7 Athlete’s Foot Home Remedies that Actually Work

7 Athlete’s Foot Home Remedies that Actually Work 

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that starts between the toes of people who get sweaty feet and wear tight, enclosed shoes for long periods. Also called tinea pedis, it appears as a scaly, itchy rash that can also cause a burning sensation. People with athlete’s foot also tend to have raw, moist skin between the toes.

Athlete’s foot is easily treatable, so using the right home remedies can help you effectively eradicate it.

Here are some remedies that may work.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

It may sound like a dangerous chemical, but hydrogen peroxide is an effective home remedy for treating athlete’s foot. The chemical works by killing all surface bacteria and funguses on the skin. When applied directly to the affected areas, it disinfects the area, allowing the skin to heal and form a barrier against new infections. Before treating with hydrogen peroxide, check with your podiatrist or family doctor.

2. OTC Treatments

Over-the-counter treatments like antifungal powders, sprays, and lotions can also effectively treat athlete’s foot. After applying them for two to three weeks, most symptoms disappear, and reinfection does not occur. However, you must complete the prescribed period of application to avoid a resurgence.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has long been used as an antibacterial and antifungal home remedy. Its properties make it a great choice when treating athlete’s foot at home. Rub the oil into the skin at least twice a day to reduce scaling, itching, and burning. For best results, apply daily for up to a month.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol has the same germ and fungal killing properties as hydrogen peroxide. As such, regular application can help eliminate surface infections. Effective application can be achieved in two ways: direct application using a clean cloth or soaking your feet for 30 minutes at a time in a rubbing alcohol bath diluted with an equal amount of water.

5. Sea Salt

Sea salt is known to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it another ideal home remedy for treating athlete’s foot. Treating athlete’s foot with sea salt involves either soaking your feet in a sea salt bath or making a paste out of sea salt and vinegar and applying it to the feet.

Keeping Your Feet Dry, Aired, and Clean

Athlete’s foot starts when a person’s feet remain enclosed in tight shoes for long periods. Despite the effectiveness of the home remedies above, keeping the feet clean, aired, and dry is necessary to ensure that athlete’s foot does not recur. After treatment, practicing healthy foot habits can prevent this and other related conditions from emerging. If you think you have athlete foot and is not responding to home remedies, see your podiatrist as athlete foot leads to fungal infection.