How to Get Rid of Foot Fungus

Foot fungus, also referred to as athlete's foot, is a fungal attack that usually strikes the skin situated in between the toes. The infected part of the foot turns dry, flaky, red, itches terribly and shows formation of blisters. Sometimes the fungal infection affects the nails, making them brittle and distorted.

There are different ways of eliminating this fungal infection, some of which are discussed here:

People who have the habit of wearing moist socks or those traveling frequently in wet areas without footwear are most vulnerable to athlete's foot and nail fungus. So, make sure to wear clean, dry socks, whenever moving outside the house.

Wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes causes excessive sweating, which acts as the perfect breeding ground for the fungus to thrive. Also, one should not select a shoe that is made from plastic, rubber, and vinyl as the material prevent air flow in and out of the shoe. One needs to select shoes that enable the feet to breathe.

Being a fungal infection, the first line of treatment involves use of topical antifungal agents that are available in the form of cream or spray. They are listed below:

• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Spectazole
• Terbinafine

In some cases, the patient is asked to wash the affected foot with ketoconazole shampoo and then apply the Nizoral cream. There are quite a few creams sold under various brands like 'Tripod Labs Tineastat Athlete's foot cream' that are a combination of synthetically prepared antifungal agents and herbal remedies.

Buying these topical agents containing herbal extracts is equally beneficial to get rid of the infection.

Severe cases of athlete's foot may not just respond to the use of topical agents. Along with creams, the doctor may prescribe antifungal medicines that need to be taken orally for 2-3 weeks.

However, people with liver problems should stay away from these oral medications given below:

• Terbinafine
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole

It is well-known that coconut oil displays antifungal activity and hence its usage works to clear away the infection. An important constituent of coconut oil is lauric acid that shows antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It does a wonderful job in moisturizing the skin. So, applying it on the affected area daily can definitely serve the purpose.

Tea tree oil, when applied regularly on the infected area, kills the microbes as well as speeds up healing.

With the onset of foot fungus, the skin pH deviates from the normal range. Restoring pH value found in a healthy balanced skin is the key to free the affected skin from the shackles of the fungus.

So, if one is looking for products that can help to regulate skin pH, one can rely on apple cider vinegar. Make a solution containing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and immerse your affected foot into it for at least 20-25 minutes everyday.

Warm salt water solution is found to display antifungal properties. Mix 2 teaspoons of salt in a basin of warm water and soak your feet into the solution for 10-15 minutes everyday. Warm water containing dissolved salt acts as an excellent antifungal solution and therefore can contribute in getting rid of this infection.

So, if one is looking for products that can help to regulate skin pH, one can rely on apple cider vinegar. Make a solution containing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and immerse your affected foot into it for at least 20-25 minutes everyday.

Heat approximately 1.5 liters of water until it starts boiling. Switch off the gas and put 6 tea bags in the heated water. Allow the water to cool and then soak the infected foot in it for half an hour daily. Tea contains tannic acid, which not only destroys the fungus but also helps in reducing the itchy sensation.

As yogurt contains good bacteria, including it in the diet can also help eliminate this infection. Washing the foot everyday and then using a cleaning towel to dry it is also important to speed up healing.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.