Natural Treatments for Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that adversely affects the sole of your foot and the area between the toes also known as tinea. Its a fungal infection that affects upper layer of skin on the feet when exposed to moisture, warmth, and irritation. The fungus Trichophyton makes your feet red, itchy, and scaly with a burning sensation.
Athlete’s foot is caused by fungus that can be contracted in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, nail salons, or contaminated socks and clothes. The fungus can spread from person to person through contact. Usually people contract athlete’s foot by walking barefoot in an area where someone infected with athlete’s foot has already walked. It can happen to athletes and non-athletes.
Your foot cannot be easily invaded by fungus unless it has the required environment of warmth and moisture. It can also affect your hands if you do not wash your hands after touching the infected area of your foot.
Athlete’s foot can be easily treated with the home remedies mentioned below:
1. Keep your feet dry and moisture-free
Its the most important part for treating of athlete’s foot. Dry well after bathing, especially between the toes. You can use a towel or hair dryer to keep it dry. Remember moisture, darkness, and warmth promote foot fungus so keep your feet moisture-free.
2. Garlic
Garlic is great for killing fungus. Keep pieces of raw chopped garlic on the affected areas of your feet for an hour. You can also use garlic tablets 2-3 times a day.
3. Wear clean socks
Change socks often to keep your feet dry, especially in moist environments. Don’t go barefoot even at home. Socks protect your feet from external factors.
4. Wear sweat-free shoes
Its important to change your shoes twice a day if your feet sweat excessively. Sweat makes your shoes moist which is harmful for your foot skin. Avoid these shoes or dry them with a dryer.
5. Baking soda
Apply a paste of baking soda and water to your feet. It will help kill bacteria and fungus. You can sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to absorb moisture.
6. Lemon water
This remedy will help you keep your feet sweat-free. Squeeze a lemon and mix the juice with 2 ounces water and wash your feet with it. Lemon juice will kill the dead cells and is good for your skin.
7. Salted water
Add one teaspoon salt for every cup of water and soak your affected foot for 10 minutes. Dry your feet with a towel and sprinkle baking soda on them for best results.
8. Black tea
The tannins in black tea are natural astringents. Steep 8 bags of tea in boiling water and let cool to a tolerable temperature and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes twice daily.
9. Tea tree oil
This is the most common remedy for athlete’s foot. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area of your feet and let it soak in completely before you put on clean socks.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt contains live acidophilus. It helps balance the fungal and bacterial load of the body. You can easily include it in your diet, check for live cultures. There are many products with acidophilus, check your local stores and online.
