Remedies To Treat Athlete’s Foot Naturally

There are some natural remedies that can help decrease the symptoms of athlete’s foot. However, due to the complexity of this infection, we must consult the doctor for other treatments.

Foot fungus is a very common condition. Although from the name it may seem that it is a condition that is only related to those who do sports, we can all suffer from them. In the following article, you will learn about some remedies to treat athlete’s foot naturally. Do you dare to try them?

What to know about athlete’s foot?

The term doctors use is tinea pedis and it is a recurring infection between the toes or the soles of the feet, but it can also spread to other areas of the body such as the groin or hands. It is caused by a fungus that prefers warm, humid areas; for this reason, the feet are the best environment for their proliferation.

According to a post in BMJ Clinical Evidence , it is a condition that affects around 15% to 25% of people. Its symptoms include:

• Unbearable itching
• Burning sensation
• Blistering
• Dry skin
• Peeling of the skin
• Bad smell.
• Pain when extending the fingers.

The name “athlete’s foot” arises because it is common in those who play sports and use a shared locker room or bathroom in the club or gym. However, if, for example, we do not dry well between the toes after taking a shower, fungi can also appear.

Athlete’s foot risk factors

The risk of suffering from this type of fungus increases due to the following factors:

• Excessive sweating
• Use of socks that are not cotton.
• Use of footwear that does not allow the foot to “breathe”.
• Weakened immune system
• Lesions on the skin.
• Not drying well.
• Leaving your feet wet for many hours (for example, a rainy day).

Men are more vulnerable to foot fungus than women. As with other fungal conditions, these can spread from finger to toe, foot to foot, and to other areas of the body as well. It is therefore important to perform a good treatment to combat athlete’s foot and that it cannot expand.

Athlete’s foot medical treatment

As it is a fungal infection, it is best to see a doctor to find out about the treatments available for its control. However, it must be borne in mind that it is an infection that tends to recur even if medications are used.

According to the Mayo Clinic, in milder cases the professional may suggest the application of an ointment, lotion, powder or spray with antifungal properties. These are generally available over the counter. If these options don’t work, your doctor may prescribe other medications to fight the infection. Options can include:

• The allylamines, which include terbinafine and naphthyphin.
• The azoles, which include bifonazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and oxiconazole.

Remedies to naturally treat athlete’s foot

Natural remedies to combat athlete’s foot have been a widely used supplement against this infection. However, the evidence on their safety and efficacy remains limited and, therefore, until now they are not considered a first-line treatment.

In any case, their application is usually safe and they can be used as adjuvants for this problem. If you decide to give them a try, take note of the following options. 

Tea tree oil

Because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, tea tree essential oil has been used as a natural remedy for various types of skin infections, including athlete’s foot.

Data from a study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology suggests that this ingredient may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of tinea pedis. However, more evidence is needed.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil (16 g).
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (25 g).

Preparation

• Mix both oils and soak a cotton ball.

• Rub it between your fingers and don’t rinse it off.
• Repeat twice a day, for 4 weeks.

Plain yogurt

As a study published in Advances in Nutrition shows , natural yogurt, like other products with probiotic properties, are useful in treating infections. Although there is not enough evidence to associate it with the relief of athlete’s foot, its regular application can help to calm the symptoms.

You can use this remedy to naturally treat athlete’s foot topically or internally. In the first case, apply a tablespoon of yogurt between your toes and let it dry; then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a day. If you prefer to consume it, take up to two servings a day.

Garlic

A publication in the medical journal Ulster Medical Journal notes that garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties. For this reason, it is one of the natural ingredients that are often used in natural medicine against infections such as athlete’s foot.

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic.
• 2 drops of olive oil.

Preparation

• Crush the garlic and add the olive oil to create a paste.
• Apply to the affected areas and leave for half an hour.
• Remove with warm water and neutral white soap.
• Dries well; repeat every day for two weeks.

Do you dare to try these remedies to treat athlete’s foot naturally?

Do not forget that these options are only a complement against this infection. If your symptoms afflict you, consult your doctor and learn in detail about the treatments that can help you accelerate their relief.