Athlete's foot, a fungal infection also known as tinea pedis, prefers the warm, moist environment between the toes and often occurs during the summer months when the feet sweat more frequently. The infection typically causes burning, itching, redness, scaling and sometimes blisters that cover the toes and sides of the feet. Many home remedies work equally well as topical antifungal creams found in drug stores, although they may take several weeks to get rid of athlete's foot completely. If symptoms don't improve within a few weeks of using natural remedies, consult a physician for further treatment.
Tea Tree Oil
Healers in Australia, the native home of the tea tree, have long used the herb for treating various skin and fungal infections. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it especially effective for treating athlete's foot. One study, published in 2002 in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, examined patients applying 25 or 50 percent tea tree oil solution to athlete's foot twice daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, patients using tea tree oil experienced marked improvement compared to those using placebo. To use the treatment at home, dilute one part tea tree oil to one part olive oil and apply directly to the affected area up to three times daily. It may take several weeks before you notice results.
Garlic
Garlic, a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, may also help treat athlete's foot. In his book "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb recommends rubbing 2 to 3 drops of pure garlic oil onto the affected areas of the feet before bedtime. Use liquid garlic oil or pierce a garlic oil capsule with a pin and squeeze the oil directly onto the fungus. Rub the oil into the skin, and then put on a pair of socks to prevent staining your bedclothes. If you don't have access to garlic oil, rub a fresh, crushed garlic clove over the area instead. Repeat the treatment each night for up to four weeks, or until your athlete's foot infection subsides.
Onion Juice
Also known for its antibacterial properties, onion juice may help reduce symptoms and expedite healing of an athlete's foot infection. Lydia Wilen, author of "Healing Remedies," suggests applying onion juice to the affected area three times daily until the infection clears. Grate a small onion and press it through a piece of cheesecloth to get the juice, or use a vegetable juicer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Massage the onion juice into the feet and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse your feet with tepid water and dry thoroughly.
Goldenseal
A natural antifungal, goldenseal works to combat athlete's foot. In her book "Smart Medicine for Your Skin," Jeanette Jacknin recommends consuming goldenseal tincture each day and applying a tea made from the herb externally until the infection is gone. For best results, add 5 drops goldenseal tincture to juice and drink three times daily. Make a goldenseal tea by steeping 6 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup water for 20 minutes, straining and allowing to cool. Apply the tea directly to the feet using a sterile cotton ball three times daily.
References
- Health Library: Athlete's Foot
- PubMed.gov: Treatment of Interdigital Tinea Pedis With 25% and 50% Tea Tree Oil Solution: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blinded Study
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Healing Remedies"; Lydia Wilen, Joan Wilen; 2008
- "Smart Medicine for Your Skin"; Jeanette Jacknin; 2002
