You may be able to treat athlete’s foot with over-the-counter products and items in your medication cabinet, including certain oils and talcum powder.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that typically starts between the toes. It causes a scaly, itchy rash that may have painful or burning sensations.
Sometimes, people may also experience ulcers or blisters, which can be very painful.
Here are 10 home treatments for athlete’s foot that may be effective.
A note on home remedies for athlete’s foot
Many people claim that some home remedies may help treat athlete’s foot.
However, it’s important to note that very few studies have examined the effects of these remedies on treating athlete’s foot.
If you experience symptoms of athlete’s foot, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide an antifungal medication to help treat your symptoms effectively and prevent it from spreading.
The most common treatments for athlete’s foot are antifungal medications applied directly to the affected area.
These are usually available over the counter (OTC) as powders, sprays, ointments, and lotions.
Many cases of athlete’s foot respond well to OTC treatments and may never require other options. You may continue to apply these OTC treatments for 1 week after symptoms resolve to prevent the infection from returning.
According to 2013 research, hydrogen peroxide may effectively kill fungus on the surface of the foot and any surface bacteria that could cause an infection.
Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds. Do this twice daily until the infection subsides.
Tea tree oil may have antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it’s commonly used to help treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
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That said, more research is needed to fully support using tea tree oil for athlete’s foot.
To help treat athlete’s foot, mix a carrier oil like warm coconut oil with tea tree oil for a concentration of 25% to 50% tea tree oil. Apply it to the affected area two times a day.
Both neem oil and neem leaf extracts have been used for many years as an alternative therapy due to their antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These may contribute to their possible capabilities to fight athlete’s foot.
You can apply the neem oil (or extract) directly to the affected area twice a day, massaging it into the skin. This may also help treat infections that develop under the toenails.
Much like hydrogen peroxide, many people have rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol on hand to clean cuts.
Research suggests that 70% isopropyl alcohol may help kill certain bacteria and fungi. These antifungal properties may help kill off the fungus that’s on the surface level of the skin.
You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in a footbath of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water for 15 minutes.
Garlic may have a strong scent, but research from 2014 suggests it may have antifungal properties that may contribute to treating athlete’s foot.
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To use garlic to treat athlete’s foot, crush four to five cloves of garlic. Once smashed, rub them over the affected area. Do this twice daily.
Talcum powder, corn starch, or baby powder may help treat athlete’s foot by keeping the affected area dry and clean. This makes it difficult for the fungus to thrive and spread by keeping sweat and moisture under control.
To use this treatment, apply talcum powder (or antifungal powder) directly to the dried, affected area every time before putting on socks. Be careful not to inhale talcum powder.
Research from 2012 suggests that sea salt may have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may be why it’s a popular alternative remedy for athlete’s foot.
Some treatments involve mixing sea salt with other natural ingredients, like vinegar, to make a paste.
The easiest way to use this treatment may be to dissolve a cup of sea salt into a warm foot bath. Soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Dry your feet thoroughly when you’re finished soaking.
Some research suggests that Vicks VapoRub may play a role in relieving symptoms of toenail fungus, which is sometimes linked with athlete’s foot.
Vicks VapoRub is an ointment sold OTC to help relieve coughing symptoms. It contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil.
Rub Vicks on the affected area every night, massaging it into the foot. Do this every night for at least 1 month, or up until a week after the infection has disappeared.
One of the most important aspects of preventing and managing athlete’s foot is keeping your feet dry and clean. Fungus can grow in dark, moist areas, making your feet an ideal place for athlete’s foot to develop.
Some ways to maintain proper foot hygiene may
- changing your socks regularly
- washing your feet with warm water and soap
- making sure your feet are dry before putting on new socks
- using one towel for the affected feet and another for the rest of your body
- frequently drying the space between your toes
- not walking barefoot in public pools, gym areas, and spas
- wearing ventilated shoes, such as sandals
If left untreated, athlete’s foot
Other possible complications of athlete’s foot include:
Athlete’s foot is also very contagious. It could spread to your hands and groin area, especially if you scratch the affected area.
Speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms of athlete’s foot don’t improve after 1 week of trying home remedies or you experience signs of infection, such as:
- skin discoloration
- itching
- pus
- swelling
- fever
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A doctor can help develop a proper treatment plan for you.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that could make the area between your toes itchy, discolored, and painful.
Some home remedies may help relieve symptoms, but very limited research has examined their efficacy.
As such, consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you think you have athlete’s foot. They could develop the best treatment plan for you.