== Home remedies ==
* Prevention : The most important thing is to practice proper personal hygiene. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially the area in between your toes, before you put on your socks (read: clean socks). Cutting your toenails short, wearing comfortable shoes, and using anti-fungal talcum powder are only some of the many tips that you should keep in mind.
* [[Eucalyptus citriodora]] is a powerful fungicidal and bactericidal essential oil, and a valuable asset when treating athletes foot.
*[[Baking Soda]] : Baking soda has been used inside the homes as a cleansing agent and it has also been for personal hygiene over the years. Also used for dry, flaky skin, baking soda can help stop athlete’s foot in its tracks. Because the athlete’s foot fungus, the Tricophytonrubrum, thrives in damp, moist and wet areas, it would serve you best to stop the dampness, moisture and wetness. Simply sprinkle baking soda into your shoes and it will do the trick of absorbing water and keeping it relatively free of moisture and dampness.
* [[Epsom Salt]] : Simply add a half cup of Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet for as long as you want (or until the water gets cold) to alleviate the itching and burning and help heal feet faster.
*Cornstarch : Because of its close relation to baking soda, cornstarch may also help you deal with the athlete’s foot fungus. All you have to do is to directly rub your feet with cornstarch. Rub them especially on the areas in between your toes as the cornstarch will absorb the moisture present there, keeping the area dry all throughout the day.
*[[Garlic]] : The wonders of garlic extend from head to foot! Remember that garlic has antifungal properties. You just have to crush one clove of garlic, add a little olive oil in it to form a paste. Once you have the paste ready, you may start to apply it the infected nails. Leave it on for fifteen to thirty-five minutes and then you may proceed to wash the paste off using soapy, warm water. After you do this, remember to dry off your feet well with a really clean towel that is exclusive for your feet’s use alone. Make this an everyday habit until you are completely healed.
*[[Yogurt]] which contains live, active acidophilus bacteria will help in your battle against the fungus. Plus, yogurt helps boost the immune system too! All these help to speed up the healing process.
*Lemon : If you have sweaty feet, then using lemon will help solve your problems for you. Simply cut a lemon in half, squeeze out the juice and then add it with two ounces of water. You use this lemon water mixture when you are rinsing your feet. Again, remember to dry your feet thoroughly before you put on your socks and shoes.
*[[Apple Cider Vinegar ]] : A mixture of one cup of vinegar and two quarts of water may be helpful, especially if you soak your feet in it each night. You may also utilize a mixture of one cup vinegar and one cup water, soak a cotton ball in it and then directly apply it on the affected area. However, if you have broken skin, doing this may sting, so be careful.
*Salt : Using one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water, make a mixture that is enough for you to soak your feet in. Let your feet stay in the mixture for about ten minutes and then completely dry your feet off. After doing this, you may sprinkle the areas in between your toes with baking soda or cornstarch.
* [[Tea tree oil]] has a long history of traditional use in Australia as a remedy for skin infections. Studies have found tea tree oil is an antiseptic and has the ability to kill many bacteria and fungi. Two clinical trials suggest it may help people with athlete's foot.