If you have Athlete’s foot, you must be familiar with the itching and skin irritation it leads to.
Many individuals experienced this. If left unattended could lead to cracks around the skin infected and could reach up-to-toes as well.
Athlete’s foot is contagious.
It could transfer from a person to another in a jiffy.
Well, you don’t need to worry and rush for urgent doorstep loans for treatment. You can treat it well at home through natural treatment.
This blog post discusses the symptoms of an Athlete’s foot and how to treat it naturally.
Let’s begin with the first things first!
What is Athlete’s foot?
An athlete’s foot is a skin condition that causes peeling, scaling, flaking, and itching on the soles. Also known as ringworm of the foot, it is the most common form of fungal infection – tinea.
It usually occurs when the foot is left sweaty for a longer time, wearing tight-fitted shoes, thermal socks, or sweaty sneakers. An athlete’s foot infection is caused by fungi that thrive in a warm, moist No, you don’t have to be an athlete to face Athlete’s foot symptoms. It can happen to anyone and everyone.
Initially, the fungus covers the bottom of the foot but later spreads onto the heels and upside of the foot as well. This condition arises when left untreated for a longer time. A fungus-dermatophyte causes it.
Another variety of athletes’ feet is inter-digital athletes’ feet. In this, the peeling and scaling occur between the skin and toes.
Under this, the toenails get thick and crumble. And in worse cases, it may fall too.
Thus, if you are unaware of the symptoms, READ FURTHER!
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
An athlete’s foot can affect both or a single foot. Primary symptoms of athlete’s foot are:
- Scaly skin between the toes
- Itchiness, after removing sweaty socks and shoes
- Burning and stingy sensation
- Scaly skin at the bottom of the foot that could spread to the foot-top.
- Inflamed skin appears reddish or purple according to skin tone
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact a dermatologist immediately.
Though Athlete’s foot is treatable. Here is how!
Here are the signs you have a high risk of developing Athlete’s foot
- Sweat heavily
- Wear footwear all day long
- Share mats or towels with someone who has the disease
- Walk barefoot in public areas like a community pool or locker rooms
10 Ways to cure Athlete’s foot Naturally
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is an anti-fungal agent, provides ultimate relief from microbes that infect skin, and nails. The sodium and bicarbonate help absorb unpleasant odours and relieve itchiness, burning sensation on foot. To get rid of the athlete’s foot naturally, apply baking soda and water to the affected area.
- Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is touted for its strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties. The tannic acid in tea tree oil helps in drying out sweaty feet to cure the athlete foot quickly and prevents spreading onto other body parts.
Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected area for quick relief.
- Sprinkle Corn-starch
Corn-starch, commonly found in the kitchen, can also treat athletes’ feet. Sprinkle corn-starch on the itching foot. It will help soak up excess moisture from the foot and treat it quickly. Keeping your feet dry is imperative to ensure and restrict the spread.
- Sea- Salt
Incorporated with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, sea salt is an effective remedy for an athlete’s foot. It helps heal cuts and sores by reducing inflammation around the corners.
For best results, soak your affected feet in a tub with warm water and sea salt for 10-15 minutes. It relaxes the feet and prevents the spread of the infection.
- Licorice
Licorice has strong anti-microbe properties and could be considered as an alternative treatment to Athlete’s foot. Mix 8 spoons of Licorice powder with a cup of water and boil it. Apply the paste over the athlete’s foot and wash it off after 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure for 2 days to treat Athlete’s foot.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is replete with anti-infection and anti-bacterial properties. Before applying turmeric on your athlete’s foot, ask your dermatologist as its application could lead to a change in the rash’s appearance. It might confuse the doctor.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is beneficial against bacterial and fungal infections. Aloe Vera is known for its cooling properties and skin treatment miracles. Thus, you can apply aloe Vera to ease up the burning sensation and reduce redness, itching, and discomfort. There is no limit to applying aloe vera to the affected region. It does not have any side effects.
- Garlic
Famous for their anti-bacterial properties, garlic cloves are considered a natural anti-biotic. It is rich in ricinolein, an active ingredient that kills fungus and reduces inflammation and itchiness in the foot.
Mince garlic cloves with olive or coconut oil and apply directly to the area. It will help in easing up the irritation, pin, and cure the athlete foot quickly.
- Apple Cider vinegar
This sour and tangy thing helps from having glossy and ravening hair to reducing athlete’s foot symptoms. It can treat mild symptoms.
Prized for its fungal properties against yeast and fungus. It helps to prevent athlete foot in the initial stages by restricting itching and infection spread.
How to use it?
- Take 2 cups of water and ½ cups of vinegar
- Soak your feet in the solution for around half an hour
It is advisable to use it in a diluted form rather than applying directly on the feet. It could burn. It is acidic.
- Yogurt
Yes, yogurt can be your go-to partner for immediate athlete foot relief.
The good bacteria in yogurt kills fungus and soothe dry, inflamed skin as well.
For best results, apply yogurt directly to the affected area.
When to See a Dermatologist?
If you face irritation, itching, rash, or painful and reddish feet for over 2 weeks of self-treatment, see a doctor.
If you have diabetes, watch for the symptoms, like pus, fever, and affected area.
Things to Avoid Athlete Foot
- Avoid walking barefoot in lockers or showers
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Wear airy shoes or sandals
- Wash socks, trousers, towels in warm water with soap every day
- Put anti-fungal powder on feet
Home remedies are helpful in the initial stages of an athlete’s foot. If it worsens, it is advisable to contact your dermatologist at the earliest, even if you do not have enough money to pay the professional’s fee. You can take the help of an instant loan in Ireland, as mentioned right at the start.
A damaged foot may cause irreversible toe damage. Watch out for precautions and follow them before things get worse. These will help reduce the risk of catching an athlete’s foot.
Description: What is Athlete’s foot? What are its symptoms? How to cure it naturally at home?
