How to Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home, Naturally & Fast!
Reading Time: 6 minutes Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins on the foot, between the toes, and it commonly occurs in people who have sweaty feet that are confined in tightfitting shoes.
Athlete’s foot is actually caused by the same type of fungus that causes jock itch, and this family of fungus is also related to the same fungus that often causes yellow toenails (tinea unguium).
Athlete’s foot is contagious as well, and it can be spread through contact with a person who is infected with athlete’s foot or from contact with surfaces that are contaminated already, such as towels, floors, and shoes.
For this reason, locker rooms at gyms or pools are places where the infection is likely to spread because they consist of wet areas.
If you find yourself sitting in pedicure chairs or massage chairs at salons or pedicure places frequently, be sure to wash your feet well as soon as possible afterward!
Wet socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions allow for the maximum amount of growth for athlete’s foot, so wearing shoes with plastic liners, having sweaty feet regularly, or leaving your feet wet for a long time are all common ways to acquire an athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is generally pretty noticeable if you happen to contract it, and after removing your socks and shoes you will likely begin to see some symptoms.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that typically begins between the toes and thrives in warm, moist environments.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that feed on keratin found in the skin, nails, and hair.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
Common symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, burning, stinging sensations, and flaky or cracked skin, particularly in the webbing of the toes or on the soles of the feet.
In more severe cases, it can also lead to blisters, ulcers, or secondary bacterial infections if left untreated.
Who Does Athlete’s Foot Affect Most Commonly?
This condition often affects athletes, gym-goers, and individuals who wear tight or damp shoes for extended periods, but it can happen to anyone.
Walking barefoot in communal spaces like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool decks increases the risk of exposure.
Recognizing and treating athlete’s foot early is essential not only for symptom relief but also to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body, including the toenails (onychomycosis) and hands (tinea manuum).
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot
- Keep Feet Dry and Clean: Regularly wash your feet with soap and water. Ensure they are completely dry, especially between the toes, before putting on socks or shoes.
- Wear Breathable Footwear: Choose shoes made from materials that allow air circulation. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes consecutively to let them dry out.
- Change Socks Regularly: Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them daily or more frequently if they become damp.
- Use Antifungal Powders or Sprays: These products can help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of fungal growth.
- Protect Your Feet in Public Areas: Wear sandals or shower shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and around public pools.
- Avoid Sharing Footwear: Fungi can spread by direct contact, so avoid sharing shoes and socks.
- Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Regularly trim your toenails and keep them clean, as fungi can live under nails.
- Control Foot Perspiration: If you have sweaty feet, consider using specialized insoles that absorb moisture and keep feet drier.
- Choose the Right Socks: Opt for socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, or synthetic fibers designed to wick away moisture.
- Avoid Tight-fitting Shoes: Tight footwear can create a moist, warm environment conducive to fungal growth.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing athlete’s foot.
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home
Although there are prescription medicines available for treating athlete’s foot, you can so use home remedies for athlete’s foot or over-the-counter topical fungal medicines.
Keep reading below to find a few of the best solutions for treating athlete’s foot at home!
Keep Your Feet Dry
Before you begin treating athlete’s foot with any products, the first step is to make sure that it cannot spread any further.
To do so, the main step you want to take is drying your feet often.
Since warm and damp areas are great for the fungus to thrive, you need to maintain dry feet throughout the day.
Wearing dry shoes is important, but you want to focus on making sure that your socks are always dry.
If possible, alternate the pair of shoes you wear each day.
Additionally, if you can, avoid wearing shoes made of synthetic-based materials such as rubber or plastic because they are more likely to cause your feet to sweat, creating a warm and damp atmosphere for the fungus to thrive.
You can wear any type of socks that you want, but compression socks are particularly effective for keeping your feet dry and preventing athlete’s foot.
There are a variety of different benefits of wearing compression socks, but one of the lesser-known benefits is that they can help prevent athlete’s foot.
Most compression socks are good for wicking away moisture, but copper compression socks are especially useful.
Copper is a potent antimicrobial agent, and it kills a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact.
Additionally, copper assists with the production and stabilization of skin proteins, helping your feet get healthy and stay healthy.
Here is a great example of copper compression socks you can use for preventing athlete’s foot:
Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be applied to the affected area.
It’s important to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, to avoid skin irritation (Carson et al., 2006).
Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called ajoene, which has antifungal properties.
Crushed garlic can be applied to the affected area or used in foot soaks.
However, direct application might cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Vinegar Soaks
Soaking feet in a mixture of vinegar and water may help.
The acidic nature of vinegar can create an environment less favorable for the fungus.
A common ratio is one part vinegar to two parts water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used in foot soaks or as a paste. It’s believed to have antifungal qualities and also helps in absorbing moisture, which fungi thrive on.
Cornstarch
Applying cornstarch, which absorbs moisture, can help keep the feet dry and prevent the growth of fungus. It’s best used after the feet are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
While these home remedies may offer relief, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
OTC Topical Athlete’s Foot Medicine
If you want to treat athlete’s foot at home and without the help of prescription medicine, an over-the-counter topical medicine will probably be very effective for you.
Make sure you wash your hands before using the medicine and make sure your feet are completely dry before applying it.
Lotrimin is the most famous brand for OTC athlete’s foot medicine, and it has been successfully used for years by people with athlete’s foot.
Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Wipes for Athlete’s Foot
If you don’t like the idea of using a cream such as Lotrimin, another at-home remedy for athlete’s foot is to use antifungal wipes.
You can even get antifungal wipes that contain only natural essential oils or other natural products.
These wipes are great because you can use them for other purposes as well, and not just athlete’s foot.
Although they may be less effective than an OTC athlete’s foot medicine like Lotrimin, they are multi-purposed and effective as well.
Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Final Thoughts: Can You Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home?
Athlete’s foot can be a painful and frustrating ailment, but it is likely that you can effectively treat it at home, on your own.
However, you should certainly consult a doctor to make sure that you do actually have athlete’s foot before using anti-fungal treatments on your feet.
