How To Prevent And Treat Athlete’s Foot
Foot fungus is a fungal infection that affects the feet between the toes, on the sole of the foot, and the sides of the feet. Anyone exposed to hot and humid conditions can get athlete’s foot. However, there is a lot you can do to prevent and treat athlete’s foot.
As with all other types of fungi, it can be spread through skin contact or sharing personal belongings. Even exposure to contaminated surfaces such as pools and public showers can transmit this fungus.
It is estimated that about 98% of cases are caused by the fungus dermatophyte, and the remaining 2% when yeasts such as candida or other bacteria begin to bloom.
Whatever the cause, anyone suffering from athlete’s foot may agree that a quick fix is necessary, because the symptoms are very unpleasant and can affect the health of the feet.
Do you have this problem? Then we recommend that you read on to learn how to prevent and treat athlete’s foot.
How to treat athlete’s foot with natural remedies
Finding out if you have athlete’s foot is quite good, and the most common symptoms are usually:
- Severe itching
- Strong smell
- Blisters
- Damp areas
- Pain and redness in the area
Unfortunately, treating athlete’s foot is not as easy as diagnosing it, as it requires perseverance and patience to remove the fungus and restore good foot health.
Still, the sooner you start treating this problem, the sooner you can put it behind you.
Apple cider vinegar
This natural product contains certain acids and nutrients that regulate the skin’s pH value and slow down the development of fungi, as well as fight foot fungus.
Applying apple cider vinegar to the feet can help relieve the irritating itching, remove odors and reduce redness.
How should you use it?
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl, and leave your feet for 20 to 30 minutes while the mixture works.
- Dry your feet well after this treatment. For best results, repeat this every day.
Tetre oil
This natural product fights fungi and bacteria, and is a powerful antibiotic.
How should you use it?
- To treat athlete’s foot, mix equal parts tea tree oil and olive oil, and then apply to the affected areas with a cotton swab.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that has antibiotic properties to improve health, while also fighting current bacteria and fungi.
How should you use it?
- Make a tea by boiling six cinnamon sticks in six cups of water (3 liters). Leave the feet in the liquid for 20 minutes while the liquid cools.
- Dry your feet well, and repeat this every day.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has moisturizing and strengthening properties that make it an excellent alternative for fighting the symptoms of athlete’s foot and protecting the delicate skin in this area.
How should you use it?
- Scrape jelly from a fresh leaf of aloe vera and apply it on the affected areas twice a day.
- Use a fungicide as a supplement to kill the fungus.
How can you avoid athlete’s foot?
Anyone who exposes their feet to hot and wet conditions runs a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot.
Getting rid of athlete’s foot can be difficult, so we recommend that you first and foremost try to prevent it from occurring.
Wear the right shoes
Ideally, you should wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe, and that prevent the accumulation of moisture and heat, conditions that are ideal for fungal growth.
Avoid sharing shoes and socks
No matter how close you may be to a person, try not to share belongings that come in contact with your feet, as this is a great way to spread fungus.
Do not go barefoot in humid areas
Some people have no problem walking around barefoot in places like public swimming pools, changing rooms and public showers – and this is first and foremost how most of them develop athlete’s foot. It is a good idea to always wear sandals, and to disinfect them when you get home.
Dry your feet thoroughly
If you do not dry your feet well, the areas between your toes will be damp, and this creates a perfect environment for fungi. It is a good idea to make sure that you are completely dry on your feet before putting on socks and shoes.
Choose a drying powder
Antifungal powder is better than sprays or creams, because it helps keep your feet even drier.
