Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes and causes itching, a burning sensation, thickening and peeling of the skin, discoloration of the nails, and even blisters, and can spread to the hands if left untreated. Fortunately, there are home remedies that can temporarily treat the fungus. Apple cider vinegar can relieve inflammation and pain at the same time, as well as kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Apple Cider Vinegar Only for Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Purchase 5% cloudy apple cider vinegar
The brown, cloudy coating in the apple cider vinegar bottle is referred to as the "mother" and is very beneficial. This indicates high quality apple cider vinegar, and contains extra healing nutrients that will make it even more effective.
Step 2. Pour 2-4 cups of apple cider vinegar into a large bowl
You'll need to add enough apple cider vinegar to soak your feet in it. If you need more liquid, consider adding warm water. Just make sure not to dilute the vinegar more than 1:1 with the water.
If you don't want to use apple cider vinegar, you can also use white vinegar
Step 3. Wash your feet before soaking them in the vinegar solution
Wash the soles of your feet with soap and water. Once your feet are clean, dry them with a towel or allow them to dry on their own. If you use towels, be sure to wash them immediately after use so you don't spread the fungus to other parts of your body.
Step 4. Soak the infected foot
Place the soles of your feet in a large bowl of vinegar solution. The acid in the vinegar will kill the fungus, as well as soften and exfoliate the thickened skin layer it causes. If you want, you can use a washcloth to wipe the infected area while soaking it in the vinegar solution.
5% vinegar shouldn't be too harsh on your skin. However, if your skin feels like it's burning or a rash develops, stop soaking your feet and add more water to dilute the vinegar solution
Step 5. Let your feet soak in the vinegar solution for 10-30 minutes
You should do this treatment 2-3 times a day for 7 days. After the 7 days of treatment is complete, continue to soak the feet 1-2 times a day for another 3 days. After 10-30 minutes have elapsed, remove the feet from the bowl and pat dry.
Step 6. Apply vinegar directly to very small infections
If the infected area is very small, you can also dip a cotton ball or washcloth in the vinegar solution and apply it directly to the area. Press a cotton ball against the surface of the mushroom and hold it for a few minutes, after that, dip it back into the vinegar solution and repeat. Do this treatment 2 times a day for 10-30 minutes at a time.
Step 7. Apply moisturizer after treating your feet to reduce the side effects of vinegar
The acid in vinegar may be harsh on the skin. So, consider applying a light moisturizer after soaking your feet.
Method 2 of 3: Using Apple Cider Vinegar with Other Ingredients
Step 1. Make oxymel, a combination of honey and vinegar that has been used since ancient times
Raw and cloudy honey has been shown to have antifungal properties.
- Mix honey and apple cider vinegar 4:1.
- Apply it to the infected area and leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
- Clean then dry.
Step 2. Alternately use the apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide bath
Just like apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide is also an effective antifungal. However, hydrogen peroxide is stronger than vinegar, so it's not suitable for daily soaking. So, alternate between using apple cider vinegar and 2% hydrogen peroxide.
- Purchase 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Dilute hydrogen peroxide by adding water in a 2:1 ratio.
- If you feel a burning sensation or a rash develops on your skin, dilute the hydrogen peroxide again by adding more water.
- WARNING: do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together, or soak your feet in both solutions alternately in one day. Mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can cause a caustic reaction that burns your feet and damages your lungs through the smoke.
Step 3. Apply colloidal silver after soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar
Colloidal silver (small particles suspended in liquid) at a concentration of 100 ppm (parts per million) is an effective antifungal and antibacterial agent. After soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar and drying them, apply a colloidal silver solution to the area and allow it to dry on its own.
WARNING: do not ingest colloidal silver. This solution is of no use if swallowed and can accumulate on the skin and cause a bluish-gray discoloration
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Athlete's Foot from Relapse
Step 1. Keep the infected area dry and clean
Between soaking your feet in vinegar, make sure to keep them dry and clean. The fungus that causes athlete's foot likes damp places, so wet feet are more likely to make the infection recur or even get worse.
- A great way to keep your feet dry is to wear socks made of natural fibers, or fabrics that wick moisture away from your feet. Change your socks when they get wet.
- Consider wearing sandals or flip-flops in hot weather.
- Wear bathrobes, flip-flops, or slippers around swimming pools, gyms, hotel rooms, and bathrooms or changing rooms.
Step 2. Wash your footwear
Mold is a nuisance organism and cannot be easily removed. It is possible that the fungus grows in shoes and towels after the infected foot comes into contact with these objects. As a result, you must disinfect all objects that have come into contact with your feet during the infection. Rinse your shoes (including the inside) with water and leave them in the sun to dry. Once dry, sprinkle some antifungal powder into the shoes to make sure the mold doesn't come back.
Step 3. Find the right size shoes
Athlete's foot is most often caused by sweat on the feet and shoes that are too tight. Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect the size to widen. To prevent athlete's foot, buy shoes that are wide and long enough.
Step 4. Alternate different shoes
Thus, your shoes will be dry when worn.
Step 5. Disinfect your bathroom and tub
As described above, these fungi like moist conditions. During athlete's foot infection, some of the fungus will be carried into the bathroom when you shower. This fungus can re-infect your feet when you use the bathroom again. Thus, you should disinfect your bathroom and bathtub. Put on gloves and use bleach or apple cider vinegar to scrub the bathroom floor. When you're done, throw the gloves and sponge you used for cleaning in the trash.
Tips
Avoid sharing towels, socks, sandals, and shoes with other people to make sure you don't infect other people with the fungus, or you catch the fungus from someone else
Warning
- Only soak the feet in the vinegar solution after checking that there are no open sores in the area. Vinegar will cause the wound to feel very sore.
- Although it has been used to treat athlete's foot for centuries, there have been no quality peer-reviewed studies to measure its effectiveness as an antifungal. For best results, consider using an antifungal cream or spray.
- Consult a doctor if after using vinegar for 2-4 weeks your condition does not improve.
