One may be able to treat athlete's foot using over-the-counter medications and things from your medical cabinet, like particular oils and talcum powder.
Athlete's foot, also referred to as tinea pedis, is a skin condition caused by a fungus that usually begins between the toes. It results in a scaly, itchy rash that may be unpleasant or burning. In certain situations, individuals may also have very painful sores or blisters.
Thankfully, athlete's foot may often be effectively treated at home. The following are ten successful home remedies.
1. There are many over-the-counter remedies for athlete's foot. There are powders, sprays, salves, and lotions available. Many instances of athlete's foot react well to over-the-counter medicines and may never need other therapies.
You may apply these remedies directly to the afflicted region and continue to use them for at least one week after the resolution of symptoms to avoid the infection from reoccurring.
2. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide may successfully eliminate the fungus and any surface bacteria that might create an infection on the foot's surface.
Hydrogen peroxide should be applied directly to the afflicted region. Remember that it may hurt and bubble, particularly if you have open sores. Do this twice each day until the infection is resolved.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains antifungal and antibacterial characteristics, which is why it is often used to treat several fungal diseases (including both ringworm and candidiasis).
In a few of weeks, according to a 2002 research, using tea tree oil regularly may heal both the symptoms and the pathogen that cause athlete's foot.
To treat athlete's foot, combine a carrier oil, such as heated coconut oil, with 25 to 50 percent concentration of tea tree oil. Apply it twice daily to the afflicted region.
4. Neem oil
Both neem oil and neem leaf extracts possess potent antifungal properties.
A reliable source for combating athlete's foot. Two to three times a day, the neem oil (or extract) can be applied directly to the affected region and massaged into the skin. Moreover, this helps treat infections that form under the toenails.
5. Rubbing ethanol
Similar to hydrogen peroxide, many households keep rubbing alcohol on their hand to clean wounds. Like Similar to hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol may help eliminate the fungus on the skin's surface.
You may administer it straight to the afflicted region or bathe your feet for 30 minutes in a mixture of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water.
6. Garlic
While garlic has a strong odour, it is an excellent topical therapy for athlete's foot. According to previous studies, garlic derivative alone cured 79 percent of subjects in only seven days.
To cure athlete's foot with crushed garlic, use four to five cloves. After crushing them, massage them on the afflicted region. Perform twice day.
7. Sea salt baths
The antibacterial and antifungal characteristics of sea salt make it an effective natural therapy for athlete's foot and any issues that may arise. It may prevent the development and spread of athlete's foot.
Some treatments include combining sea salt with other natural remedies, such as vinegar, to create a paste. It may be most beneficial to dissolve a cup of sea salt in a warm foot bath to apply this therapy. Wash your feet for a minimum of twenty minutes. After bathing your feet, you must completely dry them.
8. Talcum powder
Talcum powder, corn starch, and baby powder are effective treatments for athlete's foot because they keep the afflicted region clean and dry. This makes it harder for the fungus to develop and spread by limiting perspiration and moisture.
Before putting on socks, apply talcum powder (or antimicrobial powder) directly to the afflicted region every time it is dry. Take caution to avoid inhaling talcum powder.
9. Achilles foot treatment
This is due to the antifungal qualities of herbs and oil, which are included in the product.
At night, apply Achilles to the afflicted region and massage it into the foot wear socks. Perform this procedure each night for at least one month or until one week after the infection has cleared up.
10. Maintain your feet clean and dry
It is essential to avoid athlete's foot. Fungi thrive in dark, wet environments, providing your feet a prime location for developing athlete's foot. Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible if you have athlete's foot, or even if you wish to avoid it.
Replace your socks often. Immediately after your workout, wash your feet and put on a clean pair of socks. The region between your toes should be dried. Avoid going barefoot in public swimming pools and gyms.
You should also wear shoes that are well-ventilated and enable your feet to breathe to expedite the recovery from athlete's foot.
Possible dangers and complications
If skin is injured, athlete's foot may lead to a pathogenic bacteria if left untreated. This may occur as a result of scratching, ruptured blisters, or infected ulcers. Any infection may be very dangerous and needs immediate treatment.
Similarly, athlete's foot is very infectious. It may readily spread to the hands, particularly if the afflicted region is scratched. This fungus may also infect the region behind your nails, which is more challenging to cure, as well as the groin.
When to see the doctor
If you believe you have athlete's foot and after a week of home therapy it has not diminished, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Oral or topical antifungal prescriptions may be required to treat the illness.
If you have athlete's foot and diabetes, you should also arrange an appointment with your physician. This is particularly true if you exhibit symptoms of a secondary infection caused by bacteria, which is more harmful for diabetics owing to nerve damage.
Infections manifest with redness, pus, swelling, drainage, and fever. If you have diabetes, you may not feel pain in your feet owing to nerve loss.
Your doctor or naturopath will be able to identify athlete's foot just by seeing the affected area.
Takeaway
Since athlete's foot is infectious, avoid scratching or contacting the afflicted area unless you are treating it.
Cleanse your hands before to and after therapy application. This may prevent the foot from getting a bacterial infection and stop the fungus from spreading to other regions of the body.