Foot fungus is a common skin infection found all over the world. Foot fungus is caused when dermatophytes, a fungus enters the foot. In some cases, yeast and mold can be the causal agents. Moist environment, warm or wet shoe or socks, bathroom, swimming pool and warm environment are some of the breeding grounds for the fungus. It is infectious and has the ability of spreading at a rapid speed if not checked in time.
It can be treated at home. Some of the natural remedies are discussed in detail underneath.
Garlic
Garlic is found in every kitchen. It is one of the best natural remedies for Athletes fungus. This very popular kitchen herb is full of anti-fungal properties. It has been in use since time immemorial. The lethal component ajoene treats fungal infections like athlete’s foot and Candida quite effectively. You can use it in number of ways:
- Smear garlic oil on the affected areas for a few hours in a day. Use it generously.
- Take freshly peeled garlic cloves. Crush them. Add them to lukewarm water. Soak your affected foot or feet in it for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pat them dry after this.
- Take freshly peeled and compressed garlic cloves and mix them with olive oil and gently apply the prepared healing oil on the infection with a cotton ball.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial elements in it. Apply a small amount of the oil on the infected skin. Another method is to soak feet in hot water containing 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. Always dry your feet completely. Moisture left under a toe nail can spread the fungus further. Apply a little oil on it later. The oil is capable of putting you out of misery. Never take the oil orally.
White vinegar
White vinegar makes an excellent remedy for foot fungus. Mix one part of vinegar to two parts of white vinegar and soak the affected foot/feet in the preparation. Keep them in for at least 15-20 minutes. Rinse well after treating the skin infection. Repeat the procedure twice daily. Alternatively, if you have apple cider vinegar, use that. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Make a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and four parts of warm water and soak your infected foot in it. To get best results, add 1/4 cup of Epsom salt to the preparation.
Lemon
Lemon contains antiseptic and antibiotic ingredients whish are really effective in treating skin infections. The remedy is simple and easy. Squeeze a lemon and apply a few drops of lemon juice on the infection. Wash it with lukewarm water after some time. If it stings you, then add some essential oil before going ahead with the treatment. Henceforth, you won’t feel the skin burning because of the acidic lemon.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil heals the foot fungus with its antifungal properties. An equal quantity of lavender oil and oregano oil when mixed together makes an excellent salve. Apply this salve to the infected area 2-3 times in a day to get quick relief.
Even specialists opine that natural methods are the best methods for treating a skin infection like Athletes Foot. If the infection keeps recurring, consult a doctor. Otherwise natural methods are the best.