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Essential Oils For Fungal Infections Of The Skin?

by Rose Mary - October 26, 2009

Hello Steve,

I have a dog that was found to have a fungal skin infection by a visiting dermatologist. The dermatologist put the dog on ketaconazole twice a day for 3 weeks for this. On the next visit to the dermatologist, skin allergery testing was performed, and the dog was found to have a 4+ reaction to yeast.
I was wondering if there is a possibility that this dog could be bathed with diluted essential oils to help with this as opposed to being on oral ketaconazole long term? The dog is currently having acupuncture treatments which seems to be helping accoring to the owner. Your text talks about using eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil. How much of a concern is toxicity with tea tree oil in dogs? Would you suggest adding 10 drops of eucalyptus to a bottle of hexadene shampoo for bathing the skin?

Thanks,
Rose Mary

by naturevet

October 26, 2009

Hi Rose Mary,

We've had good success with tea tree oil, and experienced toxicity (i.e. hives) only when owners have applied it directly. When 1 ml is put into an 8 oz bottle of Hexadene or shampoo, we've seen good results with no toxicity. It's my favorite topical essential oil for yeast.

For oral use, consider the many products containing oregano (oil) plus citrus seed extract. These have a decent non-toxic anti-yeast effect and can supplement your herbs nicely.

Steve

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