Athlete's Foot
Natural Remedies

Natural Cures for Athlete's Foot

| Modified on Sep 11, 2023
Add New Post Comments

Athlete’s foot is the most common fungal infection of the skin and despite its name, isn’t a condition that only athletes get. If you have ever had athlete’s fungus or any other foot fungus, you know it can be difficult to treat, which is why we have compiled a collection of natural cures to help you recover from this condition. Before you resign to battling foot fungus forever, try apple cider vinegar, garlic, iodine, or any of our other reader-contributed remedy suggestions.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

A fungal infection of the foot, athlete’s foot typically begins between the toes. The condition is closely connected to ringworm and jock itch and can be particularly uncomfortable. Damp socks and shoes as well as hot and humid conditions encourage the growth of the fungus.

Do I Have to Be an Athlete to Get Athlete’s Foot?

While the name suggests it, the condition actually has nothing to do with being an athlete. The condition generally occurs in people who regularly have sweaty feet and where tight-fitting or confining shoes, which is why athletes are considered prime targets for the condition.

How Do I Know if I Have Athlete’s Foot?

You can typically determine whether you have athlete’s foot or not based on your symptoms. Athlete’s foot typically causes a scaly, red rash. The rash begins between the toes, and itching is worse as you take off your shoes and socks. The fungus sometimes causes blisters or ulcers and may also lead to dryness and scaling on the soles and sides of the feet.

What are the Conventional Treatments for Foot Fungus?

As common of a condition as foot fungus is, it has a variety of conventional treatments. A doctor can help confirm your diagnosis and will also help you determine the best path of treatment depending on the severity of your condition. Typical treatment involves over-the-counter cream treatments or a prescription medication.

Can I Treat Athlete’s Foot Naturally?

In any case, natural remedies improve the efficacy of any type of treatment. These remedies help naturally eliminate the fungus by balancing the body and eliminating infection as well as inflammation. Apple cider vinegar, garlic, and alcohol are three of the best treatment options.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps relieve the itching and peeling associated with athlete’s foot. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain. The vinegar has antifungal properties that actually kill the fungus naturally and prevents the fungus from returning.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. You can apply powdered or crushed garlic directly to the fungus to relieve inflammation and eliminate the fungus. You should also wash your feet with garlic juice.

3. Iodine

Many sports doctors tell professional athletes to wipe povidone iodine (Betadine) between the toes every day for 1 week. Iodine disinfects the feet and helps naturally eliminate the fungus. It also dries out the fungus, to keep it from spreading. You can apply the iodine directly to the affected area using a cotton ball.

If you are trying to get rid of a case of athlete’s foot, try one of these treatment options or add one of your own suggestions to our below list of reader-contributed remedies!




