Athlete's Foot Home Remedy

The medical term used for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. It is a disease that affects the foot, particularly the areas between the toes, and is caused by the fungus dermatophytes. From the name of the disease itself we know that it is mostly found in athletes or sports persons. They wear shoes and socks for long hours and their feet sweat a lot due to heavy physical activities. Such a warm and moist condition is ideal for the fungus to grow and cause the infection. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread from one person to another through direct contact or through items used by the infected person. The common symptoms are dry and rough skin which may sometimes crack up or get flaky, which is accompanied by an itching and burning sensation. The main reason why people opt for home remedies is that they do not involve use of any harsh chemicals and is inexpensive as well.

Athlete's Foot Home Remedies

Before you start any of the remedies, make sure you cleanse your feet with a mild soap. Some of the best remedies for athlete's foot are as follows:

Apple Cider Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar on the infected foot in two different ways. You can apply it directly over the infected part by dipping a cotton wool pad onto it, or you can dilute it with an equal quantity of warm water to prepare a solution to soak your feet in. Soak your feet into this solution for about half an hour and then wash off. Dry your feet properly after the treatment. This has to be done twice a day daily for best results.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has excellent antifungal properties and hence is considered one of the most effective remedy. Pour a few drops of the oil on your fingers and apply it over the infected part of the feet. Make sure your hands are washed before and after applying the tea tree oil. It should be repeated three times a day for two weeks, and you will find that the infection has disappeared. If you cannot tolerate the stinging sensation that you feel on application of the oil then you can mix some vegetable oil with it.

Epsom Salt and Boric Acid: Both these ingredients are good for any skin problem. Take some warm water in a tub and add one-fourth cup of Epsom salt and 3 tablespoons of boric acid into it. Whisk the mixture well so that there are no lumps of boric acid in the water. You can also add some white vinegar into it. Keep your feet into the water for 15-20 minutes and then dry your feet thoroughly.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: This possess strong natural antifungal qualities that help to fight any kind of fungal infection. Take a few drops of the extract on your palm and rub it well into the feet, thrice daily. You can also add it into the washing machine to disinfect your socks.

Other Remedies: Cornstarch can soak the excess of moisture that remains your feet and help in help in healing up the infection. Sprinkle some cornstarch on your feet before you put on your socks. Put some slices of garlic in your shoes before wearing them. It will be helpful in curing the condition.

Once it is cured you have to take certain precautionary measures in order to prevent its recurrence. Make sure that your feet are dry before you wear shoes. If required, dry them up with a blow dryer. Wear clean cotton socks to avoid trapping of moisture inside. Allow your shoes to dry in the sun before you wear them. These simple measures can go a long way in helping to prevent this highly contagious, irritating condition.