Natural Cures for Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is an uncomfortable, embarrassing fungal infection that is not only quite painful but also highly contagious. Many people who have athlete’s foot suffer from a redness and itchiness in between their toes as well as on other parts of their feet. The symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin, blisters, irritation and serious discomfort. You usually catch this type of infection when you come into contact with fungus, usually by walking barefoot on wet floors in pools and gyms.

There are actually three different types of the athlete’s foot infection. You may suffer from a type called moccasin, which usually presents itself with extremely dry skin. You might also experience the vesicular type of the infection which usually occurs when a person has an allergy to fungus. This type is very painful and can cause foot ulcers and blisters. This is the most severe type of athlete’s foot and it can occur all over the feet.

Athlete’s foot is very contagious and it is easily spread through wet, warm areas like pools, gyms and even nail salons. People who are older or who have had the infection before are more likely to suffer from athlete’s foot, compared to people who have never had it. However, this type of infection is very common and some surveys suggest that almost 70% of the population will suffer from athlete’s foot to some degree at some point in their life.

Athlete’s foot is hard to prevent and equally hard to treat. However, there is a variety of different natural methods that you can consider when you are trying to get rid of athlete’s foot. The following list includes simple suggestions for both treating and preventing fungal infections:

• Try soaking each foot in warm water with cinnamon. All you need to do is boil some water in a kettle and then toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks. Not only will it help remove stubborn infections but it is also a nice treat for your feet.
• You should take care of your feet by wearing good shoes. Your shoes should let air in so that moisture does not build up on the inside of your shoes.
• Improving your immune system’s function is the key to good general health. Try taking vitamins or eating foods that work to help your immune system function efficiently.
• Use baking soda to help dry up wetness in your shoes.
• Some studies say that consuming garlic will not only prevent recurring fungal infections but it will also help your body heal faster. You can either choose to eat garlic or you may choose to put it right on your skin alongside some olive oil.
• Try using a lemon water rinse on your feet to help remove infections.
• Using powder on your feet is a common preventative measure to help protect your feet against fungal infections.
• Exercise will help improve your overall health but it will also improve your circulation in places like your feet. By improving your circulation, you will become more aware of your feet when you have feet problems. This will help you treat them in time for infections to heal quickly.
• Cornstarch is a great natural method that you can use for drying your feet. To use it effectively, brown it in a frying pan first and then use it on the infected area daily for a few weeks. Make sure to use the cornstarch even if you think the infection has healed.
• Tea tree oil is a very common natural treatment for athlete’s foot. It is said to have anti-fungal properties that work to help relieve infections without causing damage to your skin. This method may take several weeks to work before the infections totally disappear.
• Dampen a cloth with some Clorox and then use it to clean your feet. Bleach is a common method used for killing bacteria. Be careful when using this method because bleach is a very harsh chemical.
• Consider good hygiene. Do not share your shoes or socks with other people, especially at the gym. You should always wear shoes in public areas where there is often a build up of bacteria. These areas include pools and locker rooms.
• You might consider using vinegar on your feet. Use two parts water for each part of vinegar so that you do not accidentally burn your skin. In the event that the vinegar irritates your skin, avoid using this particular remedy.
• Baby oil can help rehydrate your skin by soothing dry and flaky areas of your skin. Apply the oil to your feet each night for at least couple of weeks.
• You can always try an over-the-counter treatment. You will have a variety of options including creams, powders, or foot sprays. If nothing seems to be working you should consult your doctor, who may prescribe a prescription anti-fungal or antibiotic.