Knowing how to cure athlete’s foot through home remedies is the healthiest way to treat this common infection. By following routine hygiene tips, the symptoms associated with the annoying fungus are completely preventable and curable. However, in learning how to cure athlete’s foot, it is important to first understand what it is and what causes the infection in the first place.
Definition
Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection that causes a fungal growth on the foot, often between the toes. Athlete’s foot can also be found around the fingernails and in the groin area.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
Tinea pedis, commonly referred to as athlete’s foot, is a type of fungus that thrives in humid places and lives in dead skin cells. It is normally transmitted by infected socks or shoes, but can also be acquired from wet floors such as are commonly found in locker rooms, swimming pool areas and public showers.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Symptoms
- Itching and burning of the feet, especially between the fourth and fifth toes
- Redness, rash or blistering on the feet
- A thickening of the skin or soles of the feet
- Cracked feet
- Crumbling toenails
Remedies – Cure Athletes Foot
Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
The following natural anti-fungals can all be used as a cure for athlete’s foot either alone or in combination with one another:
- Tea tree oil can be applied directly to infected areas
- Apply grapefruit seed extract diluted with water to irritated skin
- Soak feet several times a day in organic apple cider vinegar slightly diluted with water
- Apply olive leaf extract to feet
- Apply pure Aloe Vera gel to the affected area
- Apply myrrh and lavender oil directly to infected skin
- Rub raw garlic on the infected skin or make a paste from garlic and allow it to set on skin for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water
When using the abovementioned anti-fungals to cure athlete’s foot, always use a cotton ball or a cotton swab to apply mixtures to feet and dispose of the applicator following each use.
Even when applying a home remedy, remember to always thoroughly dry skin, particularly between the toes, after rinsing or washing. Using a blow dryer to do so is among the most sanitary ways of doing this and helps prevent the further spread of infection.
While each of these home remedies and natural cures are effective in killing the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, it is important that they are used as often and as long as is necessary to do so.
Future infections can be avoided by taking the following precautions:
- Change socks daily
- Never walk barefoot in the locker room or around public pool areas
- Avoid wearing shoes that cause feet to sweat
- Always allow shoes to thoroughly dry before wearing them again
- Apply cornstarch to feet before putting socks on if feet are prone to sweating
To avoid possible infection on other parts of the body, make a habit of drying the feet last after swimming, bathing or showering.
While there are many topical anti-fungal creams commercially sold, these can sometimes be counterproductive as they also trap foot moisture. Natural cures and home remedies present the safest, most effective ways to cure athlete’s foot. By remembering to take daily precautions, contagious fungal infections can and should be avoided.
