection disappeared, I noticed a SIGNIFICANT improvement on my skin of all other ailments. Acne COMPLETELY disappeared and I rarely got pimples anymore. I got Scabies (bed bugs) from my roommate in college and it even helped for that! And those are just the visible benefits. Anyway, I'm just letting you know all of this because I understand what it feels like to be desperate for something to work and was SHOCKED and SO relieved when I finally tried ACV. Good luck with your Tinea!!!
(Fort Valley, Ga)
02/13/2015
I enjoyed reading your article. I have had Pityriasis Versicolor for a couple of years. My daughter had it as a child but I did not know I was the one she got it from... But long story. I use ACV to clean counters, the fridge really any surface. I retired a little over a year ago and could not walk much at all had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and bad circulation. I started taking ACV capsules and everything is good. I ran out about 7 days ago. (order lost in mail thing) well now that I got it back in my system I will see if this makes my Pityriasis better. Because I feel that having that in my system is why everything has improved.
Apple Cider Vinegar
EC: Hi John, is the apple cider vinegar helping? Thanks.
(Phoenixville, Pa, Usa)
01/12/2010
★★★★☆
(Honolulu, Hawaii)
05/20/2013
I apply the ACV at the beginning of every shower. Then scrub with Dr. B's 18-in-one oil soap. After showering, I apply at least a tablespoon of CO onto my skin. So far, it has been two weeks and the results are good. The tinea versicolor is starting to fade. Hasn't completely disappeared. Patience is key. As well as less sun exposure. Thanks for sharing your solution. Good luck to next readers!!
(Anchorage, Ak)
09/17/2013
I've had the visual spots for about two months now, went to the doctors and he says I have tinia versicolor. He perscribed a medication for me to apply on the area but decided to treat the three sections of spots with three different items. One section with the prescribed medication, the other with apple cider vinegar, and the third with smoething the health food store recommended which is a neem leaf salve. I have researched a bit on each of these and there is a large positive review on the neem salve. I hope something will work and when I do I will post again. I keep reading people that get this come from a warm, tropical area but I live in ALASKA so I don't think I agree with that. Also, usually folks that get this are young adults but I am way past my 50's. Go figure! Patiently waiting to see what happens.
(Alaska)
05/20/2014
Hi I too am from Alaska and seem to have this condition - Went to Anchorage Dermatology treated very poorly by the doctor - I insisted on biopsy as what is on my face presents almost like a cold sore (at times I thought they were staph) and they take weeks to heal. Diagnosis was "itchy skin rash" - I applied anti-fungal foot otc meds on them and for the first time and within 3 days they started to die off so I at least know it's fungal. I have the white spots on my neck and upper back. I know mine is a result of a very low immune system - it's been a very hard year to say the least - I've got severe internal candida also - Hard to try and fight all this off when you have no energy. I had this on my face so bad it look like I had gotten into a car wreck - I did find that Alli-C garlic does help keep it at bay and when I ran out it came back and has been horrendous.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Vitamin C
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil
★★★★★
Baking Soda
★★★★★
Borax
Castor Oil
★★★★★
And then over the weekend, I applied castor oil thrice a day and coconut oil once a day....And my progress was upto 90%... I am amazed to see its results... It is NO LESS THAN MAGIC.
At some parts I can't even see the spots.
I applied it only on the affected area (not on the whole body). You may apply it on the whole body but concentrate more on the affected area.
(India)
11/26/2015
★★★★☆
I don't know if the user rating I have selected is matching with the results I got. At one part, it has been almost 95% cured...even the spots are not clearly visible. Skin color is also coming back to normal.
Whereas on the other part it has started expanding. I mean earlier I had it on hips...but now the problem on hips is lessened and probably on the way to cure....but now some part of my back is affected...and it seems that it has started moving upwards..
I am continuing to apply castor oil once or twice a day and coconut oil thrice a day... Will keep you posted if it gets cured...
Also I am planning to see my doctor again...as my the medicine he suggested for ketoconazole for 3 weeks is going to be over...So I need to ask what should I do next.
Castor Oil
★★★★★
I had been to Earth Clinic previously but always pasted over castor oil and focused on other remedies instead (none of which worked for her). So this time we decided to try castor oil and after 5 straight days of external application, her Tinea Verisocolor is gone. We were shocked to see how effective this stuff was and I can't even see traces of where it was on her body. I highly recommend this for anyone struggling with this condition!
For reference, we use the brand sold at Whole Foods, which appears to be pure, unrefined castor oil for skin care.
(Newcastle Uopn Tyne, UK)
01/07/2015
(Malaysia)
01/21/2015
★★★★★
After reading your review, I bought a bottle of castor oil and started applying externally like you have stated. 4 nights of application and my Tinea Versicolor was gone. Thank you Brian. :)
(Malaysia)
02/14/2015
★★★★★
This is day 2 of my trial on Caster Oil. I rub my whole body in and leave it on overnight. No results yet but I would like to know if it is the correct way of putting it on?
