Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can cause red, itchy and scaly skin between your toes. It is characterized by itchy, scaly, and sometimes cracked skin between the toes, the soles of the feet, and sometimes the sides of the feet. While this infection is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of. It is caused by a type of fungus called tinea pedis, and is highly contagious, often spread in locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. Fortunately, there are several natural home remedies you can use to treat athlete’s foot and help your feet stay healthy. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best home remedies for athlete’s foot, including soaking your feet in salt water, applying tea tree oil, and using garlic. We will also explain the potential benefits of each, as well as how to prepare and use them safely. Finally, we will provide some tips for preventing athlete’s foot in the future. With the help of these natural remedies, you can help keep your feet healthy and free from the discomfort of athlete’s foot.
What Exactly is Athlete’s Foot Infection?
Athlete’s foot also known as tinea pedis (Scientific name), pairo ka dad (Hindi/Urdu), gajakarna / nayata (Marathi), Kal patartamarai (Tamil), Jiaoxuan (Chinese), tina del pie (Spanish), micose pe (Portuguese), Pa dada (Bengali), nogi strigushchiy lishay (Russian). Athlete’s Foot also known as ringworm of the foot, tinea pedum, and moccasin foot. It is a fungal infection of the skin results into scaling, flaking, and itching.
Root Causes
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection which attacks the warm, moist areas between the toes, most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes. It causes discomfort and itching in the affected area. Additionally, it is highly infectious, spreading through close physical contact, notoriously in the changing facilities at public swimming baths. Athlete’s foot is very persistent. Sweaty feet is the main cause of athlete’s foot. However that is not the only reason, inadequate personal hygiene is another reason. Peeling of skin, dry and scaly or damp and blistered skin, and unpleasant odor common symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s Foot Home Remedies
Athlete’s foot home remedies with easy available ingredients like – baking soda, garlic, epsom salt, vinegar, bleach, Vicks and Listerine.
- Aloe Vera + Turmeric: The main cause of athlete’s foot is sweating. Lets begin by cleaning. Clean the problem area with some tea tree oil and a cotton swab. Mix 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel with ½ teaspoon turmeric, and apply some of the mixture to the affected areas. This mixture will turn your skin and socks yellow. If you use it at night, it will stain your sheets also. So wear a pair of old socks to prevent the discoloration. Continue treatment twice a day for 2 weeks.
- Garlic + Olive Oil: Mash 1 garlic clove and 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) olive oil together into a paste. Apply equally to the infected area. Once applied, remove after 1 hour. Be sure to test this strong antidote on a patch of skin. Don’t use the garlic alone because this strong herb can irritate the skin. The olive oil specifically creates a protective coating. Most people can tolerate 1 hour. Remove sooner if you have sensitive skin or the application causes discomfort.
- Tea Tree Oil: Creams containing between 10 and 50 percent tea tree oil help resolve athlete’s foot. Hence sake tea tree oil lotion at home. Firstly, blend 1 tablespoon unscented body lotion and 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil in a small, clean jar or bowl. Apply to equally affected areas on the feet. Finally, wash your hands. Internal use can be toxic so keep your bottle of tea tree oil out of the reach of children. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, so stop using it if you experience the same.
- Coconut Oil: Turmeric and coconut oil, both has antifungal properties. Firstly, over low heat, in a pan melt ¼ cup (56 g) coconut oil. Then, whisk in 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground turmeric. Finally turn off the heat. Pour the mixture into a clean dish to cool. Spread on the affected area equally. Further allow to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. Thereafter rinse off and dry the area thoroughly. Turmeric can leave temporary stain on skin.
- Yogurt: Yogurt’s live ingredient, acidophilus, makes lactic acid, which helps fight fungus. Hence daily application can soothe and help heal the infected area. Apply 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 g) of plain yogurt to the infected areas for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse off and dry feet thoroughly. Now put on socks and shoes. Make sure yogurt has live cultures of acidophilus.
- Use fungicidal essential oils, such as Myrrh, Ti-Tree and garlic, is an effective treatment.
- Vinegar: Vinegar contains acetic acid hence discourages fungal growth. Consistent application has often been met with success in clearing up fungal infection. Combine ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar, 5 drops tea tree and peppermint essential oil, 2 to 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil in a jar and shake. Finally soak cotton balls in the mixture and apply. Covering the affected area equally. Later if you have any solution left over, cap the jar tightly to prevent the evaporation of the plant essential oils. Repeat the procedure for several weeks, or further even months. Vinegar is acidic in nature and hence may irritate the skin. To dilute it, use one part vinegar to three parts water.
- Mix together ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or clove essential oil and 2½ teaspoons (13 ml) olive oil. Firstly test a little on a patch of skin, and then try full feet therapy. Surprisingly most of the spices have antifungal properties that help foil common skin infections.
