12 Effective Home Remedies For Foot Fungus

A fungal infection of the foot is also known as athlete’s foot. The scientific name for this infection is called as tinea pedis. A foot fungus is typically characterized by scaling, cracking and redness in the feet. There can also be widespread itching. The fungus grows and thrives in dark and moist environments of the foot.

That is why this type of fungal infection is very common in men. This is also because men tend to wear heavyweight footwear and socks, which become damp with sweat especially if they are into sports. People with poor hygiene and reduced immunity are more vulnerable to foot fungus. In very severe cases blisters, fissures and cracks develop in between the toes and water starts to ooze out from the fissures. The infection can also spread to the toes and cause toenail fungus. Here are some remedies for foot fungus.

Home Remedies For Treating Foot Fungus

Diluted Vinegar

A good foot soak with diluted vinegar is said to be very effective in dealing with foot fungus. Take 5-6 capfuls of vinegar and add it to half a bucket of warm water. Now soak your feet in this water for 20 minutes. The vinegar has anti-fungal properties that help to eliminate the foot fungus and eradicate it completely.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are easily available with your local chemist. Add a handful of Epsom salt to a small tub of hot water and soak our feet in this water for about half an hour. You will not only feel infinitely more relaxed but this remedy will also help to reduce itching and irritation associated with athlete’s foot or foot fungus.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has powerful anti-fungal properties that can help to ward off foot fungus or toenail fungus. There are two ways in which you can use tea tree oil. If you have infected and discoloured toenails, apply the tea tree oil directly on the infected nails.

In case of a skin based fungal infection as seen in foot fungus, mix 3 parts of tea tree oil to 1 part of aloe Vera gel and apply this mixture to the affected skin surfaces. You will have to apply this mixture at least once every day for at least 6-8 weeks before you begin to see noticeable results.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an easily available kitchen remedy that can be used to treat foot fungus. It helps to reduce or minimize the itching and irritation caused on the surface of the skin thus allowing your fungal infection to heal without you aggravating the infection by scratching.

Take a tablespoon of baking soda in a dish and add some water to it to make a thick paste. Now apply this paste on the itchy and irritated areas of the skin and leave it on to dry before washing it off completely. Once it is dry, wash it off with ice-cold water for immediate relief. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times daily.

Salt Soaks

Good old table salt is a brilliant and effective remedy for mild cases of foot fungus. Take a heaped tablespoon of salt and put it in half a bucket of hot water. Now soak your feet in this water for some time. Your feet will burn initially especially if you have been scratching them but the itching will minimize with time.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt has a rich and active culture of the acidophilus bacteria that helps to curtail the growth of foot fungus. Use clean hands and a clean piece of cotton swab to apply the yoghurt on the affected areas of the feet.

Once the curd has superficially dried on the surface of the skin, wash it off with plain water. Curd can be used liberally on the feet at least 3-4 times a day for best results.

Mustard Oil or Mustard Powder

Mustard oil or mustard powder has powerful properties that help to eliminate the fungus on the foot. Take 3 teaspoons of mustard powder and add it to a small basin of hot water. Use this water as a foot soak. Alternately, you can also apply mustard oil on the affected areas of your feet.

Listerine Mouthwash

Listerine mouthwash, which helps to keep the gums and teeth healthy, can also be effectively used to treat persistent fungal infections. Wash your feet once daily with Listerine mouthwash by diluting it with a little bit of water as it can be very strong and potent.

Potassium Permanganate

Potassium permanganate is a very good home remedy for foot fungus. Take a few capfuls of potassium permanganate and dissolve them in a bucket of warm water.

Now soak your feet in this water for 20 minutes. Dry out your feet with a clean towel. Repeat this treatment once or twice everyday for best results.

Thyme And Oregano Oil

The oil extracted from herbs like thyme and oregano have very strong medicinal and anti-fungal properties that are said to be quite effective against the treatment of foot fungus. You can combine the two or use either of them in isolation. Use them with discretion and only after consulting with your doctor.

Vicks Vaporub

While there is no detailed study or research done on the effectiveness of vicks vaporub in the treatment of foot fungus, a lot of people have used it and swear by it. If you have friends who can vouch for its effectiveness, go ahead and use it. However, if you have been getting mixed reports, make sure you first speak to your doctor and also take tips from him/her on how to apply it.

Vitamin C

This all-important vitamin is a good antidote for various ailments and diseases. Take 1000mcg of vitamin C daily to enhance and build your immunity.

You can also supplement this in your diet by making sure that you take enough of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Foot fungus is highly treatable. In conjunction with anti-fungal creams and the above home remedies, you can easily cure and eliminate it. Make sure you follow through with the treatment for at least 3-4 weeks otherwise the fungus might recur.