Home remedies for athlete's foot are easy to use and effective in curing the fungal infection which is the main cause for the disease. Athlete's foot is a contagious infection, flourish mainly in damp areas like between foot fingers. It can spread through pets also if they are carrying this fungus on their furs.
Tea tree oil is the most effective and commonly used home remedy for athlete's foot. Tea tree oil has rich and effective anti-fungal properties and can be applied directly on the affected part which will help in killing the infection and removing dryness of the skin. Since the infection grows faster in the damp area, keeping the infected area dry also helps in removing the infection. Sprinkling cornstarch on the feet and between the fingers, it will soak the moisture and speed up the natural immunity process of curing the infection.
White vinegar with water also constitutes an effective home remedy for athlete's foot. Mixing one part of white vinegar with four parts of water, enough to submerse the feet completely, and soaking the feet in it for at least half an hour 2-3 times in a day, cures the infection. Soaking and later washing the feet in a lukewarm solution of water and one tablespoon of boric acid also helps in treating athlete's foot.
Applying onion juice directly on affected parts also works as a good home remedy for athlete's foot. Raw garlic is also useful in alleviating the infection, applied directly to the affected part in the form of juice or including it in the diet improves the condition. Tying crushed garlic cloves for an hour also helps in removing the infection. Applying grape fruit seed extract mixed with water with the help of a cotton ball on the affected part also cures the infection and tones the dry skin for better relief.
Rubbing the affected areas with a pinch of baking soda and later washing it with water also works as a good home remedy for athlete's foot. Washing the feet with warm water and later adding two tablespoon of salt in a bucket of water and soaking the feet in it, also helps in curing the infection.
Eating the right kind of diet also improves the capacity of the body to fight and cure the infection. Inclusion of leafy vegetables, garlic and peas; and avoiding processed, oily and fried food helps in alleviating the problem. Keeping feet dry is the primary home remedy for treating athlete's foot. Using cotton socks can be helpful and wearing footwear with comfortable fitting is important in treating and avoiding the fungal infection causing the athlete's foot. Avoid sharing socks, towels etc. to prevent the infection.
Few other treatments like using listerine or bleach to cure the infection may or may not work upon the infection but they can surely have harmful consequences. It has been found in some cases that the use of these treatments at home have induced other infections in the skin.
Washing the foot regularly with anti-fungal soap and using anti-fungal powder to keep the feet dry works as good home remedy for preventing athlete's foot.