Absorbine

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by J (Tampa Bay, Fl) on 09/29/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I have traveled for business for about 13 years. Never having had Athelete's Foot I was totally niave and wandered around many a hotel room rug barefoot and used moisturizers on my feet, legs, hands elbow and knees. It's not the bathroom or pool you have to worry about, it's the rugs!! Imagine my surprise when I finally realized that I had/have a raging case of Athelete's Foot and Tinea Corporis which is a fancy name for Athelete's Foot on other parts of your body. On my feet I have what is known as "moccasin style" Athelete's Foot. What that means is that there is a purple blue infection on the bottom and sides of the foot like a moccasin. Hard as heck to cure. Six years later I'm still battling it, fortunately for me I live in a warm climate and can mostly wear open shoes with no socks or stockings, but when at a client site I have to wear closed shoes and socks. On a very recent trip I came home only to find that I had a severe relapse on my feet and red lesions on my ankles and shins. I had worn Dr Scholls Diabetic Socks in my closed toed, but ventilated shoes, thinking they would be good for my feet and let them breathe... Unfortunately I didn't realize they weren't cotton based. DO NOT USE THEM if you have Athelete's Foot or Ringworm. Look for socks that are 90 per cent cotton or more. I developed a severe case of Ringworm/Athelete's Foot which I had nearly overcome. On top of that I also had toenail fungus which I'd never had before. It got so bad that in a matter of days I lost most of one toenail. Desperately, I searched and found this site. I went out and bought several bottles of Absorbine, jr and instead of Vicks Vapor Rub I bought Tiger Balm Ointment Ultra which is much stronger, but also more expensive. It works, but also irritated the skin so a mild secondary bacteria infection set in. I used that for three weeks and also did salt water and lemon juice or ACV foot soaks as often as I could. I finally got the infection to a point where I felt I could go back to my nail shop without infecting the entire community I live in. My nail shop is run by a lovely, caring, giving Viet Nahmese couple who would do anything to promote good, healthy feet. I trust them implicitly. They clean and sterilize all their metallic tools and UV them as well. I still suspect the toenail fungus came from my theraputic pedicures which were healing my skin, but it occured to me that the emery boards, buffer pads and some solutions used for French Pedicures, my favorite, were shared with other clients.... Thus the toenail fungus. It's appearance with the recurrance of Athelete's Foot was pure coincidence. Long ago they taught and convinced me of the value of rubbing fresh lemon or lime wedges on toes and other areas of the foot. It's always worked before now. Salt foot soaks with either lemon juice or ACV have also worked up until now. They were shocked to see what happened to my feet, toenails, ankles and shins in just one week of closed shoes and socks. I stayed away from the shop for two weeks after so it was a total of three weeks. One week later now four weeks, after visiting them here's what has made DRAMATIC improvement, meaning almost no red or pink lesions and the toenails beginning to heal.

1. Continue the Salt and Lemon or Lime or ACV foot soaks as often as you can. I can do it once or twice a day on weekends but during the week it's hard to do it even once a day. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Remove feet from the soak, but DO NOT DRY WITH TOWEL, let your feet air dry so the salt solution stays on your feet. This works really well if you do it just before bedtime.

2. My friends at the nail shop gave me, as a gift, they were NOT practicing medicine... A tiny tube of oinment I do not believe can be purchased in the US. It contains Clotrimazole, an antifungal, Betamethasone, not sure what that does, and Gentamicin, a powerful antibiotic. They suggested I put it on the very red angry lesions. I did and I could see results in hours. If you are in a country other than the US you may be able to purchase this ointment. You may be able to purchase this online from Viet Nahm, I'm not sure. If you can not, like me, I was able to successfully get the same results by purchasing Clotrimazole 2 per cent in the feminine section of the drug store, for vaginal infections. Gentleman, if this emabarrases you, get a sister, Mother or girlfriend to purchase it for you. In the longrun it's cheaper and stronger than what you can purchase in the Foot Care section of the drugstore. For the antibiotic portion of the creme I use the generic drugstore brand of Silver Colloiden ointment. It works! I put the Clotrimozole ointment all over my feet, ankles and shins. It absorbs easily with no smell. I only put the silver colloiden ointment on red, not pink spots. Do this twice a day, morning before socks and at night before bed NO SOCKS.

3. My drugstore chain just recently, in the last few weeks began carrying a product called _______. I believe it's a product out of the UK. It's active ingredient is Tolfunate 1 per cent. Even though it's not sold for toenail fungus, just the skin under and around the fungus, it seems to be helping. I also use it if I see any tiny pale pink spot anywhere on my body. It works. My mistake in the past was not addressing these tiny pale pink spots as soon as I saw them. The ringworm on my feet started out as pale pink spots from mosquito bites. Stupidly I igonored them. When I had to wear closed shoes and socks and they rubbed the spots... bingo, Ringworm....

4. I can't say enough how rubbing toes, toenails and feet with a wedge of lemon or lime has done over the years. That advice too, from my friends at the nail shop. (Obviously, it works on hands too! )

5. It occured to me that maybe I should look at myself internally as well. After some research online... Yes, everyone and their uncle talks about Probiotics.... But I also found out about Pau D' Arco. Sounded good, I always tend toward natural over chemical. Turns out I may not be able to take it internally but it works on other skin lesions like old age spots if rubbed on externally with a Qtip..... Many of mine are breaking up and going away... makes me wonder are they fungal based as well?

