How to Cure Athlete’s Foot – 6 Tips

Looking for information on how to cure athlete’s foot? We have 6 tips below. Despite its name, athlete’s foot is not exclusively suffered by athletes.  Known medically as tinea pedis, it is, in fact, the most common fungal infection of the skin.  The fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually thrives in places that are constantly damp or wet, such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms.  The most common way that people get infected is by walking barefoot in said places where the surfaces are contaminated.  One can also acquire the infection by simply having direct contact with the toes or feet of an infected person.

Fortunately, we have some tips on how to cure athlete’s foot.

How To Cure Athlete’s Foot

Here are six simple ways to rid yourself of that itch between your toes:

Give The Local Pharmacist a Visit

Most over-the-counter antifungal medications for athlete’s foot are very effective.  If you’re unsure what to get, talk to your pharmacist.  Follow the instructions carefully and it is very important to finish the course of treatment as directed even after the symptoms have disappeared to reduce the likelihood that the infection will recur.  Nonprescription antifungals come in lotion, cream, gel, ointment, powder, spray, swab, or solution form.  Treatment can be as short as one week or it can last as long as six weeks.

Fight The Fungus With Oil

To be more specific, apply tea tree oil to the infected areas.  Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an effective remedy for athlete’s foot.  Derived from the Australian tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil helps eliminate the symptoms by reducing fungal growth.  When used on its own, however, tea tree oil may not be sufficient to completely treat the infection.  The oil is better used as a supplement to another treatment regimen.

Go For The Garlic

Because of garlic’s varied healing properties, it is also an effective treatment for the bothersome fungal growth between your toes.  More specifically, garlic contains the antifungal compound, ajoene.  If you don’t mind the smell, you can rub a freshly peeled clove of garlic on the affected areas at night before going to bed.  Wear socks after application and thoroughly wash your feet in the morning.

Have a Foot Bath

A foot soak in Burow’s solution is specifically recommended for blister-like athlete’s foot, or vesicular athlete’s foot.  The nonprescription solution helps soothe and dry out the blisters, after which you can apply nonprescription or prescription topical antifungal treatment or take prescription antifungal pills.

Pamper Your Feet

It is important that while undergoing treatment, you practice proper foot care.  When taking a shower or a bath, don’t forget to scrub your feet, especially between the toes.  Dry your feet thoroughly afterwards; use talcum powder or antifungal powder before putting on cotton socks.  To keep sweating to a minimum, reapply talcum or antifungal powder a second time during the day and wear a different pair of clean socks after.  Whenever possible, wear sandals; otherwise, stick to leather shoes that fit properly and which allow your feet to breathe.

Keep The Virus Confined

When you have tinea pedis, it is very important to keep the infection from spreading beyond your feet.  After bathing or showering, wipe your groin area first before you wipe your feet to prevent jock itch.  Additionally, wear your socks first before you wear underwear.  Avoid spreading the infection to other people by always wearing shower sandals when using a public pool and/or a public shower.  Avoid direct skin contact as the virus is highly transmissible.

How To Cure Athlete’s Foot Summary

If you can tolerate your athlete’s foot symptoms, you can choose to forego treatment as long as you don’t have a serious health condition, such as diabetes, or as long as your athlete’s foot do not lead to cracking or blistering of the skin; either one can increase the likelihood of developing a secondary and more severe foot infection.  It is also important to always practice proper foot care.  Follow these simple steps and your toes should be happily wiggling again in a few weeks!

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