7 home remedies that may help treat athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a fungal infection that causes itching, burning, stinging, and redness of the feet. Contrary to the implications of its name, this disease can affect everyone, not just athletes. In fact, more than 20 percent of Americans suffer from this disease. Moreover, the site of infection is not just limited to the feet but can spread to your hands if you have the tendency to pick on the infected skin. Because of its highly contagious nature, you can easily get it from wet surfaces in swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Fortunately, it can easily be remedied with items that you have at home.

1. Cornstarch — Fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in moist environments. By rubbing cornstarch onto your feet, you can effectively get rid of moisture and prevent fungal growth.
2. Tea tree oil — This essential oil has potent antifungal and antibacterial qualities. Use it as part of a foot soak by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water. For some extra help, you can use tea bags since these have tannic acids that help remove moisture. If you choose to go for this method, make sure to completely dry your feet afterward. Another way to use tea tree oil is by diluting it in carrier oils like almond or coconut oil and then applying it onto the infected area.
3. Coconut oil — Coconut oil contains lauric and caprylic acid, which have the ability to inhibit fungal growth. However, it is important to note that heat and chemical processes can destroy these compounds so make sure that you buy unprocessed organic coconut oil. To use this, just apply some of it on your feet and you’ll be good to go.
4. Vinegar — When you soak your feet in a mixture of vinegar and warm water, it creates an acidic environment that effectively inhibits fungal growth. As always, make sure to completely dry your feet afterward to prevent further infections.
5. Salt or baking soda — To prevent skin on the infected area from peeling, soak your feet in a foot soak composed of salt and warm water for 10 minutes. Once they’re thoroughly dried, you can proceed to apply a paste made of baking soda and water since the former is known for its antifungal properties. You wouldn’t want the infection to spread to your hands, so after touching the infected area, make sure to wash your hands properly.
6. Betadine — Povidone-iodine or betadine is a commonly used first aid item for wounds and infections. Apply it on the infected area twice a day to help it heal faster.
7. Washing and drying — The easiest way to remedy athlete’s foot is by simply washing and drying it regularly to prevent conditions that fungi will thrive in, such as moisture due to perspiration. As much as possible, change your towel after every use to prevent infection from fungi that might have transferred onto it.

With the help of these home remedies, you can easily treat athlete’s foot from the comfort of your home and without having to spend your money on creams and medications. (Related: Use home remedies to quickly and safely eliminate athlete’s foot.)

Ways to prevent athlete’s foot

Although athlete’s foot is easily remedied, it’s still best if you prevent it from even happening in the first place. By following these prevention methods, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of acquiring this disease:

• Keep feet clean, dry, and cool.
• Wear clean socks.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public areas.
• Clip your toenails and keep them clean.

For more articles about home remedies for fungal infections, visit NaturalCures.news.

Sources include: 

SportsInjuryClinic.net

OrganicAromas.com

CocoTreasure.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

MedlinePlus.gov