6. I seem to be sensitive to Probiotics too. If the tablet is too strong I get the runs. Have discovered if it is in tablet form I can cut the pill in half and be fine. Yoguhrt is still the best!! I think it is a good idea to treat the inside as well as out, as long as the Foot or Body Fungus seems to last.

Just a few comments to everything I've read here. Thanks all of you for sharing, it's really, really helped. For those of you who started a new treatment and felt it was "spreading", it probably wasn't spreading. The medicine just brought out infection that was probably already there so you could see it.

And PLEASE for those of you who have tried "scrubbing until it bleeds" PLEASE STOP THAT! That's how you will develop a secondary bacterial infection on top of the fungal infection you are trying to overcome. Skin is the largest body organ we have and it's fascinating in what it can do. Don't make what you have worse! Scarring will be almost nonexistant if you treat the fungus with what kills it and don't injure the skin in the process.

Killing fungas is a slow process, much slower than a bacterial infection, be patient, but most of all be persistant. You can may be skip a day or two if you are just plain too tired to complete the routine. I know, I have been many a night. But just because it looks "better" don't stop the routine. Fungus takes time to grow in your skin and even more time to kill it in your skin. Even after your skin looks healed, keep up with the treatments for at the very least four weeks and after that do some kind of preventive treatment so you never get a fungal infection again.

Replied by Jaydee
(Adelaide, South Australia)
03/29/2013

Your regimen is intense!

Way to go for stinky toes and yukky peeling toenails, and what I used to call Elephant heels.... and itchy as! Man there is no pain like an infected foot from gak that comes from ATHLETES FOOT.

Owchy!

But by chance I began using virgin pressed coconut oil, (it melts at room temperature) as I am allergic to cortisoids and the tinea stuff failed to work.

But this coconut worked a treat on my feet. After 35 years of this irritation on my feet, it is gone and the nails are growing back.

Splendid stuff I say, do try it!

Replied by Sharon
(Perth)
08/14/2016

This is an internal problem that is being fed by sugar foot baths creams etc will improve it only in the short term you need oral herbal medication will a detox to flush it out of your system. Fungus spores are everywhere but only affect people who aren't in peak condition.

Replied by Jim
(hey)
09/10/2023

Michigan Foot Doctors said walk on the beach every day in the sand and it will exfoliate and the salt water helps. Just go every day for an hours. As long as it takes.


Activated Charcoal

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Tonadeg (Arlington, USA ) on 04/27/2023
5 out of 5 stars

For my Athlete's foot, activated charcoal cured it in three days. Clean the affected toe with rubbing alcohol, let dry, then apply charcoal powder in between the affected toe. Do this twice a day avoiding socks and covered shoes while treatment lasts.


Alcohol

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Jay (Orlando, Fl) on 09/17/2011

I FINALLY, after years of searching, found a cure for tinea pedis(Athletes foot). It is Isopropyl Alcohol 91% strength. I found it in the Pharmacy Section.

The 70% alcohol was ineffective and did nothing to kill the fungus.

I am so happy that I found something that actually works! For the disabled, one can purchase a spray nozzle and spray the alcohol on the feet from a distance without having to bend over.

Replied by Southernarc
(Durham, Nc, Usa)
03/10/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I've had success with the 70% Isopropyl Alcohol as alcohol is alcohol and at this concentration it works just fine on athlete's foot. The trick is to soak a cotton ball with the alcohol and to thoroughly rub it on the affected area for about a minute. After the application you may still feel a little itchy, but I've noticed that after just two treatments like this, within a day, all of the itching and redness from the athlete's foot is gone. This is a cheap and effective treatment rather than buying expensive antifungal foot powders and sprays.

Replied by Jeliberry123
(Auckland)
07/04/2012

I have been soaking the affected area in salt for 10 minutes then immediately after that soak it in warm water with 5 teabags using 1 litre if you can I soak it in there for 20 minutes ormore depending on the severity. Then if you have ACV soak your feet/ affected area for 10- 15 minutes twice a day, this was my way to get rid of this annoying medical problem that has been frustrating me for months on end, it may not be long after all I have been seeing cases of 20 years plus hope this works for all thhe people in the same boat. Thanks


Aloe Vera

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Connie (California) on 07/05/2017
5 out of 5 stars

My athlete's foot was eczema!

