Tinea pedis, commonly referred to as Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. This infectious illness is highly contagious and is usually seen in athletes. It can be contracted by direct contact with a person already infected, or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated. Because this fungus loves moist areas, it can be commonly found in places like saunas, locker rooms, showers, or near swimming pools.
Athlete’s foot is not life threatening, but it comes with some pretty uncomfortable side effects. If exposed to this condition, one can experience both dry and raw skin, itchy blisters, discolored toenails, and itching, stinging, and burning between the toes and on the soles of the feet. This ailment is NOT a pretty sight.
There a many OTC medications and ointments to treat athlete’s foot, but many claim that it can be a bit difficult to cure. But don’t fret, I have listed 4 effective home remedies to make athlete’s foot a worry of the past!
Garlic
This inexpensive homeopathic remedy works wonders. Garlic will not only keep the common cold at bay, but it will also cure your athlete’s foot. Among many other medicinal properties, garlic serves as an antifungal. For treatment, you can submerge your feet into a concoction of warm water and a bulb of crushed garlic. Another option is to apply small pieces of garlic along with olive oil directly to the affected areas. Leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes and repeat this remedy for at least a week.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a practical, inexpensive way to rid foot fungus fast. I keep this product in my pantry at all times as it is so diverse. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can be used directly on the skin as a potent anti-fungal. The healing process is quite simple. Just soak your feet into a bucket of lukewarm water, and add about a half cup of baking soda. You will need to repeat this twice a day until you are free of the illness.
Hydrogen Peroxide with Iodine
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic used to treat a host of illnesses. One of its most common uses is to rid the body of harmful infections. Combining it with an iodine solution will fight off your foot fungus for good. You can either immerse your feet into the mixture, or you can apply it directly to the affected areas with a cotton pad.
Tea Tree Oil
Many report that using tea tree oil has left them “fungus free” within DAYS! This essential oil should always be in your medicine cabinet as it is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal. To reap its benefits, just mix it with a carrier oil (like almond oil) and apply it directly to both the affected areas and the surrounding areas. You should see results pretty quickly with this remedy.
Athlete’s foot can slow you down a bit, but it should not completely stop the show. Using these valuable tips will get your feet back to normal in no time. Also, visit the link below for other effective measures to rid athlete’s foot.
About The Author:
Trysh Sutton is a wife, mother, attorney, interior decorator, strategic leader and owner of Pure Path Essential Oils.
