Athlete’s foot is a widespread fungal infection caused on the foot’s skin. It is not an alarming infection but the symptoms are really painful. Around 15% to 25% of people worldwide are affected by athlete’s foot at least once in their lives. Men and elderly people are highly prone to getting this foot infection. Since ancient times people have been using bleach soak for athlete’s foot to get rid of such fungal infections on the skin.
One such remedy to cure Athlete’s foot is bleach which is readily available at home. People who have used bleach soak for an athlete’s feet during initial stages of the infection have reportedly got relief from the pain.
How to Prepare Bleach Soak for Athletes Feet
It is not advised to soak infected skin directly into bleach as the blisters can react with bleach and could have a stinging sensation. The best way is to dilute 1 tablespoon of bleach with half-gallon water to form a solution.
Soak your feet for ten minutes in this solution once a day. Do not overdo this procedure at it might cause further itchiness. Pat dry your feet after ten minutes The color of the hair on your foot and leg might change as a result of being exposed to bleach.
Ensure to use a disposable cloth as the bleach could fade the color of the cloth.
[Also Read: Natural Treatments for Athlete’s Foot]
Why Use Bleach Soak for Athletes Foot?
Bleach soak is recommended because of the properties of bleach help in reducing bacterial infection on the skin. However, do not use bleach(1) soak more than twice a week as excessive exposure to bleach might harm your skin.
Take the utmost care while using bleach soak so that it does not get in contact with your eyes. Once done, wash your feet with clean water and apply a thin layer of moisturizer. People with extremely dry skin should avoid bleach soaks as it could increase the pain. It is ideally recommended to seek consultation from a doctor to get relief from an athlete’s foot.
Preventive Measures and Risk Factors Associated with Using Bleach Soak for Athletes Foot
No matter how many remedies you use to get rid of athlete’s foot, it can always reoccur if proper measures are not taken to prevent the infection. Walking barefoot in the gym, pool area or even in your bathroom can make your skin contract fungus once again. This means that you have to keep the floor and bathtub of your bathroom disinfected at all times.
You can use bleach once a week in your bathroom to get rid of any kind of fungus on the floor. Wash all your soaks with a bleach solution to disinfect them. It will be better to wash socks separately. Make sure everyone staying with you soaks their feet in bleach soak at least once as a preventive measure against athlete’s foot. Do not over soak feet in bleach water as it may cause skin irritation and dryness.
Other Bleach Soaks for Athlete’s Foot
1. Hydrogen Peroxide with Iodine
Iodine and hydrogen peroxide have been used since ages to cure wounds, cuts and kill germs. A mixture of these two is more powerful in killing fungi than using them separately. Dilute the mixture of iodine and hydrogen peroxide with water and soak your feet in it. Do not apply iodine directly on to your wound. Peroxide might react if wounds are open and it also bleaches the hair on the skin.
2. Tea Tree Oil Soak
Tea tree oil has been commonly used against fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Its acidic nature cleanses wounds and acne on the skin. There are several ways to use tea tree oil. It can be directly applied to the wound with the help of a cotton swab.
In case an athlete’s foot(2) has spread in a large area then mix tea tree oil with lavender oil, lemon oil or orange oil and then apply to the infected area. If you see no results within 14 days of using tea tree oil then mix it with oregano oil for better treatment.
You can also buy the best tea tree oil available online
Athlete’s foot can happen to anyone from the office going people to sportspersons to school going kids. The problem starts when the skin comes in contact with sweat forming inside one’s shoes. If you see any symptoms of an athlete’ s foot immediately start the treatment from home.
In case there is no change in skin condition even after a few days of using home remedies, consult a doctor immediately. Maintaining proper hygiene by regularly cleaning your shoe from inside and wearing different shoes on alternate days, can help avoid contracting a fungal infection on your foot skin.
[Also Read: Top 10 Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot]
FAQs
1. What Is Athlete’s Foot?
A contagious fungal infection on the skin of the foot is known as athlete’s foot. It is called Tinea Pedis in medical terms. It is called Athlete’s foot because it is very common with athletes. If not treated on time, the infection can spread to toenails and other body parts.
2. How Is Bleach Helpful in Treating Athlete’s Foot?
Bleach has anti-fungal properties that help in curing athlete’s feet. Though it is advised to used bleach in diluted form on your skin else it would cause blisters and irritation on the skin. Soak the affected area of your foot into the solution of bleach and water for only ten minutes a day. Repeat this twice a week and you will notice an improvement in your skin.
3. Should I wear socks to bed with athlete’s foot?
It is strongly recommended that you wear socks to bed, hence preventing the transmission of the foot fungus to the other person.
4. Is chlorine bad for an athlete’s foot?
Chlorine is a strong disinfectant and can be used to kill an array of microorganisms, hence it could be used for athlete’s foot.
