Home Remedies: Fighting Foot Fungus
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.
Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs. Prescription medications also are available.
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot usually causes a scaly red rash. The rash typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst right after you take off your shoes and socks. Some types of athlete’s foot feature blisters or ulcers. The moccasin variety of athlete’s foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot. It can be mistaken for eczema or even as dry skin. The infection can affect one or both feet and can spread to your hand especially if you scratch or pick at the infected parts of your feet.
Causes
Athlete’s foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms’ growth.
Prevention
These tips can help you avoid athlete’s foot or ease the symptoms if infection occurs:
Best Home Remedies For Foot Fungus: Athletes Foot & Toenails Fungus
I. What Is Foot Fungus?
Foot fungus or Fungi is known as onychomycosis, or microorganisms which are everywhere in the natural environment. Toenail fungus can get spotted easily by the characters of inflammation, swelling, thickening, and signs of toe and toenail pain. Toenail fungus bacteria is in both indoors and outdoors environment as many known types of fungal bacteria exist on humans body day after day without any signs of the problem. Still, at some moments, fungi bacteria can get grown and developed into a real infection, cause the toenail fungus or fungal infection
Scientists classify toenail fungus infection by the kind of fungal bacteria creating the conditions, the infected body area and the level of infection caused by fungi. The surface of human skin, skin fold areas are believed to be an ideal place for the growth of fungi bacteria, which causes swelling, thickening, yellowing and pain.
The followings are well-known types of fungal infections:
- Jock itch, ringworm, and toenail. The infected skin area looks like scalp
- Onychomycosis in nails and nail beds.
- Candidiasis of the mouth, urinary tract, and vagina.
We have to admit that with our social way of living at present, it is likely for everyone to get a fungal bacterium infection. The choice is made by yourself, but sometimes it slips out of your control, so the point here is that you find the right remedies. Have a look at this article to seek some normal but effective solutions for you.
Tips To Prevent Reinfection:
Keep the feet clean and dry thoroughly, especially in between toes.
Wear cotton socks, ensure to wear a fresh pair every day. Always wash socks in hot water. Never share socks or shoes with others.
Sundry shoes to kill any fungus that thrives inside them, sprinkle a little baking soda or corn-starch in shoes at night that allows absorbing the moisture. Tap it out before wearing.
Avoid wearing tight closed-toe shoes, as moisture and heat may stimulate the growth of the athletes foot fungus.
If the symptoms dont get better in a few days or new problems arise, then seek immediate medical help.
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How To Get Rid Of Foot Fungus: Can Home Remedies Help
This article was co-authored by . Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA .There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 95,579 times.
Helpful Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus
Are your toes sore? Does it look like something is wrong with your toenail? If youve recently been diagnosed with toe fungus, there are a number of treatment options at your disposal.
Well tell you everything you need to know about this irritating problem. Youll learn the best nail fungus treatment and home remedies for toe fungus.
The guide will also cover preventive measures so you can avoid these issues in the future.
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What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is usually an infection of the toenail caused by opportunistic fungi, explains Oliva. It may cause your nail to turn a yellow or white hue, thicken, or crumble at the outer edges.
While toenail fungus can occur in people of all ages, board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, says that its most common in older folks. As the nail ages, it is prone to becoming brittle and dry, which can result in cracks in the nails that make it susceptible to fungal infections, she explains, noting that all of the aforementioned causes can be even more of a concern as a result.
Meet the Expert
- , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Manhattan. She is an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital and also teaches in the Dermatology Departments surgery clinic.
- Francisco Oliva, DPM, is a Miami-based podiatrist who has been in private practice for 25+ years.
Nevertheless, because developing a toenail fungus can occur at all ages, we reveal the best ways to treat toenail fungus at home, below.
Home Remedies For Nail Fungus
Herbs that Heal
- Snakeroot extract is obtained from a plant Snakeroot, which belongs to the sunflower family. Snakeroot extract has been found to be effective in nail fungus cure when applied topically.
- Pau DArco is a natural herb, found to be an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of fungal infections.
- Oregano oil is not only blessed with antifungal properties but also has potent antiviral and antibacterial effects.
- Lemongrass herb is also used for its effective antifungal properties.
- Horopito is a plant with some active chemicals such as polygodial, which makes it an effective treatment for nail fungus.
- Anise seeds are obtained from the plant Pimpinella asisum and have various medicinal properties. The chemical components present in anise seeds are powerfully effective against fungus, and hence, it is a good nail fungus cure.
Catharanthus roseusTea Tree Oil Melaleuca alternifoliaOlive Leaf Garlic MiconazoleOzone TherapyVicks VapoRubKeep it Clean and TrimmedNutrition
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Sprinkle Cornstarch On Your Toes
Cornstarch, a common kitchen ingredient made from corn, can also treat athlete’s foot by absorbing excess moisture from feet, says Galante. That’s because keeping your feet dry prevents the spread of this fungal infection.
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try drugstore foot powders like Dr. Scholl’s, which can be helpful as well, says Jon Sherman, DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon and fellow at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Luxuriate In Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known for being incredibly calming for the senses, sure, but its also a great option for calming toenail fungal infections. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, lavender provides a powerful antifungal punch. Lavender essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi that are responsible for toenail fungus and other skin fungal infections, Hayag explains. When using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus, it is best to apply one to two drops of lavender oil to the affected nail and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. After soaking, she suggests gently scrubbing the area with a clean toothbrush and repeating the process daily until the infection has been resolved.
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Antifungal Soap With Tea Tree Oil
Look for an antifungal soap that has tea tree oil, therapeutic grade essential oils, and skin healing botanicals.