- Neem: Wash your feet with neem soap. Then dry thoroughly with a hair drier or soft towel. Apply some neem oil (about ¼ teaspoon) mixed with about 10 drops of tea tree oil. Apply that mixture topically to the affected area with a cotton swab.
- Garlic Cloves: Eat garlic. To complement the garlic salve recipe for the outside of your feet, try this simple treatment to attack from the inside, too. Firstly mince one to two garlic cloves. Stir it into your food such as eggs, rice, soups, or mashed potatoes. Or pop a 500 to 600 milligram capsule of garlic each day.
- Oregano + Thyme: Oregano and thyme has a high fungicidal (fungus-killing) power. Boil the water in a saucepan. Then turn off the heat, add the herbs (2 tablespoons (5 g) dried thyme leaves and oregano leaves), cover, and steep for 20 minutes. Finally stir in ¼ cup salt. Reheat over low heat. Strain into a basin big enough for your feet. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is still warm. Dry your feet, including between your toes, with a clean towel. Adding salt and heat to the essential oil solution amplified the fungicidal power.
- Essential Oil: A foot bath with tea tree oil, eucalyptus, patchouli, myrrh, and/or lavender is effective as all the oils are soothing and antifungal. For better result, add unscented skin lotion.
- Vicks for toenail fungus: One surprising home remedy with Vicks VapoRub. It contains essential oils from plants with antifungal activity. It contains thymol from thyme, menthol from peppermint, eucalyptol from eucalyptus, and camphor from Cinnamomum camphora. In the night wash your toes carefully with warm water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Wet a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and apply to each toenail. Use a fresh cotton ball for each nail, this helps not to spread infection. Let your toes air dry. Coat each toenail with Vicks. Cover your feet with cotton socks to keep the Vicks working on your toes and off your sheets. This is the best remedy to treat long-standing toenail fungus.
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus?
Apart from these athlete’s foot home remedies, try few tips to keep all foot infections away.
- Wear socks that absorb and wick away moisture. Many doctors recommend cotton, a good alternative is wool. You can now find it in all styles and thicknesses.
- If you have athlete’s foot or are prone to get it, avoid fermented food and sugar.
- Keep your feet dry. If your feet sweat, change your socks. Put talcum powder or cornstarch in your shoes. Or sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to absorb moisture. Your feet will stay drier longer. Like cornstarch, baking soda will absorb sweat and hinder the fungi that thrive in damp conditions.
- In hot weather, wear sandals or other shoes with good ventilation. Air out shoes after each use.
- Don’t share socks, shoes, towels, or nail clippers with someone with athlete’s foot or a fungal nail infection.
FAQs.
Q. What is the strongest treatment for athlete’s foot?
When it comes to treating athlete’s foot, prevention is key. It’s important to keep your feet clean and dry, wear shower sandals in public areas, and avoid going barefoot in public places. Additionally, it is important to change your socks regularly and wear shoes that offer good ventilation. The strongest treatment for athlete’s foot is typically a prescription-strength antifungal medication. This medication is typically applied topically to the affected area and may be taken orally as well. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when using this medication. Also it is important to seek medical advice. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Taking the necessary steps to treat athlete’s foot can help keep you healthy and prevent the infection from spreading.
Q. Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes, athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contact with surfaces contaminated with the fungus, such as towels, floors, and shoes.
Q. How do I get rid of Athletes Foot? How do you treat athlete’s foot using a home remedy?
- Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water and dry them thoroughly.
- Wear sandals or other open-toed shoes when possible to allow your feet to air out.
- Wear cotton socks and change them frequently throughout the day.
- Sprinkle antifungal powder in your socks and shoes.
- Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream to the affected area.
- Soak your feet in a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts warm water for 15 minutes every day.
- Try a home remedy of rubbing alcohol or tea tree oil on the affected area.
- Make an appointment with your doctor if your condition does not improve with home treatments.
Q. What is athletes foot?
Athletes foot is a fungal infection of the skin commonly found on the feet. It can cause itching, burning, and stinging between the toes. It is usually treated with antifungal creams, powders, and sprays.
Q. Is alcohol a good preventive for athletes foot? Can rubbing alcohol kill athlete’s foot?
Alcohol does not prevent athletes foot. However, it can help treat the infection. Alcohol has antiseptic and antifungal properties which can be effective in killing the fungus that causes athletes foot. Applying alcohol to the affected area can help clear up the infection. To use it effectively
- Soak your feet in a solution of 1 part white vinegar mixed with 4 parts water for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your feet with warm water.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area.
- Rub the alcohol into the skin with a cotton ball or clean cloth.
- Allow the area to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes.
- Repeat this process twice a day until the infection is gone.
- Wash socks and shoes regularly and change them daily.
