What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is contagious and is medically known as tinea pedis. This fungal infection can also spread to the toenails and the hands. This infection is termed as athlete’s foot because it is mostly seen in athletes. It is often accompanied by the following symptoms.
Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot
An itchy, burning, and stinging sensation between the toes Itching or burning sensation on the soles of your feet Itchy blisters on the feet Cracking and peeling skin between the toes and on the soles of your feet Dry skin on the soles and/or sides of the feet The skin on your feet becomes raw Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails Toenails that pull away from your nail bed
Let us now look at the main causes and risk factors for athlete’s foot.
Causes Of And Risk Factors For Athlete’s Foot
The main cause of athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by the growth of tinea fungus on your feet. You can contract it on direct contact with an infected individual or object. Since this fungus thrives in moist and warm environments, it can be commonly found in showers, locker room floors, and around swimming pools. Although everyone is susceptible to developing athlete’s foot, some people are at an increased risk. Factors that could be held responsible for increasing your risk of developing athlete’s foot are:
Going barefoot to public places like swimming pools and showers Sharing utensils with an infected person Wearing tight-fitting shoes Keeping your feet soaked and covered for long periods Having sweaty feet Minor skin or nail injury on your foot
Athlete’s foot can be classified into different types depending on the kind of infection and the area of the foot affected. The three main types of athlete’s foot are discussed below.
Types Of Athlete’s Foot
Interdigital: This type of infection is also known as toe web infection. It usually occurs between the smallest of your toes and might even spread to the soles.
Moccasin: This can result in dry and peeling skin on your foot. It may affect the entire sole and can even spread to the sides of your foot.
Vesicular: This is the least common kind of athlete’s foot. It is usually categorized by a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. These blisters usually develop under your feet, but in some cases, they can also appear between your toes, on the heels, or on your feet.
Nobody wants to experience the constant itchiness and pain that usually accompany this condition. And given that it takes its own sweet time to heal, you need to take some immediate measures to address the issue. The following home remedies can help in treating athlete’s foot and speeding your recovery to a great extent.
Home Remedies To Treat Athlete’s Foot
How To Get Rid Of Athlete’s Foot Naturally
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar 2 cups of warm water
You must do this twice daily for best results. Apple cider vinegar, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can prove to be quite useful in reducing the inflammation and pain. It also helps in destroying the fungal infection responsible for causing athlete’s foot with its antifungal properties (1). Back To TOC
2. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
12 drops of lavender oil 30 mL of any carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) Water (optional)
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. The antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of lavender oil help in fighting the fungus that causes athlete’s foot (2), (3).
b. Peppermint Oil
12 drops of peppermint oil 30 mL of any carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) Water (optional)
Do this three times daily. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce pain and inflammation (4). It also has antifungal properties that eliminate the infection-causing fungi (5).
c. Tea Tree Oil
12 drops of tea tree oil 30 mL of any carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) Water (optional)
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil help in treating many skin conditions, including athlete’s foot. Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain (6), (7). Back To TOC
3. Baking Soda
1 tablespoon of baking soda Water (as required)
You must do this at least twice daily. Baking soda is a natural antiseptic that helps prevent the development of secondary infections in the affected foot (8). It also keeps the area moisture-free, which, in turn, makes it uninhabitable for the fungus responsible for causing the infection (9). Back To TOC
4. Coconut Oil
2-3 drops of coconut oil You can do this 3 to 4 times daily, at regular intervals. Coconut oil is another amazing remedy for athlete’s foot. Its antifungal properties destroy the tinea pedis fungus, while its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties soothe the affected area (10), (11). Back To TOC
5. Garlic
2 cloves of peeled garlic 2-3 drops of olive oil
You must do this 1 to 2 times for a few days until you notice an improvement in your condition. Garlic contains compounds like ajoene and allicin, which impart antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties to it (12), (13), (14). This is why its topical application works wonders in getting rid of athlete’s food and its painful symptoms. Back To TOC
6. Ginger
An inch or two of peeled and cut ginger 1 cup of hot water
