If you are suffering from athlete’s foot, otherwise known as tinea pedis, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are simple home remedies that help to clear up the problem.
There is no reason to seek professional assistance unless you want to, or the condition gets worse. Additionally, if you have diabetes, treatment by a doctor is recommended.
It’s important to note that this skin condition won’t disappear without treatment. If ignored, it typically worsens and even spreads to other parts of the body. That being said, it’s extremely important to begin a home remedy routine as soon as you notice that you have athlete’s foot.
Here are some things you can do. If the first one doesn’t work for you, you always have the option of trying a second. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or dermatologist.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications to treat tinea pedis are readily available in many different forms.
These products include:
- Sprays
- Lotions
- Creams
- Swabs
- Powders
All of these medications are topical, meaning they are applied directly to the skin. Depending on the product you use, treatment lasts from 7 to 42 days.
Vicks Vapor Rub
This method, to clear up tinea pedis, is a simple one. Rub the Vicks on the affected areas, typically between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Next, put on a pair of clean cotton socks. It’s best to do this right before you go to bed, so the vapor rub has time to work. Repeat for at least seven days.
Bleach or Vinegar Foot Soaks
To soak your feet in bleach, pour 1/4 cup bleach in your bath water. Soak your feet for several minutes. To soak your feet in vinegar, mix one part vinegar with four parts water. Again, soak your feet for at least 15 minutes. In this case, white vinegar works best.
Treating Athlete’s Foot While Pregnant
Generally, diluted vinegar soaks are safe to treat athlete’s foot when you’re pregnant. Lotrimin cream is also sometimes an option. However, to be safe, check with your physician before starting any type of treatment.
Once your athlete’s foot has disappeared, it’s recommended that you continue treatment for short period of time. That, in combination with keeping your feet clean and dry, will help to ensure the skin condition doesn’t make a reappearance.
These are just a few ways to get rid of tinea pedis. The key to being successful, using these methods, is treating athlete’s foot every day.
Click this link if you think you have athlete’s foot.
