Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot: Potentially Beneficial Natural Management Options
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: May 16, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: May 16, 2024Table of Contents
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a familiar fungal infection. It loves to thrive on the skin on the feet, mostly between the toes. It can cause itching, burning, and redness of the skin. The skin may also become cracked. If it’s not managed, it can spread to other parts of the body. It can also lead to bacterial infections . Many people prefer to try natural remedies at home to ease their symptoms and fight the infection. Over-the-counter antifungal medicines and prescription medications can also help manage athlete’s foot effectively. In this article, we will explore home remedies for athlete’s foot. We will discuss about their use, safety, and how effective they are. We will also provide tips for reducing the risk of getting athlete’s foot and when to consult a doctor.
Did you know?
Understanding the causes and symptoms of athlete’s foot is key to managing it.
The main cause of athlete’s foot is due to a fungus. Specifically, it’s the dermatophytes fungus. They love warm, dark, and moist places, like inside your shoes and between your toes. They can spread from person to person, and from surfaces that are tainted. Even objects like towels, socks, and shoes can spread these fungi.
The first step to diagnosing athlete’s foot is by checking it yourself and having a look at the part that is affected. If you notice any common signs like red, itchy, or skin cracking you might be having athlete’s foot then. Keep a close watch on the signs and observe any changes in how the affected skin looks.
It’s vital to see a doctor if your signs don’t get better even after trying home remedies or over-the-counter medicines for at least two weeks. The doctor can also find out if the condition you have is indeed athlete’s foot or some other skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. Also, those with diabetes or those with weak immune systems should seek medical help right away if they think they have athlete’s foot.
Several antifungal products that are available over the counter (OTC) may help manage athlete’s foot effectively. They include creams, lotions, and powders that contain clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine. They help to kill the fungi causing the infection. Use the product as directed, usually twice a day, and continue with the medicine for one week even when the symptoms are gone. It’s essential to make sure that the fungus is completely wiped out.
To stop the growth and spread of the fungi, it’s essential to keep your feet clean and dry. Wearing socks that can absorb moisture may help keep your feet dry and hinder the growth of the fungus. They can be made from wool, bamboo, or synthetic fibers. In addition to this, make it a rule to change your socks every day or more times if they become wet from sweat.
Hydrogen peroxide has features that make it a potent antifungal and bacterial killer. It may be beneficial in managing athlete’s foot. You can apply it directly onto the area affected. It may help kill the fungus and any bacteria present on the skin. Repeat this two times daily till the infection clears. But remember, hydrogen peroxide may sting, especially if there are open sores, and bubbles when applied.
Before applying, ensure your feet are clean. Let your feet dry naturally as wiping them may spread the fungus to other areas. Also, do a small test on an unaffected spot of your skin first to check if you’re allergic to it.
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy is said to possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. A study showed that a 25% tea tree oil solution was effective in relieving symptoms of athlete’s foot and wiping out the infection in about 64% of participants. Applying a diluted mixture of tea tree oil (25%-50%) to the affected areas is proposed to assist in managing athlete’s foot.
To use tea tree oil, mix it with some carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply this mixture directly to the affected spots. Do this twice a day. Be wise not to apply pure tea tree oil on your skin as it may cause skin irritation. Also, tea tree oil is not suitable for everyone; stop using it if you see rashes or have skin irritation.
Neem oil, which comes from neem trees, is proposed to have antifungal properties. It makes it a useful option for athlete’s foot. Neem oil applied directly to the affected spots may help in combating the infection and soothing the skin. For the best results, massage the oil into the skin two to three times daily.
Neem oil may be beneficial in managing infections under the toenails. It may also stop the spread of athlete’s foot to other body parts. Like any other skin therapy, perform a small test on an unaffected area of skin first. It will ensure you won’t have allergies or irritation.
Rubbing alcohol is a readily available antiseptic. It is proposed to kill the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot. You can also soak your feet in a solution made of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water for half an hour. Or, you can dab rubbing alcohol directly to the affected areas using a cotton pad. This option may kill the fungus on the surface of the skin and avoid further growth.
Rubbing alcohol may help cleanse the feet and eliminate any bacteria present on the skin. Keep in mind, it may cause dryness and irritate the skin. So, use this remedy with care. Do not apply it to open sores or broken skin.
