New and Improved Foot Fungus Cures

Fungal infections on the feet generally affect the skin, which is commonly known as athlete’s foot. If the toenails become infected as well, it is a more serious infection. Fungi, molds, and yeast love dark, moist environments, so they are especially attracted to the feet. You will want to prevent infections by keeping your feet cool and dry. If you have already been infected, there are many treatments available, ranging from simple to the advanced treatment options.

Self-Care

For most fungal foot infections, a home treatment is best. Make sure you wash your feet every day and pay special attention to the skin around your toes. After they are clean, completely dry them. You’ll want to wear socks that are made out of a natural fiber like wool or cotton, and you should change them several times a day to keep your feet clean. When you have the opportunity, wear open-toed shoes or sandals to allow air to get to your feet. While you do want to expose your feet to the air, do not walk around barefoot when you are fighting a fungal foot infection because you might pick up more bacteria. Also, there is a good chance you will pass the infection on to others.

Vinegar

There are a number of foot soaks that can also help destroy fungal foot infections, and a vinegar soak has been found to be quite effective. Fungi hate acidic environments, and vinegar contains acids that will dry your skin and stop new bacteria from growing. A simple solution is to mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts of warm water. You need to immerse your feet for at least 15 and no more than 20 minutes every day. Again, after your soak, make sure that you thoroughly dry your feet. If the solution stings your feet or if your skin gets irritated, add more water to the soak and do the soak no more than three times each week.

Medications

Powders and creams that contain clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate are treatments that cure athlete’s foot and other fungal foot infections. However, they can take up to three weeks to cure your infection. This holds true for medications aimed at curing nail fungus as well.

If these topical creams do not work, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications or oral antibiotics to clear the infection. Even if you are taking an over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication, you must still be aware of the self-care steps listed above.

Laser Treatment

Finally, podiatrists have started to use a treatment that was first discovered in 2008. That is a laser treatment that attacks toenail fungal infections. Houston foot specialists learned that lasers can kill bacteria hidden beneath nails. The treatment is pain free, and it usually completely kills the fungi after the first procedure. Furthermore, the nail is not damaged because the laser targets the fungi and bacteria. The once infected nail will grow and the healthy nail grow in its stead within 6 months to a year.