Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, usually between the toes, caused by the pathogen fungi. You do not have to be an athlete to catch athlete’s foot. The infection lives on the skin and breeds best under warm, moist conditions. Once you have the fungus, it will take at least 4 weeks to make a headway against a severe case.

Athletes Foot Symptoms

Athlete’s foot causes scaling, flaking and itching of the affected skin. Blisters and cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed raw tissue, pain, swelling and inflammation. The infection can be spread to other areas of the body, such as the armpits, knees, elbows, and the groin, and usually is called by a different name once it spreads (such as tinea cruris or jock itch for an infection of the skin and groin)

Home Remedies For Athletes Foot

Soak your foot in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of salt per pint of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, and repeat until problem clears up. This solution provides an unpleasant atmosphere for the fungus.

Soaking the affected foot completely in a small bucket filled with vinegar (for about an hour) will allow the vinegar to soak into the flesh of the foot and under the toe nails. The vinegar kills off the fungus which causes the athlete’s foot from its source. Depending on the severity of the foot’s condition this treatment can be 2 or 3 times, however you should allow 1 or 2 days between treatments to allow the foot to recuperate.

Avoid plastic shoes and footwear that has been treated to keep water out. They trap sweat and create a warm, moist spot for the fungus to grow.

Change your socks three or four times a day.

Dust the insides of your shoes frequently with anti fungal powder or spray. It is also beneficial to spray some disinfectant (lysol) on a rag and use it to wipe out the inside of your shoes every time you take them off. That will kill any remaining fungus spores.

Herbs for Athletes Foot

Garlic – Garlic is a potent antifungal herb. You can eat the garlic or you can rub garlic oil on the affected area.

Astralagus – This and another very strong antifungal herb. Take it three times a day for the best results.

Echinacea – This is herb is great for exciting the immune system, however, do not take for more than three weeks at a time. Your body can become accustomed to it.

Vitamin and Minerals for Athletes Foot

Vitamin C – This is one of the best nutrients for strengthening the immune system. However, to destroy athlete’s foot, you need to keep this vitamin in the blood stream constantly. Try taking vitamin C at least six times a day.