Get rid of athlete’s foot with eight effective ways

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a fungal infection which infects the foot, especially on the toes and bottom of the foot. With increased use of public swimming pools and showers, this fungal infection is on the rise now and generally affects the male population more. The fungus thrives and rapidly multiplies in moist and warm atmospheres. 

Athlete’s foot appears red and causes the skin to become dry. As the fungal infection increases, the scales become visible on the dry skin. Athlete’s foot causes the reflex action of scratching which makes the infection worse and also spreads to other parts of the body.

The transmission of fungus is by direct or indirect contact. When people come in contact with contaminated clothes, contaminated surfaces like the showers or locker room floors and personal belongings of the infected person, then they contract this disease.

So how do you get rid of this dangerous fungus from your body? Here are eight effective ways to get rid of athlete’s foot:

1.          Keep the feet dry: You must make sure that you do not provide a suitable condition for the fungus to grow. Keep the feet dry and free from moisture and sweat.

2.          Care about the shoes and socks: Change socks frequently. When at home, remove the socks and shoes and let your feet breathe. Wearing the shoes the whole day provides warmth to the fungus to grow.

3.          Clean the infected area: Apply soap solution and rub the infected area thoroughly. Later wash your hands after having touched it.

4.          Avoid public showers and locker rooms when infected: Use your own flip-flops or slippers when walking to the pool or shower areas. It is better to avoid pools if you have an infection because there is a risk of spreading the disease to the susceptible others.

5.          Do not use shared personal belongings: Sharing personal belongings like towels, clothes, shoes and shaving blades of an infected person increases the chances of contamination. Avoid such things and moreover, do not give your personal belongings to others when you have an infection.

6.          Use topical anti-fungal creams or powder: Wash the infected part with soap and pat it dry before you start with the application of topical creams. Antifungal creams are applied to the infected parts on a daily basis for several weeks till the fungus vanishes from the skin surface.

7.          Oral medications: Oral medications need to be necessarily taken in addition to the application of topical creams so that the fungus entirely gets cured. Consult your skin specialist for proper diagnosis and medication.

8.          Home remedies: There are tons of home remedies available, but their working depends on the severity of the infection and the body types. One kind of home remedy may not work for another person. Tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and neem oil are some of the possible home remedies.

The final and most important criterion is to maintain good health and practice a healthy lifestyle to keep athlete’s foot at bay.