Athlete’s foot can be very uncomfortable. The fungal infection can cause itchiness and burning sensations between the toes and on the soles of your feet. It can also cause the skin to dry up, crack, peel, and develop blisters, resulting in painful and bleeding superficial lacerations. Athlete’s foot also affects the toes as well, causing them to thicken and become brittle. To make matters worse, athlete’s foot also smells.
Foot fungal infections can easily be treated with over-the-counter topical antifungal creams and ointments like clotrimazole as well as miconazole. For severe athlete’s foot, prescription medications like fluconazole may also be prescribed. While these can effectively kill the fungal overgrowth, you can speed up the process by using these home remedies.
#1 – Tea Tree Oil Soak
According to one study, a solution composed of either 25% or 50% tea tree oil applied at least twice a day on the affected areas for four weeks was able to control athlete’s foot. In their study consisting of 158 patients with tinea pedis or athlete’s foot, the majority of those who received the 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution had significant improvement in their foot condition, compared to those who only received placebo treatment.
To treat your athlete’s foot using tea tree oil, you can add about 40 drops of this essential oil to a bath of warm water and then soak your feet in it for about ten minutes. Once done, thoroughly dry your feet. You can also apply a few drops of the tea tree oil directly onto the areas, massaging the oil into your skin.
#2 – Plain Yogurt Soak
Yogurt contains probiotics which help kill fungus by normalizing the skin’s pH balance and promoting the growth of good bacteria. To use this soak, simply cover your feet with plain yogurt and let it dry. Once dry, simply rinse the yogurt off and then dry your feet thoroughly.
Of note though; use only plain yogurt. Don’t use those flavored and sweetened kind since fungus loves sugar and thrive in it.
These are just two of the home remedies you can do at home which can help control your athlete’s foot.
References
Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution: A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study. URL Link. December 5, 2017.
