You might be able to manage athlete’s foot using over-the-counter remedies and items from your medicine cabinet, including certain oils and talcum powder.
Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable to handle, bringing on symptoms such as an itchy, scaly rash with burning or painful sensations. There are several at-home approaches using products you may already own that can provide relief.
Below are 10 home remedies for athlete’s foot that could be useful, along with a foot-care routine to help prevent recurrence.
Finding relief for athlete’s foot at home
The most frequent treatments for athlete’s foot are topical antifungal medicines applied to the affected skin.
These are often sold OTC as powders, sprays, creams, and lotions.
Many instances of athlete’s foot respond well to OTC options and may not need additional therapies. It’s often recommended to continue using these OTC products for about a week after symptoms fade to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Hydrogen peroxide
Research from 2013 indicates hydrogen peroxide can effectively eliminate fungus on the foot’s surface as well as bacteria that might cause infection.
Pour hydrogen peroxide straight onto the affected area. Be aware it can sting and will bubble, particularly if there are open sores. Repeat this twice daily until the problem eases.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is believed to have antifungal and antibacterial effects, so it’s frequently used to address fungal issues like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
Some studies have shown that tea tree oil may reduce the symptoms of athlete’s foot and combat the fungus responsible.
However, additional research is required to fully confirm tea tree oil’s effectiveness for athlete’s foot.
To use it, blend a carrier oil—such as warmed coconut oil—with tea tree oil to reach about 25%–50% tea tree oil concentration. Apply to the affected area twice daily. For more on using tea tree topically, see tea tree oil for skin.
Neem oil
Neem oil and neem leaf extracts have long been used as an alternative treatment because of their antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
These properties may support their potential to combat athlete’s foot.
Apply neem oil or extract directly to the affected skin twice a day, massaging it in. This approach may also help with infections beneath the toenails.
Rubbing alcohol
Like hydrogen peroxide, many people keep rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol at home for cleaning minor wounds.
Studies indicate that 70% isopropyl alcohol can kill certain bacteria and fungi. These antifungal actions might help reduce surface-level fungal presence on the skin.
You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water for about 15 minutes.
Garlic
Garlic has a strong odor, but 2014 research suggests it may hold antifungal activity that could help treat athlete’s foot.
Another study also showed that a garlic-derived compound, used alone, led to a complete cure in 79% of participants after just seven days.
To try garlic, crush four to five cloves and rub the mashed garlic over the affected areas. Repeat this twice daily.
Talcum powder
Talcum powder, cornstarch, or baby powder can help manage athlete’s foot by keeping the area dry and clean. Fungi thrive in moist, sweaty environments, so controlling moisture makes it harder for the fungus to grow and spread.
Apply talcum powder (or an antifungal powder) to dry, affected skin before putting on socks. Avoid inhaling the powder while applying it.
Does salt water help athlete’s foot?
Research from 2012 suggests sea salt may have antibacterial and antifungal attributes, which is why it’s a common natural remedy for athlete’s foot.
Some approaches mix sea salt with other natural ingredients, like vinegar, into a paste.
The simplest method may be dissolving a cup of sea salt in a warm foot bath and soaking your feet for at least 20 minutes. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly afterward. For ideas on foot soaks you can try at home, check this diy foot soak guide.
Does Vicks VapoRub cure athlete’s foot?
Some studies indicate Vicks VapoRub might help relieve symptoms of toenail fungus, which can sometimes be associated with athlete’s foot.
Vicks VapoRub is an OTC ointment intended to ease cough symptoms and contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil.
Massage Vicks into the affected area each night. Continue nightly application for at least a month, or until a week after the infection has cleared.
Foot hygiene routine: keeping feet dry and clean
Maintaining dry, clean feet is vital for preventing and managing athlete’s foot. Fungal organisms flourish in dark, damp areas, making feet particularly susceptible.
Ways to maintain good foot hygiene include:
- changing socks often
- washing feet with warm water and soap
- ensuring feet are completely dry before putting on fresh socks
- using one towel for the affected feet and a separate towel for the rest of the body
- regularly drying between the toes
- avoiding walking barefoot in public pools, locker rooms, and spas
- choosing breathable footwear, like sandals
Can athlete’s foot lead to complications?
If untreated, athlete’s foot can lead to a secondary bacterial infection when the skin is broken, such as from scratching or popped blisters. Any bacterial infection can be serious and needs prompt care.
Other potential complications include:
- impetigo
- toenail fungus
- cellulitis
- lymphangitis
- contact dermatitis from treatments
Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread to your hands and groin, particularly if you scratch the infected area.
When to consult a doctor for athlete’s foot
Contact a healthcare provider if your athlete’s foot symptoms do not improve after a week of home treatments or if you notice signs of infection, such as:
- changes in skin color
- increased itching
- pus
- swelling
- fever
This is especially important if you have conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
A clinician can create an appropriate treatment plan tailored to you. If you’re dealing with persistent toenail involvement, resources about home remedies for toenail fungus may offer helpful background, but seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms.
Bottom line
Athlete’s foot is a fungal condition that can cause itching, discoloration, and discomfort between the toes.
Some home remedies may ease symptoms, but scientific evidence supporting many of them is limited.
If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, consider speaking with a healthcare professional so they can recommend the best course of treatment for you.
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