Athlete’s Foot: How to Treat It at Home

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal infections seen in humans, which is characterized by a rash occurring in the feet, typically on between the toes. It can lead to itching, burning or discomfort, but the good news is that it can certainly be treated at home. Let’s then immerse ourselves into its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how to cure athlete’s foot in the comfort of your own home.

Understanding Athlete’s Foot

The medical term for Athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. It is caused by the fungi dermatophytes. These fungi tend to grow in  warmer and humid places. The contagious nature of athlete’s foot is prime reason why the condition spreads from one person to another through direct contact with contaminated surfaces like floors, socks and shoes.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

The symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Itching: Itching that is long-lasting and particularly in places such as between the toes is a major symptom.
• Burning Sensation: The exposed skin area is predominantly hot or burning typically when socks and shoes are removed.
• Redness and Scaling: The skin might turn red, and even get flaky and scaly
• Blisters: Blisters might form on your feet. They can be painful and filled with pus.

If you notice these symptoms you can consult a Best Skin Specialist in Karachi for help.

How to Treat Athlete’s Foot At Home?

Here’s how you can treat athlete’s foot at home:

1. Wash and Dry Feet Well

Good hygiene becomes the basis of overcoming athlete’s foot effectively. Have regular shower with soap and hot water, but most importantly, dry your feet well, especially between the toes, as fungi usually prefer moist environments.

2. Apply Antifungal Cream or Powder

Anti fungal sprays, or powders can be very helpful for fighting against the fungus causing athlete’s foot. People can find these in shops that sell them over the counter and it can kill the fungus. Follow the directions on the label, apply the cream or ointment on the affected area as well as around it.

3. Tea Tree Oil

The tea tree oil has medicinal fungal fighting qualities, it will be necessary to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it on the affected region. Do this regularly in the morning and evening till symptoms become less severe.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, through its acidic properties, can defend against fungal diseases. Apply prepared solution of 25% ACV and 75% water on your feet for 15 to 20 minutes daily. Don’t forget to ensure your feet are entirely dry after this exercise.

5. Good Foot Hygiene Practices

Don’t forget to change your socks and shoes regularly, and always make sure they stay clean and dry. Also, never share the shoes with other people. Choose shoes that are comfortable and use socks with moisture-control or evaporating features to prevent excessive sweating.

Discover everything you need to know about Milialar, a skin disease, in our comprehensive guide.

Conclusion

Athlete’s foot is an annoying problem, but you can often fight it off with self-care and the right treatment. Through this, the bothersome condition can become manageable. By applying guidelines from this article, you can minimize symptoms, prevent the repeat occurrences, and get rid of this condition at home. Nevertheless, if symptoms persist or worsen, even after home remedies, then it’s time to consult a Best Dermatologist in Lahore to get treatment.