No matter how much you spend on your footwear there are high chances of you getting the Athlete’s foot which is a common fungal infection. Around 3 to 15% of the world’s population gets affected by this infection.
Mostly men and people with a weak immune system are most likely to get this infection. Odor, pain, blisters, etc are common symptoms of athlete’s foot. But do not worry as there are remedies for such ailments in your kitchen and one such ingredient is apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot is useful in curing the fungus and reduces pain and irritation.
[Also Read: Natural Ways to get rid of Athlete’s Foot]
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot
1. Using Apple Cider Vinegar Alone
Nutrients in Apple Cider Vinegar have healing properties that help in curing heartburn, dandruff, etc and it is the best natural remedies for athlete’s foot. People have been using ACV since ancient times as a medicine for various diseases and it is best known to be beneficial against fungus and yeast infections.
Procedure:
- To use it, dip a cotton ball or washcloth in apple cider and place it on the wound for around 10 minutes.
- Wash your feet properly after this and using a clean towel, pat it dry.
- Do note that good quality and unpasteurized ACV for athletes’ foot is easily available in stores and online. This is the only type of ACV you should use for this treatment.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
The mixture of apple cider vinegar with honey is known as oxymel which has been used as an antibacterial remedy since ancient times. Use pure and unprocessed honey(1) for making oxymel mixture because such honey has proven to reduce fungal infection.
Procedure:
- Oxymel mixture should be in a 4:1 ratio of honey and apple cider vinegar which means 4 parts of honey and 1 part of apple cider vinegar.
- Scrub your feet with soap and water and dry them with a towel before applying the mixture.
- Take the mixture on a cotton ball or washcloth and apply it to the wound.
- Let the mixture sit on the wound for 10-20 minutes so that the nutrients of honey and vinegar are absorbed by the skin.
- Wash your feet after 20 minutes and pat them dry.
[Also Read: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar]
3. Apple Cider Vinegar with Himalayan Crystal Salt
Apple cider vinegar and Himalayan crystal salt together make a tremendously acidic mixture that does not let fungus and rashes caused due to an athlete’s feet stay for long.
Procedure:
- Mix one tablespoon of apple cider with not more than two spoons of Himalayan crystal salt and warm water.
- Dip your feet for ten minutes in this mixture. Wash your feet after ten minutes and pat them dry.
- Use a damp washcloth dipped in this mixture to clean your shoes from inside to make sure that the fungus is out from the shoe.
- By doing this twice a week you are making sure that the fungus does not develop on your skin again.
4. Water and Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
One of the simplest and easiest methods to employ is to use ACV and water and combine them for a foot soak. This is by far the most effective method as ACV is the most concentrated in this method.
Procedure:
- Take apple cider can heal wounds better and faster. Dilute apple cider vinegar with warm water in a 1:1 ratio i.e. one part of vinegar to one part of water.
- Keep the volume of this mixture enough to soak both your feet in it. Scrub your feet with soap and water before soaking them in the mixture.
- Once your feet are clean, dry them with a clean towel and make you sanitize the towel after you have used it so that the fungus does not spread anywhere else on your body.
- Dip your feet in the vinegar mixture and let them soak for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Dry your feet after 30 minutes with a towel and apply a thin layer of moisturizer to reduce the dryness caused by apple cider vinegar. Do follow this procedure continuously 3 times a day for a week.
Note: If you feel any burning sensation or rash, immediately add water and dilute the mixture.
[Also Read: Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot]
Precautionary Measures
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear socks made of natural fibers and stick to open footwear (sandal and flip flops) during summers.
- Disinfect and clean your footwear regularly.
- Wear well-fitted shoes. If you are wearing shoes that are too tight then you are prone to getting a fungal infection.
- Try and wear alternate shoes every day so that they dry.
- Disinfect your shower area and towels so that the infection does not spread further.
Make sure not to use apple cider vinegar on open wounds as it may cause irritation and burning sensation. Apply apple cider on a small patch of your skin to see if your skin is reactive against it. If you see no change in your infection even after 2-4 weeks of applying apple cider vinegar it is recommended to see a skin doctor and take professional advice.
[Read: Bleach Soak for Athletes Foot]
Even though most infections can be cured by home remedies but a lot depends on the severity of the infection. Over the counter medication may be required if your wounds do not heal with time.
FAQs
1. How can you prevent athlete’s foot?
Always cover your feet in public areas like swimming pools, beaches, etc. Dry your feet properly after coming out of the water at home or outside. Keep your towels sanitized and wash them regularly so that infection does not reoccur. Keep a healthy diet which includes a lot of probiotics to keep bacteria at bay.
2. How is apple cider vinegar helpful in treating athlete’s foot?
Unpasteurized Apple cider vinegar has healing properties against fungus and bacteria. The nutrients in Apple Cider act fast on rashes and fungus and help in curing the skin fast. Medicinal properties of apple cider have been used for such infections since ages.
3. What are other natural ways to treat athlete’s foot?
Keep your gut healthy and immunity high by taking probiotics in your diet. People who have low immunity are prone to getting cold, infections and flu. If the athlete’s foot has become severe then only taking oral probiotics won’t help. You have to apply probiotics on the infected area for faster relief.
Apply apple cider vinegar and essential oils on the fungus as they are high in nutrients. You should also keep your towels and footwear sanitized.
