Foot fungus, just as the name suggests, is a type of fungal infection that affects the feet, and more specifically, the region between the toes. The infection causes the skin to become extremely itchy and scaly. Depending on the extent of the infection, the skin may also be blistered.

Other symptoms of the fungal infection include a burning sensation on the affected skin and discolored toenails. The infection is caused by a fungus, medically known as Tinea Pedis. The fungus thrives in moist warm places, and this explains in part, why the feet are an ideal location for the fungi.

grapefruitFor many people, feet remain covered in socks all day and constant walking coupled with day-to-day activities creates a warm environment for the fungi to breed. While this is not a life threatening condition, if left unchecked, it can easily advance causing infections in other parts of the body such as the groin and hands.

Typical medical intervention involves the administration of anti-fungal medication. The good news, however, is that there is a wide array of remedies that one can use to manage foot fungus. Each of the remedies listed below is an effective choice, with many of the ingredients easily available for you.


1. Garlic Cloves:

Time Required: 45 Min
What You Need: 2 Garlic cloves, 3 drops of olive oil, pestle and mortar, warm water and clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of nature’s best anti-fungal treatments is found in garlic cloves. Best known for its unique taste in the culinary field, it helps to know that garlic cloves are a potent anti-fungal compound. Garlic’s healing properties are attributed to the presence of a compound known as Ajoene. When applied topically, the garlic paste helps get rid of the causative fungus. Olive oil is added to ensure that the skin remains moisturized, while providing a base for the development of the paste. Follow the directions below to make the best use of this remedy.

Directions:

  1. Peel and clean the garlic cloves before chopping into small pieces.
  2. Transfer the chopped garlic to the mortar and pound it until you have a consistent paste.
  3. Add the olive oil to the paste and mix well.
  4. Scoop the paste and apply it on the affected skin, ensuring that you also cover the surrounding skin to prevent further spread.
  5. Allow the paste to remain on the skin for half an hour.
  6. After this, rinse the paste off using warm water.
  7. Dry the skin well, especially in the areas between the toes.
  8. Use this remedy daily for a couple of weeks until the infection clears.
  9. You can also compliment the application of the garlic paste by adding fresh garlic to your daily meals.

 


2. Yogurt:

Time Required: 45 Min
What You Need: Yogurt, cotton wool, warm water to rinse and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Yogurt is recommended for the treatment of foot fungus, thanks to the presence of live bacteria in the yogurt. The live bacteria creates a hostile environment for the fungi to thrive, in effect reducing the symptoms of athlete’s foot and clearing the infection. Your best bet is plain yogurt that is packed with live culture. Added benefits of the remedy include skin moisturization and the ease of application.

Directions:

  1. Use the cotton wool to scoop some of the yogurt and apply it on the affected skin.
  2. Let the yogurt dry on its own.
  3. When dried, rinse the skin using warm water before drying with a clean towel.
  4. Use this remedy thrice daily for a couple of weeks for best results.

 


3. Myrrh Oil:

Time Required: 15-30 Min
What You Need: Myrrh oil and cotton wool. You may also opt to use the oil and hot water for a foot soak.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Myrrh oil has long been used for skin care, and this explains why it is recommended for the home treatment of foot fungus. Of the oil’s many healing properties such as antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic, the most relevant for this condition is the anti-fungal healing properties. The oil destroys the structure of the fungi, so that regular use of the oil over time effectively gets rid of the infection. There are two ways in which you can use the oil: direct topical application or the addition to water to use a foot soak. Below are the directions you need to follow to use this remedy.

Directions:

  1. Place a few drops of myrrh oil onto the cotton wool and gently massage the affected area.
  2. Use this remedy at least thrice daily until the fungal infection clears.
  3. Alternatively, prepare a foot soak as follows: add a few drops of the myrrh oil to hot water and place your feet in it.
  4. Enjoy this foot soak for about 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse and dry well to eliminate the presence of the fungi.

 


4. Baking Soda Paste:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Warm soapy water, clean towel, 5 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water (amount will vary depending on the extent of the foot fungus infection).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Baking soda is rich in anti-fungal properties, enabling it to effectively treat foot fungus. When mixed with water, the resulting paste creates an alkaline environment that is hostile to the fungi so that the infection clears with remarkable ease. As mentioned above, you may vary the amounts of the different ingredients to suit you as the ratios are largely dependent on the spread of the fungal infection.

Directions:

  1. Clean your feet and dry well before applying this remedy.
  2. Mix the water and baking soda to create a consistent paste.
  3. You will then apply a generous amount of the paste on the affected skin.
  4. Make sure you rub the paste in between the toes too for effective healing.
  5. Allow the paste to air dry for the healing effects to set it.
  6. Lastly, rinse your feet well and dry.
  7. Use this remedy at least twice daily to get rid of the foot infection.

