Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that grows in moist areas on the foot. People suffering from this condition will notice a burning, itching, or stinging sensation between the toes or on other parts of the feet. Athlete’s foot can be quite contagious but it is also easily treated when contracted. Here are some home remedies for athlete’s foot.

Top 4 Best Home Remedies for Athlete’s Foot

1. Eat Immune-boosting Foods

If you have low immunity you are more likely to develop a fungal infection. Eat foods like scallions, red meat or broccoli to help boost your immune system so it is easier for your body to fight off threats like athlete’s foot.

2. Keep Good Hygiene

Keeping your feet dry and clean is essential to avoiding an athlete’s foot infection.

• After you swim or bathe make a point of drying the area between the toes.
• When out and about, wear shoes that allow the feet to breathe rather than trapping moisture. Air out your shoes for 24 hours before wearing them again.
• Instead of wearing shoes indoors, wear cotton socks that will help absorb your sweat. Change these socks around twice a day to avoid keeping this moist cloth by your feet.
• If your feet tend to sweat profusely, wear talcum powder or an antifungal powder on the feet to help absorb this excess moisture.
• If you are walking in a public shower or pool area, keep your sandals on to protect yourself from infection.

3. Try Natural Options

One of the home remedies for athlete's foot you can try is the natural oils, which can be really effective in some cases.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch can be rubbed on the feet to help absorb excess moisture. Seek out cornstarch that has been lightly browned as this has less moisture and will be more effective. You can make this at home by sprinkling cornstarch on a baking sheet and placing it in a 325 (F) oven for a few minutes, until it starts to brown. Mixing cornstarch with mashed garlic and olive oil can create a paste that can help kill athlete’s foot spores. Place this mixture on the feet for 15-30 minutes for best results.
• Cinnamon: Creating a foot bath with cinnamon tea can help slow the growth of the athlete’s foot fungus. Boil 8-10 cinnamon sticks in 4 cups of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, and then soak the feet for 45 minutes daily as necessary.
• Garlic: Garlic is known for its anti-fungal properties. Adding more garlic to your diet or swabbing the affected area with garlic juice can help you rid yourself of a fungal infection. Mixing a crushed clove of garlic with garlic oil can create a paste that is ideal for treating toenails affected by athlete’s foot. Leave this paste in place for 15-30 minutes, and then wash it away with warm water.
• Salt: Soaking the feet in salt water can help kill off spores. Add a teaspoon of salt for each cup of water and leave the feet in this mixture for 10 minutes. Be sure to dry the feet thoroughly after removing them from the bath.
• Vinegar: Mixing 2 quarts water with a cup of vinegar and soaking the feet in this mixture for 15-30 minutes can help clear out an infection. You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water and use a cotton ball to apply this solution to areas suffering from athlete’s foot. Bear in mind that this remedy can be a bit painful if your skin has been made raw by the infection. Apple cider vinegar and ethyl alcohol make an equally effective remedy.
• Yogurt: Yogurt also has strong anti-fungal properties. Look for brands that have live acidophilus or live cultures to get these effects. Consume this daily to help improve your ability to fight off the athlete’s foot infection.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract: This also has antifungal properties that can be helpful in fighting athlete’s foot. Rub a few drops of grapefruit seed oil on the feet three times a day. You can also add a few drops to the washing machine to help disinfect your socks to avoid spreading this infection further. Wash your hands after touching any areas affected by athlete’s foot to avoid further contamination.
• Tea: Tea contains tannic acid that can help kill the athlete’s foot spores and sooth the skin. Make a foot bath by steeping six black tea bags in a quart of warm water and soak the feet in this solution.
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is considered one of the most effective remedies for athlete’s foot because of its antifungal properties. Apply a few drops of oil to the affective areas, making sure to wash your hands in between each application to avoid spreading the spores. Repeat this up to three times a day for two weeks as necessary.
• Boric Acid: Mixing a fourth cup Epsom salt with three tablespoons boric acid in a foot bath and soaking the feet for 15-20 minutes can help clear up your infection. You can also add a bit of vinegar to this solution if you desire.

4. Take Nonprescription Medications

Over the counter medications are readily available to help treat athlete’s foot, and it is also one of the best home remedies for athlete's foot which you can try. Miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole or tolnaftate are some of the most common products used to treat these conditions. Nonprescription medications are available as gels, lotions, creams, solutions, ointments, powders, sprays or swabs that you apply to the skin for 1-6 weeks. Read the directions on the product you have selected to ensure that you know how to apply it properly. People also frequently soak the feet in Betadine for 20 minute intervals to help rid them of fungus. Do not perform this remedy if you are pregnant.

For more home remedies for athlete's foot, see: