[toc]Athlete’s foot affects the sole of the foot. It is a very commonly found skin condition. It also affects the skin in between the toes. They usually are contracted at places like gym, swimming pools, and locker rooms and also from contaminated socks and clothes.
Once contracted the infected area gets scaly, red and itchy. There are no real symptoms to this; it starts with just dryness in the skin. In some cases the skin may peel, crack and even bleed. Athlete’s foot is a contagious disease. There are many ways to treat athlete’s foot some of which are listed here below.
Ways To Treat Athlete’s Foot
Bleach/ Vinegar Water
Another way to treat athlete’s foot is to dip the feet in bleach water. Take half a tub of water and add to it one table spoon bleach. Dip your feet in this water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Remove your feet and wipe it completely dry. The same process can be done by adding 3 table spoons of vinegar instead of bleach to the water. This has to be done every night before you go off to bed.
Creams
Over the counter fungal creams are easily available. Apply this cream to the bottom of your foot and in between the toes. Leave it overnight, the infection should heal within a week. If the infection is severe then it may take around 3-4 weeks to heal completely.
Garlic
Take some cloves of garlic, adding olive oil to it make a paste of it. Apply this paste slowly and rub it around the skin and between the toes. Leave the garlic in place for 15 minutes and then wash with warm water. After washing the feet, dry it with a soft cloth. Apply this paste twice a day. The antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties of the garlic will heal the condition.
Avoid Shoes And Socks
If you have already contracted this skin ailment then wear open sandals, so as to keep the foot dry. If you have to wear shoes then it should be of canvass, leather, or any material that can breathe in air. Wear shoes of the right size. You should wear cotton socks, as this will allow air to pass through and will keep the foot dry. Dry foot will help the infection to heal faster.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch too is very good and effective to treat athlete’s foot. Take some cornstarch and sprinkle it over the affected area of the skin and in between the toes. Keep it there for 10 to 15 minutes. The cornstarch will soak all excess moisture that the fungus is feeding on. Continue this for a week and the condition of athlete’s foot will be healed.
Black Tea
This is another good remedy to heal the condition of athlete’s foot. Take some hot water and add to it 6 tea bags of any tea. Once it is brewed, remove the tea bags from the water. Soak you feet in it for some time. The tannic acid in the black tea will fight the fungi and heal your foot.
