Home » Blog » Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
It’s a popular misconception that only athletes get athletes foot. The condition is known medically as tinea pedis. It’s a fungal infection between and around the toes. Those dealing with the condition find that their toes itch and burn, there are peeling patches of skin, there is excessive dryness along the sides or bottoms of feet, and/or changes in the color and thickness of toenails.
The good news is that there are a variety of home remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms of athletes foot, if not get rid of it completely. Of course, if a home remedy doesn’t help, a trip to a podiatrist is in order. Here are some of the best ways to treat your athletes foot at home.
1. Cornstarch
Brown a bit of cornstarch in the oven to make sure it is completely free of moisture. Once you’ve removed it from the oven and given it a chance to cool, rub the cornstarch on your toes and feet. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then brush it off with a towel. Wash you hands well after you have applied the cornstarch and once you have removed it.
2. Catch Some Air
Dry air is an enemy of athletes foot. When possible, and when you walking on dry surfaces, go barefoot. If you would rather not touch surfaces with your feet, wear flip flops or sandals. The air will dry out your feet and dryness makes it nearly impossible for fungus and bacteria to grow.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
Give your feet a good soak in hydrogen peroxide. Before you dunk your feet, remember that hydrogen peroxide can sting when skin is chapped or cracked. Mix a pint of hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of warm water. Soak your feet for about 30 minutes.
4. Soap and Water
You don’t have to go all out to get rid of athletes foot at home. A good old soap and dry will work wonders. Wash your feet with plain soap twice a day. After you wash, make sure that you dry them well. You can dry your feet with a hair dryer if the moisture doesn’t seem to be completely absorbed by the towel. If you do this, keep the dryer on a cool or warm setting – never hot.
5. Baking Soda
This one isn’t directly for your feet, but rather for your shoes. Baking soda is an old fashioned remedy for fungus and bacteria. After you wear your shoes, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the insides. This is an especially good idea if you have athletes foot and wear the same shoes frequently.
You don’t have to suffer with athletes foot that just won’t go away. If you live in Salt Lake City of the surrounding area, call the office of Dr. Elizabeth Auger. Dr. Auger will diagnose your condition, offer you treatment options and help you put your best foot forward.
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FAQs
Neem oil
Both neem oil and neem leaf extracts have incredible antifungal capabilities that can help fight athlete's foot. You can apply the neem oil (or extract) directly to the affected area two to three times a day, massaging it into the skin.
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot homemade? ›
Neem oil
Both neem oil and neem leaf extracts have incredible antifungal capabilities that can help fight athlete's foot. You can apply the neem oil (or extract) directly to the affected area two to three times a day, massaging it into the skin.
Does hydrogen peroxide work on athlete's foot? ›
Hydrogen peroxide can destroy the fungus causing your infection. As an added bonus, it'll kill any bacteria growing in the area, too. You can buy a bottle at your local pharmacy. To use it for your athlete's foot, pour some hydrogen peroxide over your feet twice a day before applying your antifungal cream or lotion.
What is the best homemade foot soak for toenail fungus? ›
The recommended ratio is one part apple cider vinegar to two parts warm water. Apple cider vinegar is particularly effective due to its antifungal properties. For best results, soak your feet in the vinegar solution for a minimum of 30 minutes daily.
How long to soak feet in hydrogen peroxide for fungus? ›
There are two common ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat your toenail fungus. Wipe hydrogen peroxide directly on the infected area with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Add 1/8 of a cup of hydrogen peroxide to four cups of cool water. Soak the infected feet for 10-20 minutes, and then pat dry with a clean cloth.
What is the strongest thing to get rid of athlete's foot? ›
The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation — ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder or spray — that work for you.
How do I get rid of athlete's foot ASAP? ›
Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, so the way to get rid of it is to stop the fungus from growing.
What can I soak my feet in to stop athlete's foot? ›
A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.
How I cured my athlete's foot naturally? ›
Widely praised for its antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can serve as a natural solution for dealing with athlete's foot. To utilize this remedy, create a foot soak by combining one part ACV with two parts warm water. Soak your feet in this solution for about 20 minutes daily.
What does vinegar do to athlete's foot? ›
Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help slow foot fungus, prevent foot odor, and soothe dry feet. We demand a lot from our feet. They carry our bodies around all day, often from within uncomfortable shoes.
Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks. For some patients, additional treatments may be required.
What household ingredient kills toenail fungus? ›
Tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub, spirulina, and propolis extract may work to treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis) in some people.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus ASAP? ›
Your health care provider may prescribe antifungal drugs that you take by mouth (orally) or apply to the nail.
- Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. ...
- Medicated nail polish. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
- Medicated nail cream.
Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use. You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.
Does hydrogen peroxide destroy fungus? ›
Research has found hydrogen peroxide has the potential to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold spores. When applied to these microorganisms, hydrogen peroxide kills them by breaking down their essential components like their proteins and DNA .
Can you mix Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide? ›
To Detox: Epsom Salt + Hydrogen Peroxide
Says Tyler: “I take a couple of baths a week where I use a whole box of Epsom salts and either a bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a packet of baking soda. Equal parts salt and hydrogen peroxide. It makes you sweat all of the toxins out and all of the bad stuff.
What kind of vinegar kills athlete's foot? ›
Widely praised for its antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can serve as a natural solution for dealing with athlete's foot. To utilize this remedy, create a foot soak by combining one part ACV with two parts warm water.
Does Epsom salt help athletes foot? ›
You can even use Epsom salt baths to relieve a number of foot complaints and conditions, including: Athlete's Foot: While Epsom salts don't kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot, it can help draw the moisture out. This makes the environment much less inviting for fungus.
It’s a popular misconception that only athletes get athletes foot. The condition is known medically as tinea pedis. It’s a fungal infection between and around the toes. Those dealing with the condition find that their toes itch and burn, there are peeling patches of skin, there is excessive dryness along the sides or bottoms of feet, and/or changes in the color and thickness of toenails.