2 Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot (Plus 1 Bonus Prevention Method)

Athlete's foot is itchy and uncomfortable, and the sooner you get rid of it, the better. If you don't have the money to spend on expensive prescription or over-the-counter treatments, then you may be interested in into a home remedy. You may be surprised to find out how easy it is to use treatments for athlete's foot that you already have in your home. Take a look at a few of those remedies, plus an easy way to prevent future athlete's foot outbreaks.

Garlic and Olive Oil Paste

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus, and garlic, as well having antibacterial properties, also contains natural antifungal agents. You can use that clove of garlic you have sitting by your spice rack to clear up your athlete's foot.

To treat your athlete's foot, take a clove of garlic and crush it up thoroughly. Put it in a bowl and add just a few drops of olive oil, then blend the garlic and oil until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Put the paste on your feet in the affected areas, and allow some time for it to sit on your skin and soak in before washing it off. Then wash with soap and water and dry your feet completely before putting on socks and shoes. Repeat the process daily until the infection is gone.

Vinegar Foot Baths

Not only can vinegar kill the fungus on your feet, it's also acidic enough to lower the alkaline level on your skin. This matters because a high alkaline level can allow the infection to spread to other parts of your feet. Upping your skin's acidity stops the spread of the fungus while you're working to heal it.

All you need to do is add a cup of vinegar to a basin full of warm water, then put your feet in and soak them until the water goes cold. Not only can this help heal your athlete's foot, it can be a relaxing thing to do after a long day at work. Try doing this once a day before bed until the fungus clears up.

Mouthwash Foot Rub

There are two types of mouthwash on the market – the kinds that contain alcohol and the kinds that don't. Many people are switching to the non-alcohol varieties because of the drying effect that the alcohol can add to your mouth. But even if you've made the switch, you may want to keep a bottle of the alcoholic variety around for your feet.

That's right. Rubbing mouthwash that contains alcohol on your feet can actually help prevent athlete's foot from forming in the first place. Just rub a cotton ball soaked in mouthwash to the areas most likely to develop athlete's foot, like the soles of your feet and the spaces between your toes. Do this daily after washing, and you may never have to deal with athlete's foot again. Your feet will also feel minty fresh!

If you experience frequent athlete's foot infections, or if you're unsuccessful at getting rid of them with home or over-the-counter remedies, your feet may need some expert attention. Make an appointment with a podiatrist in your area to find the cause for frequent or stubborn athlete's foot infections. For more information, contact a professional such as Gary S. Hymes DPM.