The health of your feet matters, just like any other part of your body.
Skin fungal infections, which include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections, are very common.
If you have foot fungus, do not let it take over your health. Learn how to get rid of it by reading on.
Foot fungus is extremely contagious, thriving in warm, moist environments such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers.
This article will discuss the various ways to get rid of foot fungus.
Foot fungus causes slightly dry skin that is often noticeable. In more severe cases, you may see red and peeling dry skin on the soles. Spaces between the toes may also have moisture and peeling, usually producing a foul smell.
Knowing these symptoms is important so that you can apply the correct home remedies. There are three common types of foot fungus:
- Fungus on the soles of the feet
- Fungus on the toes
- The blistering type
The blisters may appear large, with redness and infection. Rashes on the bottom of one or both feet may also be present.
How Dangerous Is Toenail Fungus?
It’s important to treat all infected areas to avoid reinfection.
Only treating the soles and not the toenails may result in recurring athlete’s foot.
Toenail fungus is also called onychomycosis. It is a serious condition because it causes the nail to become brittle and change shape. In addition, debris can get under the nail, causing it to become discolored and detached.
Fungal infection of the toenails can cause complications in diabetic patients. Because it can affect blood circulation in the feet, it can impair the nerves and lead to other unexpected diseases, such as infection spreading to the bones, infection of the blood (septiaemiac), cellulitis, and more.
How Contagious Is Foot Fungus?
Tinea is a contagious fungal skin infection which can spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes, and floors. Walking barefoot may increase your chances of contracting athlete’s foot.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
- Change in color of the nails
- Painful toes due to soreness and blisters
- Warmth due to inflammation
- Scaling under the nail
- White or yellow streaks in the nail due to candida
- Broken, brittle, thickened nails
- Itching, stinging, and burning sensation in the toes
Undoubtedly, anybody who has foot fungus is looking for an answer to the question, “How to get rid of foot fungus?” Fortunately, there are various simple home remedies to treat this condition.
What Causes Foot Fungus?
- Foot fungal infection is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layer. You get the fungus through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus.
- The fungus thrives in warm and moist environments mostly found in showers, locker room floors, and around swimming pools.
- You can get foot fungus from visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with infected people or wearing tight-fitting closed shoes may also cause foot fungal infection.
- People who sweat profusely are more likely to get foot fungus. Also, having a minor skin or nail injury on the foot can lead to a fungal infection.
- In people with weak immune systems such as diabetic, cancer, and HIV/AIDS patients, a fungal infection in another part of the body may spread and cause foot fungal infections.
- Because many elderly people have chronic diseases and take immunosuppressive medications, they also have a weaker immune system and are more prone to fungal infections.
Getting rid of foot fungus naturally means that no chemical treatments are used.
Home remedies are the best treatment for foot fungus because they are easily available, effective, and easy to use. They also come with little to no side effects and can be done at home without a trained physician.
Simple remedies can destroy the fungus, hence reducing the symptoms and the infection itself. Some of these remedies are:
Garlic is naturally used to treat many conditions. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, playing a significant role in the recovery process. Simply crush two garlic cloves, add olive oil, and apply to the affected area. Leave on for three minutes, wash off with lukewarm water, and pat skin dry. Do this twice daily.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids, making it effective in getting rid of fungal infections. Gently rub the oil on the affected areas and allow it to dry on its own. This procedure should be repeated two or three times a day.
3. Green Tea
Tea helps kill infections due to its antibiotic properties. It also helps get rid of symptoms such as burning sensations, swelling, and irritation.
Don’t throw your tea bags away after using them. Soak them in warm water and put them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then apply the cold tea bags on the affected areas. Repeat three times daily.
Tea tree oil is also a natural antifungal, plus it has antiseptic qualities to inhibit infections. Use tea tree oil on its own or mix it with aloe vera gel and olive oil. Apply twice daily for good results. However, pregnant women should not use tea tree oil.
4. Plain Yogurt
Use plain unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures to treat fungal infections. Yogurt can keep the growth of fungi in check by producing lactic acid.
All you have to do is soak a piece of cotton in plain yogurt and apply it to the affected areas. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Repeat this remedy two times a day.
Also make plain yogurt a part of your daily diet. Eat two to three cups of plain yogurt every day until the infection is completely gone.
5. Salt Water
Salt is the cheapest and most available commodity in the kitchen. Boil water, add salt, then let it cool. Soak your feet in the water for 20 minutes; this will help with the healing process.
6. Apple Vinegar
For foot fungal infections with blisters, vinegar is the best remedy. Dip a piece of cotton in vinegar and then apply it onto the blistered parts of the feet. This will help the blisters dry up faster.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great item to have around the house. It is very useful in cleaning out infectious cuts and helps clear out fungal infections. Soaking your feet in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water will help get rid of fungal infections.
8. Organic Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds.
Mix 5-7 drops of oregano oil into ½ cup of water. Apply on the yeast infected areas with the help of cotton ball. Leave for few hours and then wash with water. Repeat 2 times a day.
9. Keep Your Feet Dry and Clean
Fungi are mostly found in damp or moist environments. Not keeping your feet dry and clean when you have an infection will increase its likelihood of spreading. So be sure to always keep your feet clean and dry.
10. Let Your Feet Breathe
Wearing socks and shoes all day causes your feet to sweat. To keep the infection from spreading, let your feet breathe by taking off your shoes and socks every now and then throughout the day.
A sprinkling of baby powder is also helpful because it acts as a good protectant against excess moisture.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a good way to get rid of fungus, as it is a natural disinfectant, with fungicidal and antibacterial properties.
You can also add other essential oils. Try this mixture: 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, 1/2 teaspoon grape seed or olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of orange oil (optional).
12. Antifungal Soap With Tea Tree Oil
Look for an antifungal soap that has tea tree oil, therapeutic grade essential oils, and skin healing botanicals.