Benefits of Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot

Updated on March 19th, 2020
Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is an infection which is caused by fungus and is highly contagious and generally affects the skin of the feet. It is not a severe condition, but in some cases, it can’t be cured easily. You can catch the infection by direct contact with the infected person or through some surface containing the fungus. Apart from using medications for athlete’s foot, some home remedies prove very beneficial in treating the condition. Vinegar is one such home remedy used in many ways to deal with athlete’s foot. The antifungal properties of vinegar help to slow the growth of fungus in the feet. Vinegar foot soak is the best way of using vinegar for athlete’s foot.

Did You Know

  • Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread across other parts of your body and to other people.
  • About 15 to 25 % of people suffer from this condition at some stage in their life.

[Also Read: Natural Treatments For Athlete’s Foot]

Ways of Using Vinegar for Athlete’s Foot

1. Vinegar Foot Soak for Athlete’s Foot

For a mild form of athlete’s foot(1), you can use vinegar foot soak. Vinegar is not harmful to feet but it is still advised to use it in diluted forms. Take 1 part of vinegar in 2 part of water. Wash your feet properly first with soap and water. Then soak your feet in the vinegar and water solution at least 10-15 minutes daily. If the milder soaks do not work for you, you can always use a more concentrated soak. Apple cider vinegar(2) foot soak can also be used to treat athlete’s foot.

2. Vinegar Sock Wash

Sock Wash
Image:ShutterStock

It is always recommended to wear socks after moisturizing your feet. Choose socks according to the weather conditions. You can also use vinegar for washing socks. You can add a cup of white vinegar while washing your socks. Also, try washing on the hottest setting to kill the fungus present on the socks.

3. Vinegar Patch

For a patch, it is recommended to use apple cider vinegar for athlete’s foot. Use a sterile cotton ball and dip it in apple cider vinegar. Place this cotton ball on the infected area. Use this patch all night with a band-aid or medical sticker. You can use regular vinegar as well for the patch.

4. Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also used in the treatment of fungal infection due to its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a foot soak using vinegar and tea tree oil. You can also just mix vinegar and tea tree oil and apply on the infected area.

[Also Read: Essential Oils For Athlete’s Foot]

5. Oregano and Vinegar Paste

You can also use oregano and vinegar for treating athlete’s foot. Oregano is a natural herb used for its antifungal properties. Make a paste of oregano and vinegar and apply it on the affected area.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda together are also used for treating athlete’s foot. The blend is twice as potent and is recommended to use only when sure.

[Also Read: Baking Soda for Athlete’s Foot]

7. Vinegar and Garlic Paste

Garlic is also used to treat this condition when mixed with vinegar. Mixing crushed garlic and vinegar and applying on infected area is an effective way of treating athlete’s foot. Wash this thoroughly and dry using a towel. Note that garlic might burn a little.

Anti-fungal Properties of Vinegar

Vinegar

The anti-fungal properties of vinegar help fight fungus and treat athlete’s foot. Vinegar is acetic acid in its diluted form and is harmless. Anti-fungal properties of vinegar are proved to be more powerful compared to any other preservative. Vinegar slows the growth of fungus on infected areas and is an effective home remedy.

[Read: Bleach Soak for Athletes Foot]

While various medications and anti-fungal creams are available for treating athlete’s foot, using home remedies is a more safe way of treating the condition. Vinegar is one of the home remedies used to treat athlete’s foot due to its anti-fungal properties. It is used with several ingredients, including garlic, baking soda, oregano, and tea tree oil. Vinegar in its natural form is harmless and has little to no side effects. Soaking your feet in vinegar and essential oil soak is not only beneficial in treating infections but also gives a calm and relaxing feeling.


FAQs

1. How Long to Soak Feet in Vinegar?

Vinegar is harmless and has no side effects. A one part vinegar and two parts water soak can be used for 10-15 minutes daily to kill fungus on the infected area.

2. Does Vinegar Kill Fungus in Athlete’s Foot?

Vinegar is more effective compared to any other preservative in treating fungal infections. It is harmless and proves to be effective in slowing the growth of fungus.

3. What Are Some Other Home Remedies to Treat Athlete’s Foot?

Various home remedies are used in treating athlete’s foot, including hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, neem oil, garlic, sea salt baths, talcum powder and hairdryer, and baking soda. Keeping your feet clean and letting them breathe are some lifestyle changes you can adapt as well.

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