How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs because of damp conditions. It leads to irritation and peeling of the skin, as well as cracking and bleeding. Many ignore this ailment, but it can worsen over time, causing more pain. The good news is, athlete’s foot can be dealt with easily, and there are several effective treatments to do this.
Wash With A Mild, Antibacterial Soap
If you don’t clean your feet frequently, the more bacteria and fungi will thrive on your skin. Make it a habit to wash your feet three times a day using a mild antibacterial soap. You can easily buy one from a pharmacy or a beauty store. Avoid harsh soaps, such as detergent types.
Lather the antibacterial soap on your feet generously, using a washcloth to clean in between the toes. Rub around the arch of your feet, too. When you’re done, rinse thoroughly, then pat your feet dry with a clean towel. Don’t put socks on immediately, make sure your feet are dried completely first. If you keep doing this practice, then athlete’s foot won’t be a problem.
Use A Topical Anti-Fungal Ointment
One of the most effective method to get rid of athlete’s foot is by using topical antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole and miconazole. These can be easily bought over the counter. Apply these on your feet two or three times daily, after you’ve showered and before you go to bed.
Most medications work within 7 to 10 days after start of use. If you don’t see any improvement, consult a doctor, and see if he can prescribe a better medication.
Use Garlic
Garlic is said to have elements that effectively heal athlete’s foot. You need to follow the right procedure, though.
What You’ll Need:
Fresh garlic cloves
Garlic oil
Wash cloth or cotton balls
Water basin
Rubbing alcohol
Procedure:
Purchase several pieces of fresh garlic cloves. If you can’t find any, look for supplements or products with allium sativum. These will work well, too.
Prepare a footbath, filling a basin with warm water. Add some rubbing alcohol. Put a towel underneath the basin, so there won’t be a mess if water spills out.
Crush and chop the garlic cloves into fine pieces. Add them to the footbath, then put your feet in the bath. Stay there for 30 minutes.
When you’re done with this, dry your foot with a towel thoroughly. Afterwards, apply some garlic oil all over the affected area, by rubbing it in with a cottonball or washcloth. Do this twice a day, until the infection disappears.
Garlic has a strong and funky smell, so if you’re planning to go out, this isn’t a great tactic. Just do this remedy at night before bedtime.
Try Home Remedies
Aside from medication and garlic, there are many other ways to get rid of your athlete’s foot dilemma. The great news is, the materials needed can be found around the house. Here are several examples.
Tea tree oil - Put seven drops of the oil on your feet, then let it soak in.
Epsom salt - Get a basin and mix two cups of the salts with warm water. Soak your feet in the solution.
Grapefruit seed oil - Put three drops on the palm of the feet,rubbing it in with your hands, spreading all over the foot. You can also add this to your laundry when you wash your socks.
Aloe vera gel - Get four ounces of the gel and mix it with a teaspoon of tea tree oil. Rub the mix directly on your feet, and let it dry fully, before you slip into socks. Do this twice a day.
White vinegar - Make a footbath using warm water and a cup of white vinegar and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes. Dry well afterwards.
Mouthwash - Get some sugar free mouthwash and soak some cottonballs with it. Apply the mouthwash to your athlete’s foot then. This can sting, so be very gentle. This will dry the foot fungus well.
One last tip: Don’t leave your feet damp in shoes and socks, and dry them immediately. This will help you avoid the problem. If you’ve already got the ailment, then just follow these tips and methods.