Athlete’s foot, also called ‘tinea pedis’ is a fungal infection of the toes. People whose feet are very sweaty usually develop this disease as their feet are wrapped with tight fitting and fully covered footwear.
An itching, burning and stinging feeling of the scaly rash formed on the skin is characterized(1) as Athlete’s foot. It is contagious and spreads easily through used towels and other clothing.
Athlete’s foot is just like any other fungal infections like jock itch or ringworm.
There are many natural remedies for treating the infection and also to prevent its recurrence. Let’s know what are they and how to use them.
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There are many foods which are quite effective in treating athlete’s foot right at home(2). Below are some of the most effective home remedies.
Apple cider vinegar is believed to have a number of medicinal properties. It is considered as one of the most effective treatment options against fungal and yeast infections. This makes it fall under the list of foods to treat Athlete’s foot at home.
You can soak a clean cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the affected areas of the feet. If this stings, dilute it with water and apply.
[Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot]
Coconut oil has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Coconut oil offers extensive health benefits for the body’s overall health. It contains lauric acid and caprylic acid which stop the growth of fungal cells by killing them.
The saturated fats in coconut oil fight against a wide variety of pathogens and thus boosts the immune system functioning. The medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil work very effectively against fungi, bacteria, virus, and protozoa.
Repeat the above process 2 to 3 times a day
[Read: Coconut Oil for Athlete’s Foot ]
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is known to possess the ability to absorb moisture and bad odors. It also kills the virus and bacteria causing infection.
Perform the above procedure 2 times a day. You can also add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the solution.
Baking soda softens the callus and also cleans the toenails. It helps in removing dead skin cells. Its antibacterial properties keep infections at bay.
Epsom Salt reduces inflammation by removing toxins from the body. This adds to foot health. Research proved that Epsom Salt reduces pain(3), promotes healing, treats many kinds of fungal and bacterial infections and eliminates body odor.
The sulfate and magnesium present in Epsom Salt dissolve easily and are absorbed into the skin. By removing toxins from the body, Epsom Salt paves way for sulfates and magnesium to enter the bloodstream, which in turn promotes body energy production, inflammation reduction, and better muscle function.
[Read: Epsom Salt for Athlete’s Foot]
Garlic is a very popular home remedy for treating many kinds of ailments. It is considered to possess natural antiseptic properties. It is also used in many products of skin and hair care.
You can even use this paste as a foot soak by adding half a bucket of lukewarm water and soaking your feet in it.
How many times to use: Use this remedy as to a foot soak or for topical application twice a day.
Garlic is an antifungal and antibacterial agent which makes it very effective against any kind of foot infections. Ajoene, which is found in garlic is a perfect remedy when applied topically to treat Athlete’s foot.
Eating certain vegetables can protect against fungal infections as they have antifungal properties. These include
All foods with starch content should be avoided. These include corn, Sweet Potatoes, and carrots.
White nectarines fruits like Banana, White Peaches, Dates, Brown Pears are all fruits which act against fungal infections. Fruits like Oranges, Kiwi, and grapefruits are believed to reduce inflammation of the skin which is caused by fungal infections.
Gluten-free whole grains that contain Vitamin B, Iron, Selenium, and fiber are good to be considered. Long grained brown rice, gluten-free cereals, and steel cut oats are also good for fighting against fungal infections.
Rye, Barley, wheat and White bread should be avoided.
Cayenne Pepper offers immune and digestive support. It increases circulation and metabolism which in turn clears off fungal infections of the body.
Rare fact
According to the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, bitter orange is one such food that acts effectively against fungal infections.
This is a natural fungal fighter. In addition to fighting against Athlete’s foot, this fruit is one of the perfect remedies to other ailments like jock itch and ringworm.
Observations also confirmed that application of water mixed with bitter orange oil 3 times a day, completely cleared fungal infections.
Essential oils have been used for treating many body conditions because they offer many benefits(4). The antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties of these essential oils help in treating various infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungus.
Let’s see how can these essential oils be used in treating Athlete’s foot.
Tea tree oil is the product from the distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia plant grown in Australia.
This oil has antiviral, antifungal anti-inflammatory properties which prove it to be one of the effective treatments for Athlete’s foot. Because it is rich in terpinen-4-ol, it is a perfect inflammation reliever.
This home remedy which is a mixture of different oils can be used to potentially treat the symptoms of Athlete’s foot sitting right at home.
Peppermint oil has skin toning, softening anti-inflammatory properties which boost the skin’s health. It also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which act against infections of the skin.
Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic and a powerful antioxidant which works wonderfully against fungal infections.
It is good to perform a skin patch test before using it to check for any allergies.
Lavender essential oil keeps the skin healthy, it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regenerative properties. As athlete’s foot causes skin burn, it works effectively by providing a soothing effect on the skin.
Lavender essential oil acts as a perfect disinfectant for the skin fights against infections, enhances blood circulation and also keeps the feet dry.
Lemon essential oil is an effective remedy in treating skin ailments as it acts as an astringent. It has antiseptic properties that can treat pimples and other skin problems as it gets rid of excess oil of the skin. Lemon essential oil refreshes the mind and helps in calming down mental fatigue, dizziness, exhaustion, and anxiety.
It is rich in Vitamin C that boosts the immune system. It also improves blood circulation and clears nasal passage on being inhaled. Thus promoting steady breathing and proper air flow.
Soak your feet in the solution for about 20 to 30 minutes. After soaking, pat your feet dry.
Do this once every night before going to bed.
Eucalyptus essential oil is an effective remedy for infections caused by toenail fungus, ringworm, jock itch, and cold sores. It reduces the inflammation that arises out of these conditions.
[Also Read: Natural Treatments For Toenail Fungus]
Spray on your feet every day before going to bed. You can also spray them inside your shoes.
Thieves oil has various uses like supporting healthy immune function, washing bacteria, fungus on the skin.
How many times: You can apply this to the affected area 1 to 2 times a day. You can also add 2 drops of thieves oil to a cup of warm water and drink it.
Thieves oil consumption improves immunity, and its application to the infected area will help to keep the area clean. It is one of the best remedies for treating athlete’s foot.
The fungus needs moisture to thrive and develop on. If you can keep your feet free from moisture, you can control the development of fungus.
A very easy and handy way to keep feet free from moisture is to dry your feet with a hair dryer just after a shower. You can use this method to dry between fingers too.
After you have dried your feet with the dryer, sprinkle some talcum powder on them as this absorbs the sweat.
Hygiene practices like the below-mentioned points should be followed to prevent the recurrence of Athlete’s foot.
People with health conditions like diabetes should consult a doctor before using home remedies because even minor wounds and cracks can become complicated for them to deal with.
Those who have Athlete’s foot cannot afford to venture barefoot at the beach. You can use ‘over-the-counter Antifungal cream if natural remedies fail to work.
Also Read:
Bleach Soak benefits for Athlete’s Foot
Natural ways to get rid of Athlete’s Foot
The treatment varies depending on the remedy and can typically range between 7 to 25 days. Symptoms like soreness and itching come down within 7 days of treatment. It is good to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not subdue within 7 days.
Using antifungal sprays and creams is an effective way to treat this situation. Even though the infection comes down, it is good to continue the treatment to save yourself from falling prey to the recurring ailments. Let your feet be exposed to maximum air. Wearing synthetic socks is another best option for people who cannot go barefoot as they pull away moisture.
Yes, it is a fungal infection that is contagious, though not all fungal infections are.