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Whether you play sport or simply walk around in flip flops, you can be affected by athelete’s foot if you do not maintain proper hygiene or come in contact with some contaminated objects. The parasitic fungi, Dermatophytes, that feeds on other organisms causes athelete’s foot. Since the area around your feet is warm and humid, the fungus spreads faster and could even spread all over your body if neglected. It is therefore, essential to control fungal infection once it is spotted. Most of the fungal infections require medical treatment. Several home remedies are also on hand to control fungal infections. Along with medications, topical creams, ointments, home remedies and dietary changes are used to treat fungal infections.

You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you wear socks and shoes for long periods at a stretch. The common symptom of athlete’s foot is itching between the toe fingers. Scaly, rough skin, white lesions between toes, and burning of the skin are other symptoms of an athlete’s foot. There may be burning sensation, inflammation, and blisters in addition to itching. Keeping your skin clean and dry helps prevent foot fungal infection.

Several home remedies come in handy to speed up the healing process of fungal infections by controlling the overgrowth of the fungi. Given below are some of the effective home remedies for foot fungus.

• Tea tree oil is one of the most popular home remedies for foot fungus because of its antifungal properties. Since tree oil is very strong, dilute it with water and apply it on the affected area.
• Mix one part of white vinegar to four parts of water. Soak your feet for 30 minutes in this solution daily. This helps to control fungus on feet.
• Baking soda is an effective home remedy for toe fungus. Sprinkle little baking soda between the toe fingers and rinse it off after 15 minutes.
• Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for athlete’s foot. Mix equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water and wash the affected area with this solution. Owing to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar helps to kill microorganisms.
• Soaking the feet in a warm betadine solution helps to get rid of fungi that cause infection.
• For instant relief from burning and itching, you can use a mouthwash. Soak your feet in any antiseptic mouthwash for a while.
• Applying clove powder or clove oil and applying garlic extract on the affected area helps to get rid of fungal infection faster.

If the infection persists even after trying home remedies for foot fungus for a few days, it is essential to consult a doctor.

Tips to Avoid Foot Fungus

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid baked products, fried foods, alcohol, sugar, cola drinks. Ensure to include raw garlic in your diet as it has antifungal properties.
• Wear natural fiber footwear and cotton socks.
• Make sure to keep feet dry and clean. Antiperspirants can be used to keep toes dry. Antifungal powder allows the infection to heal faster.
• Keep your shoes clean and dry. Ensure that the shoes are aired daily.

References:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878/
2. http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes_foot.html