Athlete’s Foot Prevention and Remedies
Athlete’s foot fungus is commonly found in public showers, locker rooms, indoor swimming pools, and health clubs. It’s highly contagious and can spread through contact with shoes, socks, wet floors, or exercise equipment. The fungus can even live between your fingers.
Tips for Preventing Athlete’s Foot
To prevent athlete’s foot, wear flip-flops around public pools or showers and make sure your feet, including the spaces between your toes, are thoroughly dried after bathing or swimming. Keep your toenails trimmed to a comfortable length, as the fungus can live under long toenails, which can retain moisture and provide a haven for the fungus. Avoid wearing sweaty socks or shoes for extended periods.
If your feet sweat a lot during the day or if you are particularly active, carry a fresh pair of organic cotton socks and change them partway through the day. Cotton is more absorbent than synthetic materials and better for your feet. Don’t wear the same shoes two days in a row; give them time to completely dry and air out. If possible, sleep barefoot with your feet out of the covers to keep them dry and less hospitable to the fungus.
10 Natural Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
While prevention is the best approach, it’s not always foolproof. If you find yourself with itchy feet, here are some natural remedies that can help with athlete’s foot.
Tea Tree Oil
Add 40 drops of organic tea tree oil to a foot bath and soak your feet for 10 minutes. After soaking and thoroughly drying your feet, massage a few drops of the oil directly into the affected area. Tea tree oil has properties that help destroy the fungus in heavily infested areas and prevent it from spreading to unaffected areas.
Himalayan Crystal Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak your feet in a solution of 2 tablespoons of Himalayan crystal salt and 1/2 cup of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water. Vinegar creates a very acidic environment in which fungus cannot live. You can also spray your feet or wipe them down with a cloth soaked in this solution after you shower, ensuring they are completely dry afterward. Additionally, you can wipe down the insides of shoes and sandals to help prevent the fungus from clinging there.
Garlic
Place slices of fresh garlic or some crushed garlic between your toes and leave them there for the day. Allicin, the active compound in garlic, inhibits the growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, the most common cause of athlete’s foot. You can also add garlic to your diet or take a garlic supplement for the same effect, though it may take a bit longer.
Neem Oil
Organic neem oil, sometimes used as a pesticide, is another all-natural oil that is toxic to harmful organisms. Apply it to clean, dry feet with a cotton ball.
Corn Starch and Baking Soda
Sprinkle a little organic corn starch or baking soda on your toes before putting on your socks in the morning. While it won’t stop the itch, it will help soak up moisture. Baking soda in your shoes also absorbs some of that unpleasant sweaty foot smell.
Oregano Oil
Oregano contains essential oils that act against harmful organisms. Make a tea of 4 ounces of oregano leaves and just enough water to cover your feet. Soak your feet 2-3 times daily in this mixture. Some people say you can reuse this tea for a week, but it’s recommended to make it fresh each day.
Sesame and Coconut Oil
Both sesame and raw virgin coconut oil have antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the feet. Swab liberally on clean, dry feet with a cotton ball twice daily.
Ginger
Use organic ginger by adding an ounce of fresh chopped ginger to a cup of boiling water and simmering for 20 minutes. Once cooled, apply twice daily to clean feet. Ginger is a strong antifungal, and your feet will have a pleasantly spicy smell.
Ozonated Olive Oil
A relatively new therapy, ozonated olive oil, can also help with athlete’s foot. Ozone is a proven antifungal agent and can help heal damaged skin. Apply the paste to clean, dry feet each morning and night. This should clear up the fungus within two to four days and can discourage future outbreaks. It’s recommended to use an ozonated oil paste made with organic, cold-pressed olive oil.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is another common remedy for athlete’s foot with known antifungal properties. Spray or apply it to your feet and let it fully dry. Alternatively, you can spray and leave the silver on your feet overnight. Ensure you buy a high-quality product from a reputable company.