Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is the most common fungal infection of the skin caused by the tinea fungus. It mostly affects the area between the toes but can also occur on other parts of the foot, including toe nails.
The fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, lives off of dead skin cells, and affects men more than women. It is contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to others through direct contact or through indirect contact such as shoes or shower surfaces.
Home remedies for athlete's foot are just as effective as commercial products. When treating athlete's foot, creams should be avoided. Creams may contain the right ingredients but they can trap in moisture, providing an ideal environment for the fungus to survive.
Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot
Natural sunlight kills fungus. Expose your foot to sunlight every day for at least 1 hour.
Vinegar (white or apple cider) can kill fungus and relieve itching. Add equal parts of water and vinegar and soak your foot in it for 15 minutes. Do this twice a day.
Tea tree oil is effective against fungi. You can either rub some tea tree oil directly on your skin or (especially if the area is large) add 40 drops to 4 cups of water and soak your foot in it for 10 minutes.
Ginger acts as an anti-fungal and can help relieve burning and itching. Prepare 2 cups of strong ginger tea, pour in a basin of water, and soak your foot for 15 minutes 2 times a day.
Garlic and onions have anti-fungal properties and are both excellent home remedies for athlete's foot. Include both in your diet when treating athlete's foot. You can also:
• Crush a fresh garlic clove, apply it to the affected area, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and rinse it off with water (garlic can have a warm sensation but if it burns, wash it off immediately with cool water). Do this once a day.
• Squeeze the juice from a grated onion through a cheesecloth, massage the juice on the affected area, leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse it off with water. Do this 3 times a day.
When treating athlete's foot:
- keep your foot clean (wash twice a day with soap and water)
- completely dry your foot after washing or soaking, especially between the toes
- wear clean socks (preferably cotton socks)
- wear well ventilated shoes (preferably shoes made of natural material like leather)
- sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes each night to dry up any moisture.
If the above home remedies for athlete's foot don't work after one month, consult your doctor.
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