Home » Blog » Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot
It’s a popular misconception that only athletes get athletes foot. The condition is known medically as tinea pedis. It’s a fungal infection between and around the toes. Those dealing with the condition find that their toes itch and burn, there are peeling patches of skin, there is excessive dryness along the sides or bottoms of feet, and/or changes in the color and thickness of toenails.
The good news is that there are a variety of home remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms of athletes foot, if not get rid of it completely. Of course, if a home remedy doesn’t help, a trip to a podiatrist is in order. Here are some of the best ways to treat your athletes foot at home.
1. Cornstarch
Brown a bit of cornstarch in the oven to make sure it is completely free of moisture. Once you’ve removed it from the oven and given it a chance to cool, rub the cornstarch on your toes and feet. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then brush it off with a towel. Wash you hands well after you have applied the cornstarch and once you have removed it.
2. Catch Some Air
Dry air is an enemy of athletes foot. When possible, and when you walking on dry surfaces, go barefoot. If you would rather not touch surfaces with your feet, wear flip flops or sandals. The air will dry out your feet and dryness makes it nearly impossible for fungus and bacteria to grow.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
Give your feet a good soak in hydrogen peroxide. Before you dunk your feet, remember that hydrogen peroxide can sting when skin is chapped or cracked. Mix a pint of hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of warm water. Soak your feet for about 30 minutes.
4. Soap and Water
You don’t have to go all out to get rid of athletes foot at home. A good old soap and dry will work wonders. Wash your feet with plain soap twice a day. After you wash, make sure that you dry them well. You can dry your feet with a hair dryer if the moisture doesn’t seem to be completely absorbed by the towel. If you do this, keep the dryer on a cool or warm setting – never hot.
5. Baking Soda
This one isn’t directly for your feet, but rather for your shoes. Baking soda is an old fashioned remedy for fungus and bacteria. After you wear your shoes, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the insides. This is an especially good idea if you have athletes foot and wear the same shoes frequently.
You don’t have to suffer with athletes foot that just won’t go away. If you live in Salt Lake City of the surrounding area, call the office of Dr. Elizabeth Auger. Dr. Auger will diagnose your condition, offer you treatment options and help you put your best foot forward.