A good soap with tea tree oil and other essential oils will help wash away harmful fungi, bacteria, and microbes from the skins surface.It will also protect against athletes foot, jock itch, nail fungus, tinea versicolor, ringworm, body odor, and other skin irritations.
How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better
With proper diagnosis and treatment, your athletes foot should go away in one to eight weeks. And be sure to follow your healthcare providers instructions.
Its important to finish your full course of medicine, too. During the early healing stages, itchiness and irritation will fade. Even if your symptoms go away, you may still have athletes foot. If you do not finish your full course of medicine, your athletes foot can come back and be harder to treat.
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Potential Risks And Complications
If untreated, athletes foot can result in a bacterial infection if skin is broken. This can happen due to scratching or when blisters pop or ulcers become infected. Any type of infection can be very serious and requires prompt treatment.
Athletes foot is also very contagious. It can easily spread to your hands, especially if youre scratching at the affected area. This fungus can also infect the area under your nails, which can be more difficult to treat, or the groin area.
How To Get Rid Of Foot Fungus: 12 Simple Home Remedies
The health of your feet matters, just like any other part of your body.Skin fungal infections, which include athletes foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections, are very common.
If you have foot fungus, do not let it take over your health. Learn how to get rid of it by reading on.
Foot fungus is extremely contagious, thriving in warm, moist environments such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers.
This article will discuss the various ways to get rid of foot fungus.
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Who Is At Risk Of A Skin Fungus?
You are more at risk of getting a skin fungus if you:
- are taking steroids
- have a weak immune system caused by HIV/AIDS or cancer
- have had a skin infection in the past
- suffer from high blood sugar levels or uncontrolled diabetes
Home Treatments For Toenail Fungus Don’t Always Work
How long does it take to know if your home treatment remedy option has worked? It depends on the remedy and the severity of the fungal problem. While it usually takes 2 to 3 months for a toenail fungus infection to go away, it can take up to a year to completely heal. Most people will try at least 1 of the above home antifungal treatments before choosing to seek foot care from a professional.
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Home Remedies For Foot Fungus
There are many home remedies, both proven and unproven, for athletes foot, toenail fungus, and other foot problems. Soaking the foot in a diluted vinegar or bleach solution can help cure athletes foot. Use baking soda or cornstarch and sprinkle it on the feet to keep them dry or remove odor.
Anti-fungal products can do wonders for toenail fungus. Olive leaf extract is not only anti-fungal but also antibacterial. Orange oil, another anti-fungal ingredient, can be applied to the affected nails to cure toenail fungus. Lavender or oregano oil can also be used.
To treat ingrown toenails at home that are not infected or just barely affected, soak the foot in warm water and Epsom salts, wedge cotton or something else soft underneath the nail to prop it up, and add antibacterial cream.
Should I Cut Off My Fungus Toenail
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
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Causes Of Toenail Fungus
- Onychomycosis stems from a number of fungal pathogens, primarily a certain group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Other relatively less common carriers of this infection are yeast and mold.
- Your susceptibility to this type of infection increases with age as older people tend to have increasingly brittle and dry nails that may allow the fungus to slip in through the cracks.
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with people grappling with fungal infections like athletes foot or ringworm on their hands can transmit the fungus onto you, paving the way for a toenail infection.
- A warm, moist environment such as a pool deck or a locker room provide the ideal breeding grounds for these infection-causing fungi. Therefore, people who walk barefoot in such areas tend to pick up this infection quite easily.
- Another common way of catching a fungal nail infection is by sharing an infected nail clipper or towel.
- Moreover, people who are prone to having moisture-ridden nails or often wear sweaty socks and shoes are increasingly predisposed to getting a fungal nail infection all by themselves.
Wash With Antifungal Cleanser
Antifungal washes, such as Nizoral, can help dry, scaly moccasin type foot fungus, Rodney says. Gently lather it onto the entire feet, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with water, she adds. As it is a wash, the medication can penetrate through all the dry, scaly skin and easily get to the fungus.
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Consider A Tea Foot Bath
Soaking your feet in tea may also ease symptoms of athlete’s foot.
A small 2013 clinical trial found that 12 weeks of foot baths containing green tea polyphenols micronutrients found in plant-based foods improved symptoms of athlete’s foot in elderly patients compared to a placebo.
Black tea may also alleviate symptoms of athlete’s foot, particularly the odor, due to the presence of a specific type of polyphenol called tannins.
“The tannins that are in black tea help with that foot odor,” says Galante.
When To See A Bethesda Md Or Springfield Va Podiatrist
If you try several of these remedies and see no results, its time to see a podiatrist. Toenail fungus is notoriously stubborn, so dont be too surprised if home remedies dont quite work. It can also take quite a long time for these home remedies to work because you have to continue doing them consistently until the new nail has fully grown out.
If youve tried the homeopathic route and arent satisfied with the results, you can always come see Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross! If you have moderate to severe foot fungus, it is recommended that you see a doctor anyway because there can be complications if the infection is left untreated. Call us at . We offer same day appointments if you dont want to wait.
The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot and ankle conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot and ankle pain relief.
Our Bethesda, Maryland and Springfield, Virginia Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.
Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!
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What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus
Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home: Try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available. If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion.
How A Podiatrist Can Help With Toenail Fungus
How does a podiatrist treat toenail fungus? If you’ve tried one or more of the above home remedies to treat your case of toenail fungus and haven’t experienced any relief, then it’s time to make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional treatment depends on the type of fungus you have, as well as the severity of the infection.
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Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
Risk factors | Diagnosis | Home remedies | Over-the-counter medicine | Prescription drugs | When to see a doctor
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.