 


5. Mustard Powder:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Tablespoon of mustard powder and warm water in a foot basin.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Mustard powder is obtained from ground mustard seeds, one of the most effective home remedy for treating foot fungus. The powder is a potent anti-fungal remedy, and when mixed with water, releases its active compounds which inhibit the spread of the infection. The powder, when mixed with water to create a paste, also releases its anti-inflammatory properties so that you are able to manage the pain and inflammation on the affected skin. Warm water on the other hand, soothes the feet, and allows for quick recovery.

Directions:

  1. Add the mustard powder to the water in the foot basin and mix well.
  2. Place your feet in the basin and enjoy soaking for half an hour.
  3. Rinse and dry your feet well.
  4. Use this remedy daily for best results.

 


6. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup of both water and Apple cider vinegar.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the most common home remedies for the treatment of common ailments is Apple cider vinegar. Abbreviated (ACV), this remedy is packed with great healing properties. When used to eliminate foot fungus, the anti-fungal properties present in the ACV work to get rid of tinea pedis, the causative fungi. The remedy’s alkaline properties create a harsh environment for the fungi, thus inhibiting the progression of the infection.

Directions:

  1. Mix the ACV and water using equal ratios. Depending on the extent of the infection, you may increase the respective amounts of the two to prepare adequate remedy.
  2. Apply the mixed solution on the affected skin. If the infection has spread cross the foot, you may opt to use a foot basin.
  3. Use this remedy daily.

 


7. Cinnamon:

Time Required: 1 Hr 30 Min
What You Need: 7 Cinnamon sticks, 3 cups of water, a foot basin and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cinnamon sticks are best known for their delightful taste and numerous uses in the culinary field. When used as a natural remedy, the sticks’ anti-fungal properties make it a preferred solution for the treatment of foot fungus. One of the greatest benefits of using cinnamon is that it also reduces the rate of perspiration. As mentioned above, one of the most common causes of the fungal infection is a warm moist environment. By curbing the rate of perspiration, cinnamon reduces the chances that the fungi will thrive. The best time to use this remedy is at bedtime.

Directions:

  1. Break the cinnamon sticks into small pieces to increase the surface area for the release of the active compounds.
  2. As you do this, boil the water in a pan.
  3. Transfer the chopped cinnamon sticks to the boiling water and allow to steep for an hour.
  4. Pour the cinnamon water into the foot basin and soak your feet for 30 minutes.
  5. Dry your feet thoroughly.
  6. Use this remedy daily for best results.

 


8. Onion Juice:

Time Required: 45 Min
What You Need: 2 Medium sized onions, strainer/cheesecloth, anti-fungal soap, warm water, a clean towel and talcum powder.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Onion juice is packed with anti-fungal properties, making it an ideal option for the natural treatment of foot fungus. The juice from the onions is laden with sulfur compounds, in whose presence the fungi does not thrive. The juice also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help manage the pain too. Washing your feet with anti-fungal soap also goes a long way in clearing the infection. Talcum powder is used in the last step of this remedy as it helps absorb the excess moisture in between the toes.

Directions:

  1. Peel the onions and proceed to grind them in order to release the juice.
  2. Pass the onions through the strainer or cheesecloth and collect the juice in a bowl.
  3. As the juice accumulates, wash your feet using the anti-fungal soap and warm water.
  4. Apply the onion juice on the affected skin and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.
  5. After half an hour, rinse your feet using warm water and dry well.
  6. Apply the talcum powder on the affected skin to get rid of any trace of moisture.
  7. Use this remedy at least twice daily for a period of about 10 weeks until the infection clears.

 


9.Grapefruit Seed Extract:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Grapefruit seed extract and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Grapefruit seed extract constitutes derivatives from the peel, flesh and seed of the grapefruit. The extract is an excellent disinfectant that also doubles up as an anti-fungal. It is these properties that make the extract just perfect for the treatment of foot fungus. This remedy may be used either orally or topically, but the latter is preferred as it allows for quick recovery.

Directions:

  1. Apply the grapefruit seed extract on the affected skin at least thrice daily.
  2. You may also take the grapefruit seed extract orally to compliment the topical application.

 


Some of the measures that you could take up to prevent foot fungus include:
i) Take care of your feet and shoes whenever you spend time in public places where the environment is wet. These include the gym, locker rooms, massage room as well as the pool area.
ii) Use anti-fungal spray on a regular basis to keep your shoes fungus-free.
iii) Avoid walking barefoot on wet surfaces as this predisposes you to the infection..
iv) Dry your feet thoroughly after showering, swimming or a foot soak.
v) Clean your socks daily to prevent infections and do not share your shoes.