10 Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a condition where the foot becomes dry, leading to cracking of the skin in between toes. This can become quite a nuisance and become itchy and mildly painful. The name athlete came about as the condition was more common among those who actively participate in sports. However, this condition is also common among the non-athletic.
The good news! You do not necessarily require to visit a medical practitioner to treat the infection. In fact, several home remedies work like magic. These include the following:
Home Remedies for Athletes Foot
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, to use it for athlete’s foot, mix it up with a carrier oil such as coconut or oil. And regularly massage it onto your feet. Never apply tea tree oil directly onto your skin as it can be very irritating. Discontinue use if you notice rashes or too much irritation on your skin.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine
This combination can eliminate several types of fungi. Using them separately works, but using them together is even better. Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine are often available at local drug stores.
When testing this remedy, mix both liquids in a bucket and dip your feet into the solution. Alternatively, use cotton to apply the solution directly onto your feet. You can do this twice or thrice a day. When using peroxide, it is likely, it will bubble when applied. And it might sting a bit too.
- Talcum Powder/ Baby powder
Fungi cause the infection to thrive in a moist and warm environment. Hence, sweat makes them multiply. Talcum powder helps in keeping the feet clean and dry -suffocating their growth. For the powder to be effective, ensure to properly dry your feet before sprinkling. It is also advisable to wear clean socks made of wool, bamboo, or synthetic wicking fabric as they actively help in absorbing sweat.
- Garlic
Many people can not stand the smell of garlic. However, despite its potent smell, it comes in handy in getting rid of the infection. All you need to do is crush 4-5 cloves of garlic and rub them over the affected areas twice a day. You should see results quite quickly with this remedy.
- Rubbing Alcohol
Most people keep rubbing alcohol at home just in case of minor accidents since the liquid is invaluable when it comes to killing bacteria and fungi. After purchasing rubbing alcohol, dilute it using 30% of water (compared to the whole mixture) and dip your feet in it. You can also apply it directly to the affected areas. Do this at least twice a day.
- Neem Oil
Neem oil and extracts produce incredible results when used to treat fungi infections. Use the oil to gently massage your feet for about 5 minutes, 2-3 times every day. For best results, ensure to focus on areas under and in between your toes.
- Sea Salt Baths
Using Sea salts is a great natural treatment plan to get rid of athlete’s foot. It must also be the most fun method as it not only kills the fungi but also helps you relax. To enjoy its benefits, dissolve a cup of sea salt into a warm bath. You can either soak your feet for 15-30 minutes every day or soak in a nice warm bath. You should ensure to properly dry your feet afterward.
- Sunflower Oil
Oleozon, a brand of sunflower oil, contains ozone, an ingredient efficient at killing germs. You can regularly apply it onto your feet or any other affected area. Kindly note that Oleozon is the only proven sunflower brand that helps in eliminating athlete’s foot.
- Bitter Orange
Bitter orange has long been used by Chinese nationals and people living in the amazon to treat fungi infections, ringworm, and jock itch. To make use of this remedy, dilute it with water and apply it to the affected areas 2-3 times a day. Then, make sure to protect your skin from the sun as you are likely to sunburn.
- Over-the-Counter Medicine
Over-the-counter cream, gel, and sprays might help the healing process of the foot infection. These can be purchased at your local drug store. You should then apply the treatment as per the instruction sheet, and you are good to go; the infection should clear in a few weeks.
However, If the infection has not cleared up or shown signs of improvement within a few weeks, seek medical help from a podiatrist.
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