How to Get Rid of Foot Fungus

Foot fungus is popularly referred to as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot refers to both foot fungus and toenail fungus. Both of these infections are very common because our feet and toenails are often not given proper care. Foot fungus and toenail fungus thrive in a wet, warm, and dark environment hence if our feet are not constantly kept dry and clean, the chance of having these infections is high.

Foot fungus as well as toenail fungus is usually itchy, painful, and leaves the nail looking ugly, crumbly, and thick. Besides the external pain and cosmetic embarrassment caused by this foot fungus, it is a sign of underlying health issues in some people. in this case, it is a more serious issue and treatment must begin immediately. This is why the diagnosis of foot fungus is important.

Treatment of foot fungus

According to the team at nailcarepalace.com, it is important to begin treatment for foot fungus as soon as it is noticed because failure to do so could see it spread to other body parts, e.g. hands and groin. The treatment options available for foot fungus include:

Home remedies

Use of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree is an ancient Australian plant. The oil gotten from this tree is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties and is effective in the treatment of foot fungus and toenail fungus. Many over-the-counter products used for treating foot fungus use tea tree oil as a key component. It does not just relieve the condition of the infection between the toes or of the toenail, it contributes to an effective and permanent cure of the infection.

For usage, mix few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, e.g. olive oil and coconut oil then apply to the affected area. It may cause skin irritation for some people; try to reduce the quantity you use per time but if the irritation still continues, you may need to stop its usage entirely.

Tea tree creams are also available.

Garlic

The medicinal history of garlic is extensive. It is used for the treatment of several health conditions including ulcer, hypertension, as well as diabetes. Garlic is loaded with antifungal and antiseptic properties that make very effective in the treatment of foot fungus. It contains a compound called ajoene which is said to have 100 percent effectiveness in treating athlete’s foot.

Mix crushed fresh garlic cloves, 3 or 4, with warm water and soak your feet in it for about 30 minutes twice per day. It is, however, important to note that it can leave a lasting smell of garlic on the skin.

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine are popular disinfectants use for treating wounds and cuts. They have been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. While each of them will deliver good results, their combination has been proven to be more effective.

You can either dip your feet in a mixture of iodine and hydrogen peroxide or use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the affected area.

Note: using undiluted iodine directly on the skin can cause damage to the skin hence dilute appropriately.Hydrogen peroxide may have a stinging effect on broken or irritated skin and can bleach hair and fabrics.

Baking soda

Baking soda has a certain degree of antifungal properties which makes it to be an effective cure for foot fungus. Mix about a half cup of baking soda with a half-full bucket of water and soak your fit in it for about 20 minutes twice per day. Do not rinse after soaking but dry the feet thoroughly.

Hairdryer and talcum powder

Fungus thrives in a moist environment. Removal of moisture from the foot will hinder the progress and spread of foot fungus. Using a hairdryer to dry the feet after necessary soaking of the feet or the whole body such as bathing is an effective way of reducing or removing moisture from the feet. Then apply talcum powder to keep the foot dry by absorbing sweat.

Prevention of foot fungus

There are several ways you can prevent occurrence or recurrence of foot fungus. They include:

• Keep your toenails short to reduce the chance of picking up fungi and bacteria.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places
• If anyone you share home with has foot fungus, disinfect shower or bathtub following each usage until the infection is cured
• Keep your shoes dry

Maintenance of proper foot hygiene is the biggest security against foot fungus.

Note: always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis of foot and toenails fungus to ensure the right treatment is administered. If underlying health issues are discovered, treatment will swiftly begin.