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Our feet have to bear the consequences of all the physical activity that we do during the day and ironically they are also the most neglected part of our bodies. Most of us spend a fortune looking after our face and hands but spend very little time pampering our feet. When the feet are not cared for properly it often results in foot infections of various kinds including bacterial and fungal. Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are the two most common foot infections caused by fungi.It is important to treat all infections as soon as possible and this holds true for foot fungus infections as well because of the pain and discomfort associated with them. Besides, infection in either foot makes walking extremely uncomfortable and painful. However, before you rush to a doctor to get treatment for fungal infection of the feet there are many effective home remedies that you can try. In this section we will give you the best home remedies for treating fungal infections of the feet easily.
Best Home Remedies For Treating Foot Fungus
1. Bleaching Liquids
Bleaching agents are known for the drying effect they have on fungi causing the infection and the ultimate aim of treating any infection is to get rid of the infectious agent completely. And liquids known for bleaching clothes are known to help eliminate the micro-organisms responsible for the fungus. However, bleaching liquids, powders and solvents contain very strong chemicals that may harm your skin if used undiluted.
Always mix the bleaching agent with water before using it to treat fungal infection of the foot. To treat the infection mix one part bleaching agent with three parts water and soak your infected foot in this liquid mixture for 20 minutes. Wash your skin with warm water and dry thoroughly. Repeat the treatment thrice a day for 10 days or until you are completely free from the infection.
2. Vinegar
White vinegar used for cooking purpose is a known anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. The chemicals in vinegar help fight the foot fungus infections as well but one has to be very regular in the treatment while using vinegar. Vinegar does not contain strong chemicals as does bleaching liquid and therefore can be used undiluted.
Pour a cup full of vinegar in a basin and soak your infected foot in this for 20 minutes. Dry your foot without washing it with water and repeat the treatment every four hours for 15 days at least. Your infected skin may sting a bit when exposed to pure vinegar but this only proves that the vinegar is working on the infection causing fungi.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well known agent for treating various skin infections at home including those of the feet caused by fungi. However, as with other home remedies one has to be very regular with the treatment using baking soda. In half a liter of water add half cup baking soda and immediately soak your infected foot in this solution.
Leave the foot in the solution for 15 minutes and keep massaging the infected area with the baking soda solution. After 15 minutes wash your foot with warm water and dry it completely using a soft towel or a hair dryer. Perform the treatment two times a day for 10 days to eliminate the infection causing fungi. Once you are infection free perform the treatment twice a week to ensure the infection doesn’t return.
4. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is normally used for treating cold and congestion of the chest. It is eucalyptus oil and camphor based rub that effectively gets rid of the virus responsible for causing common cold. However, many people also use the rub for treating infections of the feet like athlete’s foot. The combination of oil and camphor works together to get rid of the fungus causing the infection.
To treat foot fungus with Vicks VapoRub apply generous amount of the rub on the infected part of the foot and rub it for 2-3 minutes. Leave the rub on the skin for 30 minutes and wash off using warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Application of the rub may sting a bit but this is because of the strong nature of camphor. Perform the treatment twice a day for 15 days to get rid of the infection completely. Professional swimmers and people who expose their naked feet to floors of common washrooms should apply VapoRub to their feet thrice a week to keep fungal infections of the feet at bay.
Also Read
Home Remedies for Toe Fungus
Herbal Remedies For Nail Fungus
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
5. Boric Acid
Boric acid is an amazing chemical agent for treating various skin infections including bacterial and fungal. The chemical properties of the acid work brilliantly on the agents responsible for the infection and eliminate them completely. The acid is available in both liquid as well as powder form and should be used with water for treating fungal infections of the feet.
Mix liquid boric acid and water in equal parts and use this as a foot soak for treating the infection. Keep the infected foot in the solution for 20-30 minutes and then wash the foot using warm water and strong soap. The treatment should be done twice everyday for as long as the infection persists. Regular use of boric powder solution will keep the infection from recurring.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that is used in many beauty products. While the chemical bleaches well it doesn’t harm the skin at all and this is one reason it can be safely used for treating fungal foot infections. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and pour the resulting liquid in a basin. Place the infected foot in the basin for 20 minutes while gently massaging the infected area. Wash your foot and hands with water and anti-bacterial soap.
Dry the foot completely or the infection will may worsen if the area is left moist. The treatment should be done once a day for 15-20 days to eliminate the infection causing fungus. Infections of the foot caused by fungus should be treated at the earliest to ensure the infection doesn’t spread or worsen. If the home remedies fail to work for you then see a doctor immediately.
