What is Athlete’s Foot ?
Athlete’s foot known as tinea pedis is a contagious fungal infection that affects the upper layer between the toes. It usually occurs when the athlete’s foot is very sweaty or you feel warm when the shoe is tight. It shows signs such as itching, peeling, scaling and blisters which causes a burning or painful sensation. According to research, it is said that 15 to 25 percent of all individuals will experience tinea pedis at least once in their lifetime. Following are some few ways that can help in curing an athlete’s foot:
Best Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
1. Tea tree oil
For its antibacterial and antifungal properties, the tea tree oil is being used by people for many years. The oil gets extracted from the leaves of the tree that grow in Australia. People have been using this home remedy for ages because it helps in killing different fungus and bacteria. The tree oil has helped in curing 64 percent of the people who used it.
You will require
- 9 to 12 drops of tea tree oil
- Any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
How to use
- Mix a few drops of coconut or olive oil with the tea tree oil.
- Use a Q-Tip and gently apply it on the affected area.
- Repeat this procedure 2 to 4 times daily for a month.
You can also add the oil and mix it with water to use it as a foot soak. Tea tree oil can help in reducing swelling, itching and burning on the foot when applied twice a day for 4 weeks. The progress may show up to a month. Stop using, if there are any signs of rashes or irritation to the skin.
2. Garlic
Garlic is being used for ages that help in curing and killing a variety of germs. An extract from garlic called Ajoene is very effective in treating an athlete’s foot though it has a strong scent. A study even suggested that the compound “Ajoene” results in a complete cure after seven days according to 79 percent of people who used it. The powerful elements in garlic will leave a smell on the skin for a long time.
You will require
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves
- Water
How to use
- To treat an athlete’s foot, crush three to four garlic cloves and mix it into a large bucket of warm water. Around 20 to 30 minutes soak your feet and do it twice a day for a week.
- Another method is to smash three to four garlic cloves and rub them to the specific area needed. Repeat it two times a day.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate is a common item found easily in one of your home items. It is a miracle ingredient that helps in killing the fungus on an athlete’s foot and keeping the area moisture-free. Studies found that baking soda has an antifungal property that allows having a foot soak.
You will require
- ½ cup of baking soda
- Lukewarm water
How to use
- Combine half a cup of baking soda into a bucket filled with lukewarm water. For twice a week around 15 to 20 minutes soak your feet. Let it dry it will help in killing the fungus.
- For your sweaty feet, you can dry them out by mixing 2 parts of baking soda to 1 part of cinnamon powder. Sprinkle the mixture between the toes and cover it with socks.
4. Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps in destroying the fungal and bacterial infection with its antifungal properties. It is useful in reducing pain and inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
You will require
- 2 to 4 cups of apple cider vinegar
- Cotton ball (optional)
- Water
How to use
- Pour 2 to 4 cups of apple cider vinegar in a bowl or a large bucket. You can add water if it requires an extra volume.
- Wash your feet before soaking it in the mixture. Rest your feet in the solution for around 30 minutes as per needed.
- Repeat this process two to three times a day for a week.
You can also dip a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a cotton ball or a cloth and rub it to the infected area. Damp it on the infected area for 10 to 30 minutes. Repeat this process two times in day.
5. Sea salt baths
Sea salt helps in preventing the growth and spread of fungus on an athlete’s foot. It makes a great natural treatment with its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that cause less complication.
You will require
- 1 cup of sea salt
- Warm water
How to use
- Dissolve one cup of sea salt in a large bucket or a bowl of warm water.
- Soak your feet into this mixture for at least 20 minutes. Once completely done dry your feet thoroughly.
- Do this process for 1to 2 times daily.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular spice that contains several health benefits that help in treating toenail fungus. Turmeric contains curcumin which is a medicinal plant that has a remarkable antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property that helps in treating athlete’s foot. It is safe to use and has a minimal risk of side effects.
You will require
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Warm water
How to use
- Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder and add a bit of warm water as required to make a paste.
- Apply this paste to the infected area.
- Keep it on for 15 to20 minutes and rinse it off with water and dry it thoroughly. Repeat it two times a day daily for better results.
7. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an ingredient used for different ailments and infections because of its healing and health-boosting properties. It has strong antifungal benefits that help in healing the wounds faster. Coconut oil kills the tinea pedis fungus with its antifungal properties and its anti-inflammatory properties help in soothing the red rash formed.
You will require
- Coconut oil
How to use
- Apply to two to three drops of oil to the infected area.
- You can let the oil get absorbed or wash it off with water after letting it sit for 20 minutes.
- You can do this process at regular intervals for 3 to 4 times daily.
8. Ginger
Ginger is a herb that contains a substance such as a gingerol and shogaol that helps in fighting the fungi in an athlete’s foot. It presents anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties to reduce the inflammation. Fresh ginger works as a natural antiseptic that helps in getting rid of bad odour.
You will require
- 1 to 2 piece of ginger
- 1 cup of warm water
How to use
- Add 1 to 2 pieces of fresh ginger to a cup of water.
- Boil the water and simmer it for 15 minutes and let it cool for a while
- Apply the ginger tea on your feet. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day daily to see the desired result.