Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

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There are ten simple ingredients that can be used to treat athlete's foot:
1. Baking soda
Baking soda can help in two ways. Firstly a solution of baking soda in a bucket full of water has an exfoliating effect. This rids the skin of dead cells and changes the pH balance. This means the bacteria can no longer feed off dead skin cells. Secondly dusting dry baking soda onto the affected area will help dry the area out. Athlete's foot thrives on moistness so this will also help destroy the infection. Apply after every shower and keep applying for a few weeks after physical signs have disappeared.

2. Tea tree
Tea tree oil has amazing antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This gives it the ability to fight infection and kill fungi. The stronger the application of tea tree oil the greater the result. If your skin is not sensitive apply a few drops of straight tea tree oil to the affected areas several times a day. A milder alternative is a solution or cream that has 25-50 percent tea tree oil. With either of the techniques continue to apply the tea tree for about a month to reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

3. Tea
Boil approximately six teabags and pour into a bowl that you can soak your feet in. When the water will not burn, place your feet in and soak them for at least half an hour. The tannic acids help kill bacteria and are soothing on irritated skin.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Either pour directly over the skin or soak feet in a bucket filled with equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and water. Perform these treatments for around 20 minutes before washing and drying feet thoroughly. Repeating this treatment for several weeks should clear up the infection.

5. Epsom salts
Soak your feet twice daily in a solution of Epsom salts and water. These salts have a drying effect.

6. Salt water
Simply dissolve some salt in warm water and soak your feet in the solution. Salt water has been used as a way to kill bacteria for hundreds of years. It was originally used before toothpaste and mouthwash were invented to kill bacteria in the mouth. Bear in mind if your feet are cracked this treatment may be painful.

7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a cool soothing gel so it will have an immediate effect on symptoms such as itching and burning. It is also a moisturizing agent so it will help heal cracked skin and it has antibacterial properties to help clear up the infection.

8. Calendula
The Calendula flower possesses antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. A cream containing at least two percent Calendula will help heal skin and promotes the growth of new healthy cells.

9. Alcohol
Diluted alcohol applied directly to the affected area helps to kill the bacteria causing athlete's foot. Applied twice daily this treatment will slowly kill all the fungal infection.

10. Yogurt
Yoghurt has great infection fighting capabilities. Spread over the affected area regularly to treat the infection.

In addition to healing an actual outbreak of athlete's foot there are many simple and natural steps that will avoid a repeat of the infection. If you have suffered through outbreaks you will probably agree with the analogy prevention is better then cure.

There are several preventative tips:
-Only wear footwear that is made from natural materials-all leather uppers or cloths. Synthetic materials such as rubber and vinyl do not allow the skin to breathe leading to increased feet sweating.

-Whenever possible wear open shoes or leave your shoes off for a while. For example keep your closed in shoes off whilst driving to and from work and wear open toe options on the weekend.

-Dry your feet thoroughly when they get wet.

-Try wearing different shoes every second day to allow each pair to dry thoroughly between uses.

-Clean the inside of your shoes each week.

-Wear natural fibre socks like cotton, wool or hemp.

-Expose your feet to sunlight whenever you can.