Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. The condition often develops between the toes and other areas of the foot. MedlinePlus.com reports wearing closed shoes, keeping feet enclosed for prolonged periods of time, and developing a skin injury are risks for developing the infection. The fungal infection is contagious and is passed through direct contact such as shoes, stockings or wet surfaces. A variety of home remedies and alternative treatments may resolve the condition. Athlete's foot may lead to secondary infections and allergic reactions. Visit a dermatologist if the condition does not resolve after four weeks, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Footwear
Avoid wearing plastic or waterproof shoes which trap moisture and sweat causing fungi to continue to grow. Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. This is especially important for athletic shoes which contain a high amount of perspiration. If your feet sweat excessively, change shoes and socks as often as twice a day to prevent moisture. Treat insides of shoes with anti-fungal powder or spray. Wiping down the inside of shoes with a disinfectant and damp rag will also decrease fungi from continuing to grow; clean shoes after each wearing to reduce the spread of athlete's foot.
Washing and Drying
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests washing feet twice daily with warm soap and water. Keep feet clean and dry, focusing on between the toes, the most common area where athlete's foot occurs. Allow them to air dry for about 10 minutes before covering with socks and shoes; if at home, go barefoot. Cover toes in public places such as the gym, spa and locker rooms. Use a blow dryer on a medium setting to ensure the toes are completely dry.
Exfoliating
Once the infection is gone, remove dead skin by scrubbing feet with a bristle bush. Use an old toothbrush to remove dead skin between the toes. Consider scrubbing feet in the bathtub, so that you can wash your feet afterward.
Soak or Paste Treatments
Athlete's foot can be treated using two basic home ingredients: salt and baking soda. Soak feet in salt water to decrease fungus and perspiration. Add 2 tsp. of salt for each pint of water. Allow feet to soak for about five to 10 minutes until the athlete's foot begins to clear up, advises the Readers Digest book "1801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems." The skin will soften allowing antifungal medications to penetrate the foot deeper.
You can also make a baking soda paste. Mix a small amount of water with the baking soda to form the paste. Rub the paste between the toes to decrease burning and itching, caused by athlete's foot. Allow to dry and rinse with warm water. Dry feet well.
References
- MedlinePlus: Athlete's Foot
- Mayo Clinic: Athlete's Foot: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Athlete's Foot - Treatment
- "1801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; "Reader's Digest"; 2004
