How to Get Rid of Athlete's Foot

Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

I would not wish Athlete’s foot on anyone! Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that loves the warm wet nooks and crannies of your feet.  You can pick up the spores for this dreaded infection by walking barefoot on your public gym’s wet shower floor or by coming into contact with someone who's infected. The name “Athlete’s foot” is a little misleading, however, because similar types of fungi can cause similar infections in other areas of the body (ie ringworm or jock itch). The symptoms of athlete’s foot are itching and burning in between the toes, a red scaly rash, an unpleasant odor and, in severe cases, swelling and blisters on the feet.

We've looked at lots and lots of home remedies for getting rid of athlete's foot and collected what we think are the best and most effective here.  We'll start with the easiest!

Easy Home Remedies for Foot Fungus

One easy remedy is to soak your feet in a solution of apple cider vinegar and hot water for 15 minutes at least once a day.  Or, try a foot bath with 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 10 drops tea tree oil and 5 drops peppermint oil in two quarts of hot water.  You can add Epsom salts to either of these recipes for added effectiveness. Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly and let them “air out” after soaking and then put on clean, dry, preferably cotton, socks.

One of our customers who had a stubborn fungal nail infection found success with Grapefruit Seed extract. He applied it to the affected toenails once a day, neat, and saw dramatic improvement after just a few days.  Grapefruit seed extract has significant anti-fungal effects on its own, but could also be blended with tea tree oil.

If all the above fails, here’s a potent Athlete's Foot topical spray:

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup grain alcohol or vodka

1 cup witch hazel

1 cup distilled water

1 tablespoon thyme essential oil

1 tablespoon tea tree essential oil

1 tablespoon geranium essential oil

1 teaspoon camphor essential oil

Mix all ingredients well and put the solution in a spray bottle. Apply to affected area at least once a day, making sure you have time to allow it to dry on your skin before putting on socks or clothing. To get rid of the fungus lingering in your shoes, spray a couple of squirts of this in your shoes and let them sit in the sunlight for a couple of hours.

Anti-Fungal Salve

¼ c. wheat-germ oil
¼ c.  jojoba oil
1 tablespoon beeswax
50 drops tea-tree essential oil

In a small double boiler, heat the oils and the beeswax just until the beeswax melts. Remove from heat and beat it with a whisk or fork until it is cool to the touch. Mix in the tea tree. Store your salve in a small cosmetic jar and apply as necessary.

And finally . . . foot powder:

To make your own foot powder, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 15 drops tea tree oil, 8 drops of geranium oil, 5 drops of cypress oil, and 3 drops peppermint oil. Mix well. Apply to  feet at least once daily. Store in an airtight container. This can be sprinkled into shoes to fight the fungus when you’re not wearing your shoes.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and not intended to treat, prescribe, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. This information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Dreaming Earth Botanicals is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed. All matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by a health care professional. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children.