Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a condition that causes itchiness and rashes between the toes. It is caused by a fungus and occurs mainly in people who have sweaty feet and whose feet have been enclosed in tight footwear. The condition is contagious and can quickly spread when people come in contact with contaminated towels, mats, floors, and footwear.
Doctors believe that athlete’s foot is closely related to jock itch and ringworm because the condition manifests almost the same symptoms. People suffering from athlete’s foot may have one or two of their feet affected by scaly, cracked, and peeling skin right between their toes which may also produce a burning sensation. They may also manifest dry and scaly skin at the bottom of the feet that can extend to the sides. The inflamed skin can also appear purplish, reddish, or grayish, depending on the person’s complexion. Blisters are also a common symptom of athlete’s foot, and the feet may also begin to stink. Doctors say to come in for a consultation for athlete’s foot if the person has diabetes and has a fever, swelling of the affected area, and pus.
Here are some home remedies for athlete’s foot to consider:
Vinegar Soak
Athlete’s foot typically entails having sweaty and stinky feet. Such a damp environment makes it easy for fungus infections to take hold. The resulting smell, blisters, or skin fissures can be excruciating and discomforting. The itching connected to the condition can also prove to be highly irritating. If left unchecked, bleeding, inflammation and pus can form, and it can progress from being a simple irritation to a severe case.
One of the simplest ways to treat athlete’s foot at home is to place the feet in a vinegar soak. Vinegar contains acetic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. A person suffering from athlete’s foot needs only to pour at least two cups of vinegar into a basin and place their feet into it. Some would recommend adding an equal amount of water for a 1:1 ratio, but others suggest soaking in pure white vinegar for maximum effect. Either way works, though, showing vinegar’s efficiency as a treatment.
The acetic acid breaks down the fungal infection and provides an antiseptic effect that keeps the feet clean. However, the liquid can also create a burning sensation which is normal.