(Tennessee)
02/19/2015
Dear Nikky,
That is what I would be doing if it were me, assuming the tinea is all over your body. Otherwise, I would put it only on the affected areas.
Castor oil can detoxify the body. If you notice any unusual symptoms, work on smaller areas at a time.
~Mama to Many~
(San Francisco)
12/28/2015
(Thailand)
08/04/2017
★★★★★
Castor Oil
★★★★★
Coincidentally, over the last week I had been studying everything I could about castor oil packs and castor oil rubs. I got a bottle of cold-pressed, cold-processed castor oil from Whole Foods. One health practitioner on Youtube recommended doing a castor oil rub anywhere the body seems to be in need of support.He also said in another video that skin-fungal infections stem from gut problems. "As the root to the rose, so the bowel to the skin, " he said.
For the past 3 nights, I've massaged the castor oil all over my back, as well as in the front over my liver-spleen-gut area and slept in cotton pajamas. And each morning I was amazed that the splotches had faded significantly.
By Day 3, the splotches are almost completely gone! There are faint ghosts of a few of them, but I think that with one or two more nights of castor oil treatment, they will be completely gone! I can soon start wearing low-backed dresses and swimsuits again!
(Deerfield Beach, Fl)
08/20/2013
I didn't realize I hadn't completed the story. In exactly one week, I completely cured my Tinea Versicolor with castor oil. I had reported above after my 3 days that the condition was almost completely gone. On the 4th day, following the advice of Dr. Majid Ali on Youtube (about skin fungus, etc. ), I finished the first cycle by applying sesame oil to my back before bed. Then I did another cycle of 3 nights' application of castor oil and 1 of sesame oil. Before the cycle was complete, I could not see a trace of the TV!
With no further treatments, my back remained completely clear for a month. But this week I see small, faint splotches appearing in a small area. I suspect it could be because I had stopped taking my probiotic (seeing if fermented foods would be enough).
Skin problems come from gut problems according to Dr. Ali. With the castor oil I had cured the symptoms. With improved diet, probiotics and fermented foods I had cured the cause. When I am less vigilant about my gut health, especially with the August heat and perspiring, my skin symptoms are starting to return. But I know what to do!
BTW, I don't know whether keeping the body in an alkaline state helps. For a few months before my TV had completely disappeared I had been taking fresh lemon with cayene in warm water every morning 30 min before breakfast, and a "cocktail" of 1Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a big wine glass of water 30 min before dinner. Because organic lemons aren't available here now and I ran out of B.... 's ACV, I had slacked off on that habit a week ago. I wonder if that too contributes to TV's return.
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
Today is day 3 of me applying coconut oil.
I apply castor oil once in a day and coconut oil 3-4 times in a day...and I can see significant improvement in last 3 days. I will keep you posted on the progress. I am quite hopeful that I will be OK.
Note: I have not stopped the medication of ketoconazole 200mg daily which my doctor prescribed. And applying mycospor (bifonazole) as well once a day.
But I have no doubt this improvement is by coconut oil.
Thanks a lot people for posting your results here.
(India)
11/26/2015
★★★★☆
When I first used it it looks as if it is improving.
I've been using it for last 6 days.
And condition was very well improving but today I thought of keeping my skin dry so I decided not to put coconut oil on it and I had put clotrimazole powder on it in the morning and after that my skin felt like dry and itchy and it made me scratch my skin a bit more then I would have scared if I used coconut oil .
I remember I had use the coconut oil today only once which are usually used for 3 times a day. And then I had to travel coming back from office and while on the way it was slightly hot due to which I sweat and the problem took a U turn
I consulted my doctor and he told me to stop ketoconazole 200 mg from now onwards and start Fluconazole 50 mg daily for 50 days
He also told me to apply another cream having tacrolimus
I am very disappointed with my condition and don't want to live.
I start using castor oil and coconut oil again and I hope things will be things will be good again
Thank you guys I don't have much more to write as of now.
Pray for me
(India)
12/01/2015
★☆☆☆☆
WARNING!
I consulted 4 doctors and each one of them diagnozed it to be a different disease. I tried to match the appearance of the affected area with the pics available on google. Unfortunately they look so similar that I was convinced that it was Tinea.
Here are the list of diseases that my doctors diagnosed.
1) Allegric dermatitis
2) Intertrigo?
3) Tinea
4) Irritant dermatitis.
While I was seeing improvement with coconut oil, but the speed was slow and I couldn't tolerate the problem. The last doctor told me that its not tinea because tinea never goes to your genitals.
And he prescribed me steroids for a week. I was hesitant in taking steroids along with anti-allergic medicines, but took a single dose of it to see its effects. I just took 5 hours for me to feel much better. I decided to take 4 more doses and then gradually reduce the steroids.
My skin is back to normal with no inflammation, but itching is still there.
Make sure your disease is properly diagnosed, what else can I suggest.
