Did you know that Athlete’s foot, Tinea pedis, is a fungal infection? Individuals may come in contact with the fungus in damp public pool areas, public showers, or locker rooms. This infection is common in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. The fungus affects the space between the toes and below the toenails and can cause itching, burning, and cracked, scaly skin between and around your toes. The infection can be treated with prescribed topical cream if severe, but there are natural remedies that can treat or help with the condition’s symptoms. Here are 10 natural remedies that can help with Athlete’s foot:
- Proper feet hygiene: It is important to ensure that your feet and toes are well cleaned and dry after every shower or swimming session. When taking a shower, make sure to wash your feet thoroughly with soap and a loofah. The loofah will help scrub off any dead skin cells and prevent further spread of the fungus.
- Wear clean socks: Wearing clean socks will help keep your feet from soaking in sweat all day. If possible, carry an extra pair of socks to switch from the old ones at least twice a day to prevent further infection. In addition, make sure to wash your socks regularly and avoid using the same socks daily. This will prevent the infection from becoming severe and less difficult to treat.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public areas: This type of fungus cannot be seen without a microscope; therefore, taking precautions and wearing flip-flops or shoes to prevent contamination in public places is an excellent step. It is important to be aware that most places that are damp and moist are thriving ecosystems for any bacteria and fungus.
- Make sure to clean your shoes/make sure they are dry: Taking preventive measures to make sure your shoes are dry will help stop the spread of the infection. One way to disinfect your shoes is by washing them with soap and then sun drying them, using ultraviolet-c light, or spraying the inside of the shoes with Lysol. In addition, take precautions while borrowing other people’s shoes, even though it is not recommended. Athlete’s foot can spread through floors as well as skin-to-skin contact.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. This oil helps treat irritation on the skin due to its antifungal properties. The oil should be applied twice a day after showering and thoroughly drying your toes and nails for 4-weeks. Then massage the oil on the feet and under the nails to remove any infections. It has been shown that when the oil is applied correctly, it will help remove any infection.
- Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar: The combination of salt and cider vinegar makes the solution acidic because of this, they are said to have antimicrobial properties. Vinegar helps improve the foot odor, the infection, and any warts that may have appeared. The best way to combine this remedy is to fill a pot big enough to soak your feet entirely with vinegar. For every 1 cup of vinegar used, add 2 cups of water until the pot is full, then continue to add half a cup of Epsom salt. Continue this routine for 4 weeks or until the infection has fully disappeared.
- Garlic: Using garlic extract or a whole garlic is also an excellent antimicrobial remedy. A study showed that the use of garlic disintegrated the cytoplasm of the fungus. In addition, the garlic broke down the cell membrane, the cell wall, and the collapse of hyphae making the fungal cell vulnerable and unable to multiply. There are multiple ways to use this remedy; one way is to crush the garlic and combine it to soak your feet in for 30 minutes. Another way is to crush the garlic and mix it with olive oil to massage through the infected area of the skin. Ensure always to wear gloves when touching the infected area or use a q-tip to apply. This will prevent the spread to other parts of the body.
- Use Vicks vaporub: Vicks contains three active ingredients that help with the infection. These ingredients are camphor, thymol, and menthol. Rubbing a small amount twice a day on the affected area will help prevent further infection. Always make sure to rub some Vicks under the toenails and between the toes to remove as much of the fungus as possible. Although using Vicks can help prevent the spread of the infection, it does not kill the fungus. Instead, Vicks helps prevent further growth of the infection, providing an environment on the feet that is inhospitable, which decreases the number of fungus on the toes, nails, and soles of the feet. Therefore, this treatment is considered long-term and can take up to a year for the infection to be entirely removed. Even after you cannot see any infected areas on the feet, it is recommended that you continue the treatment.
- Use hydrogen peroxide: Many people know this medication as a way to disinfect cuts and wounds by killing the germs on the skin. The properties of hydrogen peroxide make it a great antifungal treatment. It is proven that this fungus is sensitive to acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, it can effectively target and kill the fungus on the surface of the skin. Pouring the liquid onto the infected area is recommended but you can also pour hydrogen peroxide into a pot and mix it with distilled water to soak your feet.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is the most common household item but did you know that it can be used to treat athletes’ feet? The best way to apply this remedy is by using it as a foot soak. You will need to mix half a cup of baking soda in a large pot and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. It is recommended to continue this treatment until all signs and symptoms of the fungus are gone.