You must do this 3 to 4 times daily. Ginger is another herb that can be used to treat athlete’s foot. It exhibits antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help to get rid of the inflammation and bad odor associated with the condition (15), (16). Back To TOC
7. Grapefruit Seed Extract
2-3 drops of grapefruit seed extract Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Grapefruit seed extract possesses excellent antifungal and antimicrobial activities that can help in relieving the symptoms associated with athlete’s foot and fight the underlying infection (17), (18). Back To TOC
8. Jojoba Oil
2-3 drops of jojoba oil You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Jojoba oil is widely known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties (19), (20), (21). These properties fight the fungus responsible for causing the infection and alleviate the symptoms of the infection. Back To TOC
9. Neem Oil
2-3 drops of neem oil You must do this once daily. The potent antifungal properties of neem oil help in the treatment of athlete’s foot (22). Also, its anti-inflammatory properties relieve the inflammation that is often associated with the condition (23). Back To TOC
10. Hydrogen Peroxide
1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 tablespoon of water Cotton pads
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. The antiseptic nature of hydrogen peroxide helps in disinfecting the affected area and prevents secondary microbial infections. Hydrogen peroxide also exhibits antifungal properties that fight the underlying fungal infection responsible for causing athlete’s foot (24). Back To TOC
11. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder Water (as required)
You must do this twice daily. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which possesses remarkable antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat athlete’s foot (25), (26). Back To TOC
12. Epsom Salt
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. An Epsom salt foot soak is an easy and effective remedy to get rid of athlete’s foot. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat the condition (27), (28). Now that you know how to get rid of the fungal infection, there are a few things you must do to prevent its recurrence. They are as discussed below.
Prevention Tips
Wash your feet with soap and water daily (the temperature of the water should be 60ºC or higher to kill the fungus). Dry your feet after every wash. Apply the antifungal powder prescribed by your doctor on your feet daily. Do not share your shoes, socks, and towels with others. Wear socks made of breathable fibers like cotton. Change your socks daily, especially if your feet tend to get sweaty easily. Alternate between two pairs of shoes. This is to give each pair ample time to dry before it is used again.
If left unattended or untreated for too long, athlete’s foot can also lead to the following complications.
What Happens If You Leave Athlete’s Foot Untreated?
Athlete’s foot can cause mild to severe complications if you leave it untreated for too long. They include:
An allergic reaction to the tinea fungus, which may cause blistering. Development of a secondary bacterial infection, accompanied by swelling and pain in your foot. The bacterial infection can also spread to your lymph system and cause infections in your lymph nodes and lymph vessels.
Is athlete’s foot contagious? Yes, athlete’s foot is highly contagious. Direct contact with infected individuals or objects can cause it to spread. What kills the fungus on the feet? You can kill the fungus by washing your feet daily with soap and hot water (60ºC or higher). You can also use topical antifungal medications or any of the above remedies to get rid of the fungus naturally. How long does it take to get rid of athlete’s foot? Depending on the course of treatment, it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to heal completely. You will start noticing a positive change in your condition in a week. Should I wear socks to bed with athlete’s foot? You may want to wear socks if you share a bed with someone to reduce the risk of transmitting the fungus to them. Does rubbing alcohol cure athlete’s foot? Anecdotal evidence suggests that soaking the affected foot in a solution made of rubbing alcohol and water or applying rubbing alcohol directly to the area can help relieve the symptoms and facilitate healing. How do you disinfect shoes from athlete’s foot? You can use a UV shoe sanitizer to disinfect shoes from the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Other alternatives include washing the shoes in hot water with an antifungal disinfectant and keeping them under direct sunlight to dry properly. Does baby powder help with athlete’s foot? There is no evidence to suggest that baby powder can help with athlete’s foot beyond keeping the feet dry for a brief period of time. Can you get a pedicure if you have athlete’s foot? You may get a pedicure when you have athlete’s foot, but it is not recommended. It would be best to reschedule till the infection clears up or to let your pedicurist know about your condition so that they can take steps to lower the risk of transmission. Is it okay to take a bath if you have athlete’s foot? It is okay to take short baths if you have athlete’s foot, but you should avoid taking a bath if you share a bathroom with someone else so that the fungus does not spread. Also, you need to clean and dry your feet properly after bathing.
