Athlete's foot is a fungal infection. This infection is often associated with bad hygiene and is therefore very embarrassing. The fungus, tinea pedus, on contact with the skin, could cause this painful condition. The fungus can grow on almost all parts of the foot as well as the toe nails. To grow, this fungus needs a moist, warm and dark environment. This fungus lives off the dead cells of the skin. It has been seen that this condition affects more men than women. This fungal infection is extremely contagious and can be spread through contact. Though this condition is unsightly and painful, there are several very effective home remedies that you can use in order to deal with it. However, it would be advisable to first consult your doctor.
- Since it is a fungal infection, fungicidal remedies like apple cider vinegar can be extremely effective in treating it. This vinegar has proved itself to be one of the best remedies for athlete's foot. All you have to do is to mix equal parts of warm water and apple cider vinegar and soak your feet in it. Leave your feet soaking for about twenty minutes everyday. This will even work on Toe nail Fungus, if you have any.
- The use of baking soda as a fungal treatment is very popular. To cure athlete's foot, take some baking soda and rub it liberally on your toes and feet. You may even mix the soda with lukewarm water to make a thick paste before rubbing it on your skin.
- Salt is another excellent remedy for athlete's foot. A simple soak with warm water and salt can be used to treat the affected foot. Alternatively, when you prepare a foot soak using vinegar, also add a spoonful of salt to it to make it more therapeutic. Salt treats the skin to make it less habitable to fungus.
- Another powerful fungicide is tea tree oil. You may directly rub this oil on to the skin or alternatively add some drops to warm water to make a fungicidal foot soak. If you find that the oil is too strong for your skin, you can dilute it with a few drops of olive oil.
- Ginger juice mixed with water or a tea brewed from ginger pieces is very effective against fungus. Make sure however that the concentration of ginger is enough to treat the fungus. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in this ginger tea. Repeat this twice a day.
- Make a paste of garlic and onions. Mix this well along with a few drops of Margosa oil and apply this paste on the affected skin. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of ginger and garlic in your diet to make sure that you are rid of fungal infections for good.
answered by G M