The athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, may be the result of a fungal infection (dermatophytosis) that causes scaling and cracking on the soles of the feet and between the toes. Luckily, there are some excellent home remedies for athletes’ foot that can help to get rid of an athlete’s foot once and for all . Athletes’ foot is not spread from person to person, but most often occurs in warm, moist areas like public pools or showers, or in moist clothing or shoes.
If left untreated, the athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body like the toenails and groin area, which often require prescription medications to treat.
If you’re anything like me, you loathe the feeling of an athlete’s foot. Itchy, scaly skin that cracks and bleeds with the slightest provocation? No thanks! , so you can get back to living life without it. Here are ten of the best ones to try today.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar- Remedies for athlete’s foot
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that works wonders. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent, which means it can destroy fungus and bacteria that cause foot rot.
You’ll want to soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and apple cider vinegar every night before bed. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can help eliminate any fungus that’s contributing to your condition.
The acidity of vinegar also reduces inflammation caused by athletes’ feet while its antibacterial properties help kill off bacteria that cause foot rot. Best of all, you don’t need a prescription to buy it!
2. Garlic
Garlic is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent that can treat common foot rot. Garlic has properties that can help you fight footrot and keep your feet clean.
To use it as a remedy, first, apply an antifungal cream or powder to the affected areas of your feet (we recommend an over-the-counter treatment). Then, slice up a fresh clove of garlic and rub it on your feet with a pumice stone after washing them thoroughly in hot water and soap.
Alternatively, Rub on a small amount of garlic oil on infected feet to relieve itching and ease the pain. Garlic can also be ingested daily as a supplement. If you don’t have garlic oil, rub fresh garlic or crushed raw cloves directly onto your feet. Let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with cool water. Repeat several times per day until symptoms are relieved.
3. Tea Tree Oil- Remedies for athlete’s foot
The therapeutic effect of tea tree oil comes from its active ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, which helps kill bacteria and fungus. To remedy athlete’s foot or foot rot as it is sometimes called, soak your feet in a solution of water and one part 100% tea tree oil to several parts water. Using a pumice stone or callus cutter to remove dead skin will also help combat inflammation and itchiness.
If you need relief from itching and burning, try applying tea tree oil to affected areas. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that tea tree oil worked as well as benzoyl peroxide for treating athlete’s foot, plus it didn’t have any of benzoyl peroxide’s side effects (like drying out skin). Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with water and apply directly to feet and toes.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a very common household remedy used to treat footrot. Mix one part baking soda with four parts water and soak your feet in it overnight. This will relieve foot itchiness and cool your feet, which can make the foot rot feel much better. It’s important to keep your feet in an upright position while soaking them to allow them to dry thoroughly before you walk around on them again.
5. Salt- Remedies for athlete’s foot
Most people know that too much salt is bad for them. But did you know that if you have a fungal infection like an athlete’s foot, adding table salt to warm water and soaking your feet in it may be what you need to clear up your problem? Just add three tablespoons of salt to two liters of warm water and soak each foot until soft. Then rinse with cool water, dry well, and apply a healthy amount of anti-fungal cream or powder before bed.
6. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths are a popular home remedy to treat athletes’ feet. Epsom salt baths are a very easy way to reduce your athlete’s foot infection. Epsom salt is a natural remedy that can get rid of fungus and kill bacteria without causing harmful side effects. The magnesium found in Epsom salts can help relieve itching associated with athlete’s foot, and it may also have antifungal properties that will help eliminate your infection.
To make an Epsom salt bath, you’ll need around half a cup of Epsom salts and some hot water. Add your Epsom salts to a large tub of hot water and soak for about 15 minutes, or until your skin starts to wrinkle, which will help drain out any excess fluid from your body.
7. Vinegar Soak- Remedies for athlete’s foot
Vinegar’s antimicrobial properties kill off the fungus that causes the athlete’s foot. Vinegar contains a compound called acetic acid, which helps to reduce odor-causing bacteria. To get rid of your infection, soak your feet in a vinegar bath. Combine 1 cup white vinegar with a tub of warm water, and soak your feet in it for 10 to 15 minutes. After you finish soaking, dry your feet thoroughly. You can repeat it twice a day until symptoms disappear.
If you want to speed up results, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to your soak. Both oils have antifungal properties that will help kill off any remaining fungus on your skin. If you don’t have these oils on hand, don’t worry—the vinegar alone should do wonders!
8. Coconut Oil
A powerful antifungal agent, coconut oil can be used to treat athlete’s foot. The antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it an effective home remedy to cure an athlete’s foot.
Simply soak your feet in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of baking soda for about 15 minutes, once daily. You can also try rubbing some coconut oil on affected areas as well. Doing so may not completely cure your problem, but it will definitely help reduce symptoms.
You can also apply a generous amount of virgin coconut oil to your feet before going to bed. Leave it overnight and wash your feet with lukewarm water in the morning. Do not use soap as it will dry out your skin. Repeat every night until you get rid of the athlete’s foot completely.
9. Olive Oil- Remedies for athlete’s foot
Olive oil contains caprylic acid and other fatty acids, which act as a natural antifungal. According to a study published in 2010 in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil to your bathwater may help treat an athlete’s foot. Because it contains anti-inflammatory properties, many people say that applying pure, undiluted olive oil to nails with a cotton swab works well in relieving athlete’s foot symptoms.
First, apply a liberal amount of olive oil to your feet to soften calluses and build-up areas. Allow it to sit on your skin for five minutes before rinsing off with warm water. You can also use antibacterial soap if you do not have any oils handy, but make sure to rinse well afterward. Then pat dry with a clean towel and apply a small amount of moisturizer or lotion, which will seal in moisture and keep your feet feeling soft as new!
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera juice (or gel) is known to have an antifungal effect and can help heal a variety of skin conditions, including athlete’s foot. To use it, simply apply some fresh or frozen aloe Vera gel directly to your feet every morning before you go about your day.
If you’re using store-bought aloe, be sure to dilute it with water before applying it directly to your skin. When using a fresh one, use clean surgical blades to cut off a small piece of aloe vera leaf. Use clean scissors to cut off one edge of your aloe leaf piece and squeeze out clear gel onto your feet twice a day to treat the athlete’s foot.