Bitter orange oil is another homemade remedy tthat can be used to treat athlete’s foot. Research shows that bitter orange oil can stop the growth of and kill various harmful fungi that cause skin infections. This makes it a valuable, cost-effective, and readily available treatment for fungal infections.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta
Garlic has antifungal properties and may be a useful remedy for athlete’s foot. A study has found that garlic helped athlete’s foot in about 79% of people in just a week. For best results, crush three to four cloves of fresh garlic and rub them on the affected area twice daily.
You could make a garlic foot soak by adding crushed garlic cloves to a tub of warm water. Soak your feet for 30 minutes twice a day. Keep in mind, that using garlic can leave a lingering smell on your skin.
Sea salt baths may assist in managing athlete’s feet due to their potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dissolve a cup of sea salt in a warm foot bath and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly dry your feet afterward to reduce moisture.
Sea salt baths are not only helpful in reducing the growth and spread of athlete’s foot, but they may also ease itching, burning, and other symptoms related to the infection. Before soaking your feet in the salt bath, always ensure that your feet are clean.
Using talcum powder or baby powder on your feet may help absorb sweat and moisture. This makes it difficult for fungi to grow. To get the best results, apply talcum powder to your feet and between your toes after washing and fully drying your feet.
Always choose talcum powder without added fragrances, as these may irritate the skin. Apply the powder as needed daily to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Eucalyptus oil are proposed to have antifungal properties that may help manage athlete’s foot. Put eucalyptus oil on the affected areas every night, after washing and drying your feet fully.
For better absorption, rub the oil into the skin. Do this until the infection clears and signs go away.
Although these have shown to be useful in managing athlete’s foot, further research is needed for this. And, it is always advisable to discuss with your doctor before incorporating these home remedies.
Recently I read that oregano oil contains similar components to other essential oils, including carvacrol, thymol, caryophyllene, and spathulenol. Among these, thymol and carvacrol were the most effective in killing the fungus that grows on your skin making it a good home remedy to get rid of athlete’s foot.
Dr. Rajeev Singh
One major way to avoid athlete’s foot is by keeping your feet clean and dry. It helps in reducing the damp, moist spots where fungi love to live. Make sure to scrub between your toes. Also, dry your feet thoroughly afterward.
Choose shoes made of materials that let air pass through, like leather or canvas. They allow proper airing of the feet. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials. Because they can trap moisture inside. Also remember to change your socks often, especially when they become wet from sweat.
After taking a shower or bath, use a clean towel to fully dry your feet. Focus especially between your toes. Remember not to share towels with others. It’s one way of spreading the fungus.
Always wear sandals or flip-flops in public spots such as locker rooms, showers, and pool areas. This will reduce your contact with fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
Adopt a complete foot care regimen. This includes proper cleaning, moisturizing, exfoliating, and using antifungal creams or powders as needed.
If you’ve been using over-the-counter medicines or home remedies for athlete’s foot and your condition does not improve after two weeks, it is important to consult a doctor. Or if your condition gets worse.
While home remedies may be useful for many cases of athlete’s foot, some infections need stronger medicines from a doctor. If home remedies are not giving you the desired results, set up an appointment with your doctor. They can prescribe more potent medications.
Though athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, you may manage it with proper care. A mix of home remedies, over-the-counter medicines, and steps to avoid it may effectively fight this annoying fungal infection. Never forget to keep your feet clean and dry all the time. Wear shoes that allow air to flow. Avoid walking barefoot in public spots. Follow a healthy foot care routine. In instances where home remedies and over the counter options are insufficient, consult a doctor for stronger medicines and more advice.
A blend of over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders, and home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or rubbing alcohol may be an effective and quick way to manage athlete’s foot.
There are natural remedies that may kill foot fungus. They include tea tree oil, garlic, hydrogen peroxide, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, and sea salt baths.
Because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide is proposed to kill the fungus causing athlete’s foot and also help to reduce symptoms linked to this condition.
Vinegar may slow down the growth of some types of foot fungus. It is also proposed to have antifungal properties. Using a vinegar foot soak may be an effective home remedy for athlete’s foot.
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