Athlete's foot is the bane of active individuals and gym shoe fanatics worldwide. It's characterized by a scaly rash that usually begins between the toes and all sorts of unwelcome symptoms—burning, itching, and stinging are three of the most common side effects.
Athlete's foot is rarely dangerous, but it's uncomfortable and also mildly contagious. The infection can spread to your hands and other parts of the body if you touch or scratch the rash.
Fortunately, you can easily treat athlete's foot. Read about the causes of athlete's foot and natural treatments you should try when tackling the infection.
What Causes Athlete's Foot?
Dermatophytes, the same kind of fungi that causes ringworm, also causes athlete’s foot. This fungus normally lives on the skin, hair, and nails and thrives in warm and moist environments.
You're most likely to contract athlete's foot by wearing damp socks and tight shoes for an extended period of time or walking barefoot in warm, wet areas, like locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, and communal baths and showers.
Tips for Preventing Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is common, but it's also completely preventable. The best way to prevent athlete's foot is to keep your feet dry by wearing breathable shoes and changing your socks frequently. You should also wear shoes whenever you're in public but ditch them at home to let your feet breathe.
How Do I Treat Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is something you can usually handle at home. If your rash lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with treatment, you should see your doctor, but otherwise, you can treat it with over-the-counter products assisted by home remedies.
Best Treatments for Athlete's Foot
You know the causes of athlete’s foot—now here are some natural treatments you should try to support its treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a popular antiseptic and disinfectant that can aid in the treatment of athlete's foot by combating dermatophytes. For best results, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto your rash twice per day.
Certain Oils and Plant Extracts
Tea tree oil, olive leaf, and neem oil all have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help support the treatment of athlete’s foot.
For tea tree oil, mix it with a carrier oil (for example, olive oil) and apply to your rash twice a day. You don’t need to dilute neem oil with a carrier oil. You can apply it directly to the infected area two to three times per day.
OTC Treatments
There are a wide variety of over-the-counter treatments for athlete's foot. They come in powders, sprays, ointments, balms, lotions, and more. Most cases of athlete's foot respond exceptionally well to these treatments.
If you have sensitive skin, look for products that have natural, allergen-free ingredients to avoid irritating your skin.
Max Green Alchemy's foot rescue balm is 100 percent natural. It can help support the treatment of symptoms of athlete's foot and help protect your feet from unwelcome fungus. Shop with us today for natural and safe skin care and hair care products for sensitive skin!
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