Tinea pedis is the medical term for Athlete’s foot. The condition is a result of fungal infection that is commonly seen in the feet of the athletes; hence the name. People who keep their feet wet for long or who have normal-than-usual sweaty feet are highly likely to end up with athlete’s foot if they don’t take care. The infection is also contagious and easily spreads from one person to another through direct contact or by sharing clothes, socks, shoes etc. bathing in community bathrooms and using the swimming pools also leaves you highly likely to catch the infection.
In Athlete’s foot the person develops cracks in between the toes due to excessive peeling of the skin. The area becomes red and starts itching. The cracks soon turn into blisters followed by intense burning sensations. Treating Athlete’s foot at the right time is important to prevent the infection from spreading further. There are various over-the-counter creams available for treating Athlete’s foot.
However, if the infection doesn’t go away completely then there are high chances of the infection returning. Hence the remedies used to cure Athlete’s foot should be used regularly until the infection is gone completely. Home remedies for treating Athlete’s foot often work effectively in getting rid of the infection for once and for all. In this section we will look at some of the best home remedies available for healing Athlete’s foot.
Natural Remedies For Athlete’s Foot:
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Garlic
Garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties that destroy the infection causing bacteria. Take four or five pods of garlic and peel them. Mash the garlic and apply it directly on the infected area. to keep the garlic from falling off the area secure it to the place using medicated gauze or a duct tape. Leave it for a couple of hours.
Remove and wait for 20 minutes before repeating the treatment. Repeat the treatment thrice a day for a period of four weeks. In a month’s time you will see the infection begun to cure. Continue using the treatment for another 15 days and at the end of it the infection will be completely gone.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid which is useful for destroying the bacteria which cause the infection. Prepare a solution of apple cider vinegar by mixing two cups apple cider vinegar in one cup water.
Pour the apple cider vinegar in a basin and soak your infected foot in the solution. Keep for 15-20 minutes and then remove. Dry the foot on a soft towel or use a hair dryer set on ‘cool’ medium. The infected foot must be kept completely dry to avoid the infection from aggravating further.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is very beneficial in treating skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi. The oil effectively removes the infection ensuring that it doesn’t recur. However, don’t apply the tea tree essential oil directly to the skin. Mix it with some carrier oil like almond oil or olive oil before application on the skin.
In the case of using tea tree essential oil for treating Athlete’s foot simply take five drops of tea tree essential oil and add one drop almond oil to it. Mix the two oils well. Now apply the resulting oil mixture on the infected foot and massage it well. Do this at least three to four times a day to get complete relief from Athlete’s foot in four months time.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch powder on the foot that is affected with the skin disorder. Cornstarch will effectively absorb the moisture from the skin. It is important to keep the skin free from moisture as a moist environment encourages growth of the infection causing fungus.
Brown cornstarch is better than white cornstarch when it comes to treating athlete’s foot. To make brown cornstarch simply heat the white cornstarch over low flame in a cauldron until the color changes to brown. Take care not to overheat it or you will burn the cornstarch and make it useless.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Cinnamon
Prepare a foot bath using cinnamon to cure athlete’s foot. Break eight sticks of cinnamon and boil them in five cups of water for 5-7 minutes. Remove the cinnamon tea from flame and allow it to steep for 45 minutes and then soak your foot for 15-20 minutes. Do this treatment every day until the infection is completely gone.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Lemon
Take a small basin and fill it with two cups water. Squeeze juices from two lemons in the water and soak your foot in the lemon solution for 20 minutes. This treatment can be done twice a day for a period of six weeks.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Salt
Take three cups of water and pour them into a small basin. Add three tablespoons salt in the basin and mix the salt well in the water.
Soak your infected foot in this salt solution for ten to fifteen minutes and then dry the foot especially in between the toes. Sprinkle some cornstarch powder on the feet to ensure it remains dry.
Treating Athlete’s Foot Using Tea
Prepare tea by boiling four tablespoons of tea leaves in the four cups of water. Once the water begins to boil allow heating for 5 minutes and then remove from flame. Let the tea steep for 20 minutes and then strain it.
Put the tea in a small basin and soak your foot in the tea water for 15 minutes. Tea leaves contain the chemical tannin which is very efficient in the killing the infection causing fungus. Tannin is also dries up the skin of the foot thus removing the breeding environment for the fungus.
If you suffer from athlete’s foot you must ensure that other people do not use any of your things that are likely to give them infection. You must wash your clothes specially socks, separately and in hot water to kill the microorganisms that cause the infection.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.