Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

What is Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The fungus causes itching, redness, scaling, and sometimes blistering of the skin.

Athlete’s foot is a common condition and is more likely to occur in people who have sweaty feet or who wear shoes that don’t allow the feet to breathe. People who have a weakened immune system or who have certain medical conditions that affect the skin, such as eczema, are also at a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itching, burning, or stinging between the toes, red or scaly skin, blisters, or cracked and peeling skin. The infection can also spread to the toenails, causing thick, discolored, or brittle nails.

Home remedies for Athlete’s Foot

Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar

• Soak the feet in warm water with Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar
  • Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar in a basin of warm water
  • Soak feet for 15-20 minutes, twice a day

Tree oil and coconut oil

• Apply tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil
  • Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil
  • Apply mixture to affected area and massage gently
  • Repeat twice a day

Garlic and coconut oil

• Crush garlic and apply it mixed with coconut oil
  • Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with 1 tbsp of coconut oil
  • Apply mixture to affected area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes
  • Repeat twice a day

Keep feet dry

• Keep feet dry, wear breathable shoes, and change socks regularly
  • Dry feet thoroughly, especially between toes, after bathing or swimming
  • Wear shoes that allow feet to breathe
  • Change socks at least once a day

Baking soda

• Apply a paste made of baking soda and water
  • Mix baking soda and water to make a paste
  • Apply to affected area and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off
  • Repeat twice a day

Please note that hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation, it’s always advisable to test it on a small area first before using it on large area. It’s also important to note that if you have any open sores or cuts, you should avoid using hydrogen peroxide as it can cause stinging and irritation. It’s always best to consult a doctor before using hydrogen peroxide for treating athlete’s foot.

It is best to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Also keep your feet clean and dry and avoid sharing shoes or towels with others.