Q. Should I throw away my shoes if I have athlete’s foot?
It is not necessary to throw away your shoes if you have athlete’s foot, as the fungus can survive for weeks on surfaces such as shoes. However, it is important to clean and disinfect your shoes to help prevent the spread of the fungus. You should also routinely change your socks and wear sandals or other open-toed shoes to help keep your feet dry.
Q. Do black socks cause athletes foot?
No, black socks do not cause athletes foot. It is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin, usually in warm, damp environments. Wearing any type of sock, including black socks, will not cause athletes foot.
Q. What are the fungi that cause athlete’s foot?
The most common fungi are: Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Candida albicans.
Q. Can cold water cure athlete’s foot?
No, cold water will not cure the problem. It is a fungal infection and needs to be treated with antifungal creams and powder.
Q. How does urine potentially cure athletes foot? If peeing on your feet cures athletes foot, why don’t doctors prescribe this treatment?
Urine has antifungal properties, which can help treat athletes foot. Applying urine to the affected area may help to kill the fungus that causes the infection. Additionally, the proteins and minerals in urine can help to reduce inflammation, itching, and burning. But it is not recommended to pee on your feet to cure athlete’s foot, as urine is not sterile and can contain bacteria that could aggravate the infection instead of curing it. Additionally, urine is not a proven treatment for athlete’s foot and is not recommended by medical professionals. There are much more effective treatments, such as topical antifungal creams and foot soaks, which are much safer and more reliable.
Q. Will a pinch of sugar between the toes cure athlete’s foot?
No, a pinch of sugar between the toes will not cure the condition. It is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus and requires antifungal medications or ointments to treat.
Q. Does walking barefoot lead to athlete’s foot?
Walking barefoot can increase the risk of developing athlete’s foot, but it is not the only cause. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can be spread through contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the fungus. Wearing shoes and socks, practicing good hygiene, and keeping feet dry can help reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot.
Q. How do you use apple cider vinegar to treat athlete’s foot?
To use apple cider vinegar, mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water in a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it directly to the affected area. Allow it to dry completely before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day until the athlete’s foot is gone.
Q. What’s the difference between ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot?
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus, which can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, or arms. Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin area, which typically looks like a red, itchy rash. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, which can cause burning or itching, scaling or flaking of the skin, and sometimes blisters.
Q. Does eating yeast cause athlete’s foot?
No, eating yeast does not cause athlete’s foot. It is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a fungus called Trichophyton. It is typically picked up from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as changing rooms, communal showers and swimming pools.
Q. Is salt water good, bad, or neutral for people with athlete’s foot?
Salt water is generally not recommended for people with the condition, as it can irritate the affected area and worsen the symptoms. It is best to avoid salt water and instead use medicated creams or ointments to treat the condition.
Q. Why does it feel so good to scratch Athlete’s foot?
Scratching athlete’s foot can feel good because it can temporarily relieve the itching sensation caused by the fungal infection. Scratching can also help to remove the excess skin cells that have built up due to the athlete’s foot. But it is not recommended to scratch it. Scratching can cause the infection to spread, making the condition worse. It is best to seek medical advice and follow the course of treatment.
Q. What happens if athletes foot goes untreated?
If athletes foot goes untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the toenails, and cause more serious infections. It can also cause inflammation, pain, and itching. Untreated problem can also lead to a bacterial infection, which can be more difficult to treat.
Q. Can toe spreaders help get rid of athlete’s foot?
No, toe spreaders cannot help get rid of it. To rid yourself of athlete’s foot, it is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Over-the-counter antifungal medications and topical creams are often prescribed to treat athlete’s foot.
Q. Does pool chlorine help kill athletes foot fungus?
Yes, pool chlorine can help kill athlete’s foot fungus. The chlorine helps reduce the amount of bacteria and fungus in the pool, which can help reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot. However, it is important to remember to dry your feet thoroughly after swimming and to wear sandals or other footwear when walking around the pool area.
Q. Can athlete’s foot be contagious between spouses?
Yes, it is a contagious fungal infection that is spread through direct contact with an infected person, or contact with infected surfaces such as floors, towels, clothes, and bedding.
Q. Can I get athlete’s foot from a gym?
Yes, it is possible to get it from a gym. It is a contagious fungal infection that can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as gym equipment.
Q. Can athlete’s foot spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body. It can spread to the toenails, the palms of the hands, the groin, and even the scalp. If it is not treated, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body and cause infection.
Q. Can wearing wet shoes cause athlete’s foot?
Yes, wearing wet shoes can cause the condition. It is especially likely if the shoes have not been adequately dried after being exposed to moisture. The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments and can easily spread to the skin of the feet if the shoes are not dried properly. To reduce the risk of athlete’s foot, it is important to keep your feet and shoes dry.