20 Home Remedies That Are Helpful For Treating Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a very contagious fungal infection caused by dermatophyte fungus. The term athlete’s foot shows that this condition is commonly seen on an athlete’s feet because shoes are worn for long periods of time.

Other factors that can contribute to fungal infection includes going barefoot in public places, poor circulation, and immune deficiency.

You can treat fungal foot infection easily at home using antifungal creams unless you are diabetic. These home remedies are useful for those who want to go the natural route.

# Neem

Neem is an Ayurvedic remedy that is an antiseptic. It is an effective antifungal and antibacterial. You can find neem in oil or soaps. If you have the plant, blend it and let your feet soak in juices for a while. If you have the oil, apply it on the foot and let the oil soak into the skin before putting on socks.

# Pao D’arco

Pao D’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is an effective internal antiseptic. Drink three to four cups daily when you have athlete’s foot to cleanse the blood. You can drink this tea daily to cleanse the blood, and reduce the risk of getting infections.

# Turmeric

Curcumin in turmeric is a strong antifungal agent. Sprinkle some turmeric powder in the shoes or over the foot to stop athlete’s foot. You can also eat turmeric in curries, or take capsules that contain high levels of curcumin to stop infections. If you are taking the external option, be wary as turmeric can stain things yellow.

# Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is antiseptic and nice smelling. Apply onto the foot or toes regularly to prevent a fungal infection. You can also soak socks with tea tree oil before washing with hot water for a better fungi kill. You can get water soluble tea tree oil and use it to wash everything to kill off the dermatophyte. As fungi can spread to other parts of the body, contain the infection by soaking the affected limb in a small tub. Add four to five drops of oil into the water and soak for ten minutes daily.

# Lavender

If you like the fragrance of lavender, you will be glad to know that it is also an antifungal. Look for good quality lavender essential oil made from Lavandula angustifolia, which has stronger healing properties than fragrance oil. Put recommended amount of drops in hot water and soak the affected limbs only, as tinea can spread throughout the skin, for ten minutes daily.

# Geranium Essential Oil

Derived from the geranium flower, the essential oil is proven to have strong antiseptic properties like lavender oil. Put a few drops into hot water and use as a foot soak, with the added bonus of beautiful smelling feet. Geranium is also a relaxing oil in aromatherapy, which is good when you are stressed out.

# Coconut Oil

The caprylic acid in coconut oil contains strong antifungal properties. Apply coconut oil (after cleansing) to the affected area of athlete’s foot regularly to stop tinea pedis from spreading. You can also add remedies like turmeric powder for a stronger effect. Coconut oil is also a good emollient so you can leave it on your skin for as long as you like.

# Mustard Oil

Mustard oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can add a few drops of mustard oil in water as a bath soak. Soak for thirty minutes daily to remove tinea pedis, or fifteen minutes regularly to prevent getting athlete’s foot.

# Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame oil has fungistatic activity; it can be used to prevent athlete’s foot. Find the odorless variety and apply sesame oil onto feet daily after shower or bath to stop tinea pedis. You can try using it before going into public places as a preventative method.

# Onion

The active components of onion contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, particularly the ones that give off a sulfur smell. Apply onion as a paste on the affected area and leave on for half an hour, or squeeze and apply the juice directly. You can leave the onion juice in for longer, just wear socks over it. Repeat daily until your situation improves, and then continue for another month to make sure you are fungus free.

# Clove

Cloves contain antiseptic qualities and is a popular remedy to treat a toothache. Clove essential oil can be used as a foot soak to kill tinea pedis. Alternatively, you can dilute drops of clove oil in a carrier oil, like almond or coconut oil, and rub onto the affected foot.

# Lemongrass

The active components of lemongrass are popular to repel mosquitoes, and it is also an antifungal. Use lemongrass essential oil as a foot soak to stop athlete’s foot. If you have the plant lying around, you can boil lemon grass and stalks to make a foot bath.

# Echinacea

While Echinacea is usually a popular herb to prevent cold and flu, this herb is an immune booster that can help the body fight against fungi as well. If you are intending to use Echinacea, be sure that you are not allergic to the daisy family. You can find Echinacea capsules easily, or make tea using the aerial parts.

# Garlic

Garlic contains chemicals that boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. You can find garlic in capsules but raw garlic is more effective as it contains all of the active ingredients you need. Rub crushed garlic onto the affected area, or make garlic oil by soaking crushed garlic in oil. Use the oil topically or add into cooking.

# Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw is an immune booster coupled with strong antiseptic properties. Drink Cat’s Claw for overall health, or soak athlete’s foot into the tea, use more Cat’s Claw to make a foot soak. If you are prone to tinea pedis, it will be worth doing it both ways.

# Ginger

Ginger is warming and is also an immune booster, it improves circulation to remove more toxins from the body. It can be an antiseptic when taken internally, add ginger to food or take it as tea daily to avoid getting athlete’s foot.

# Oregano

Most specifically, oregano oil, which contains high levels of the antifungal and antibacterial compounds thymol and carvacrol. Only oregano oil is effective, as it is more concentrated and more effective in stopping tinea pedis from spreading. Add into a vehicle oil such as almond oil and massage onto affected area after cleaning.

# Colloidal Silver

Silver is a natural antibacterial and antifungal. Taking colloidal silver internally can help reduce the incidence of fungal infection and athlete’s foot. Alternatively, spray some into shoes and let dry, great for shoes that cannot be washed or put under the sun.

# Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed is antibacterial and antifungal. You can apply the extract directly onto athlete’s foot to kill off the fungus or take it internally to promote the better immune system.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Taken internally to boost the immune system, apple cider vinegar is a health tonic best taken first thing in the morning before breakfast. For fungal foot infections, soak vinegar undiluted to kill the fungi, as vinegar is acidic. Dilute two tablespoons of apple vinegar into water and use it as a disinfectant in a pinch.