Home Remedy for Athlete's Foot

Are you battling an itching, burning case of athlete's foot? It is caused by a fungus that likes a moist environment as found between your toes. You can fight back with this home remedy that uses only natural ingredients rather than nonprescription antifungal treatments. A caution is that if you have diabetes, it's best to consult your doctor to discuss appropriate treatment before trying a home remedy.

What You Need to Battle Athlete's Foot Naturally

• Vinegar for soaking and sock washing: You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will create an acidic environment that the foot fungus does not like.
• Baking soda or cornstarch to keep your feet dry. A moist environment in your socks and shoes encourages the foot fungus to grow. By keeping your feet dry, you will help battle the fungus.

How to Fight Athlete's Foot Naturally

1. Vinegar Foot Soaks: Soak your feet in equal parts vinegar (white or apple cider) and water for fifteen minutes twice a day. Dry your feet thoroughly after each soak.
2. Vinegar Sock Wash: Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash loads, and wash on the hottest setting to kill any fungus that's present on your socks.
3. Airing and Sunning Your Shoes: Place your shoes out in the sun to kill any fungus that's inside them. It's best to use two pairs of shoes, alternating them each day with the remaining pair being left to dry completely and get the sun treatment. If you must wear the same shoes daily, sprinkle a little baking soda or cornstarch in them at night to absorb the moisture. Then in the morning, tap it out.
4. Keep Your Feet Dry: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch into your socks or dust your feet with it before you put on your socks. This will help absorb moisture during the day. You should switch from cotton socks to an artificial fiber or wool that will wick away moisture. Change your socks twice a day if you still have problems with foot moisture.
5. Repeat the process until the infection is gone.

Why Vinegar Works Against Athlete's Foot

The acetic acid in vinegar kills fungus and soothes itching which is just what you need to treat athlete's foot. The baking soda or cornstarch will deprive the fungus of the moisture it craves to grow and spread.

Benefits of Treating Athlete's Foot with Vinegar

• Inexpensive
• No harsh chemicals
• All natural

Tips and Warnings

• Consult your doctor if this is the first time you've had athlete's foot or if the symptoms persist or worsen.
• If you have diabetes, see your doctor for appropriate treatment. You must ensure you don't get open sores or blisters as can happen with worse cases of athlete's foot.
• Wash your hands after touching your feet to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body. You don't want athlete's foot to turn into jock itch.
• Sanitize any surfaces that your bare feet come into contact with to avoid infecting others and re-infecting yourself.
• Keep vinegar out of the reach of children.