The Best Home Remedies for Treating Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a common skin infection that can be easily treated at home. There are many home remedies for athlete's foot that are quite effective, but it is important to know what the symptoms of athlete’s foot are before treating it.

What you need to do is choose the one that fits your lifestyle and situation better.

Important: All of these remedies work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper hygiene.

Having said that, here are the most effective home remedies for athlete’s foot:

1. Sea salt baths

Mineral sulfur is the third most common mineral in sea salt. According to a study by Kim S., Kubec R. and Musah RA., it has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent natural treatment for athlete's foot. It may even prevent athlete's foot from spreading and growing.

For that reason, we recommend you check Trihard's Active Foot Soak.

It effectively cleanses and dries out blisters while relieving pain. It contains Dead Sea Salt, along with Red Algae, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Tea Tree Oil, to help alleviate itch and burns from fungus caused by excessive sweat.

2. Over-the-counter treatments

You can treat athlete's foot with plenty of over-the-counter treatments. Some options include powders, sprays, ointments, and lotions. All of them contain antifungal active ingredients.

These treatments work well for most cases of athlete's foot, and further treatment is rarely necessary. Therefore, these might be people's first choice for treating athlete's foot.

This type of treatment can be applied directly to the affected area. To prevent a recurrence of the infection, use them for at least a week after symptoms have passed.

3. Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub has antifungal properties due to its eucalyptus and menthol ingredients. According to a study, the two ingredients were both effective against eleven fungi.

Apply Vicks VapoRub every night to the affected area. Do this every night for a month, or for at least a week after the infection is gone.

4. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been proven to be effective in treating foot fungus when applied topically (rubbed) to the feet. It can reduce athlete's foot itching, scaling, swelling, and burning.

We recommend you check Trihard's Active Foot Spray.

It contains tea tree oil to prevent infection and eliminate bacteria, it creates a barrier between the foot and the shoe to reduce friction during physical activity, and it hydrates your skin while providing a refreshing feeling.

5. Hydrogen peroxide with iodine

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine are among the most widely used antiseptics and disinfectants. Research has shown that combining the two together is more effective than using them separately. Researchers discovered that these ingredients were able to kill 16 different kinds of fungi.

To prepare this remedy, you will need to mix iodine solution and hydrogen peroxide. Once done, apply it directly to the affected area with a pad, or soak the feet in the solution in a bucket or large bowl.

6. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Researchers have found that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has antifungal properties when applied topically.

To prepare a foot soak, combine half a cup of baking soda with lukewarm water. Let your feet soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then thoroughly dry them without rinsing.

7. Ajoene from Garlic

According to a study, ajoene, which is found in garlic, has antithrombotic, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects. Ajoene is useful in treating a variety of fungal infections, including easing the symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Ajoene is available as an antifungal pill for oral administration or as a gel. This remedy can also prevent athlete's foot from returning.

8. Green Tea

Green tea (Matcha) contains polyphenols that are known for damaging bacterial membranes and preventing infection. If you soak your feet in lukewarm green tea, you may also notice less peeling and redness.

Note: This remedy won't work instantly. You may need to do it every day for a few months, so be patient.

9. Garlic

There is an extensive history of garlic's medicinal use. A number of studies have demonstrated garlic's effectiveness against some fungi and bacteria.

According to studies of garlic, there is evidence that it can kill a wide variety of germs. You can try this remedy at home by soaking fresh garlic cloves in water.