I suffered for 2 years with chronic "athlete's foot" using Rx antifungals prescribed by my doc when all natural remedies failed. Last 2 months were so painful, just standing or walking made my feet crack and bleed. I was confined to recliner, walking on toes only to use bathroom and get food from kitchen. I cried in pain and frustration, thinking this was my world now - a recliner.

Finally got referral to a PA in dermatology. She took SKIN SCRAPING to lab. Test results 10 days later: NO FUNGUS! I have dyshidrotic ezcema!

The cure? Aloe Vera juice applied to feet, followed by Eucerin cream. Basically, giving feet TLC by moisturizing with hyperallergenic creams. Vasoline would probably work, too. Two weeks later, I returned to DANCING! Sort of, lol, but I am ambulatory again! Another week or so and I should be completely healed!

People with chronic skin conditions, INSIST on lab testing a skin scraping to rule out fungus! Two stinking years of my life spent on every remedy and treatment for nothing. Grrr.

I hope this helps somebody!

Replied by Sue
(Europe)
11/03/2017

I have had this condition all my life and have been struggling with it on and off. Went back to the doc because - yes - I suspect I have dyshidrotic excema as well! All the stuff you use to dry out or attack the 'fungus' is only going to agravate it even more. Got a referral to a dermatologist now, but I can't get an appointment until 3 or 4 weeks from now. Will definitely discuss this option with him.

To make things even more confusing, you can get dyshidrotic excema as an allergic reaction to a fungal infection. Anyway, keep this option in mind everybody. It's very common for people with hay fever, allergies and asthma (as myself).


Alum

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Denise (Austin, AR) on 07/29/2009

I have had problems with athlete's foot since I was a teenager. Now my teenage son has become bothered by it. I was told by an old friend that if I were to sprinkle a little bit of old fashioned cooking alum into his and my shoes and a little in our socks that it would take care of the athlete's foot and actually make his feet odorless. She (the friend) said that the alum closes the pores which prevents the feet from sweating, stopping the odor, and also the athlete's foot. I was told about this probably about ten years or so ago but have been reluctant to try it because it just doesn't sound like a healthy option. I'm certainly not going to try it on my child without knowing what repercussions will be as a result. Has this ever been suggested before?

Replied by D
(Private, Australia)
12/17/2009

Hi there, there's actually a product you can buy in shops that does exactly what you are asking, not sure what its called in america, but here in australia it has to do with odour eaters... Its a type of talcum powder

Replied by Thomas
(Salem, Oregon)
12/18/2014
5 out of 5 stars

Alum works to treat athlete's foot. Use cooking alum. My Vietnamese wife prepared this treatment for me. Warm up a pot of hot water and dissolve the alum in it. She might have added salt also. Soak the feet in it for an hour. However, I have found apple cider vinegar to be just as effective. Soak the feet in 100% ACV for an hour. Repeat daily for a week or so. Improvement will come after the first or second soak. Keep the feet dry and allow the feet to breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics. Use only 100% cotton socks and 100% cotton bed linens.


Anti-Fungal Supplements

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%


Posted by Jonna (NYC, NY, USA) on 07/27/2008
5 out of 5 stars

1:30am, Saturday Night: I read AC from West Midlands, England's post about using Garlic for Athlete's foot a few days ago and was eager to try it. I have had athlete's foot on and off for years. I also have deeply etched cracked heals which I understand is possibly a fungal infection. And then recently the skin around my right big toe started to peel and looks nasty as can be. I tried the best OTC for Athlete's Foot, but with limited success. Takes 5 days to go away and then comes back a couple weeks later.

We had just run out of garlic, so I opted instead for another powerful anti-fungal, Wild Oil of Oregano. I use OO for coughs and sinus infections and had about 15 capsules left. Before going to sleep, I punctured a capsule of oil and rubbed it over both of my feet, especially concentrating it on my big toe, in between my toes where the athelete's foot itched and the cracks on my heals. I put socks on so the oil wouldn't get all over the sheets. It doesn't smell bad at all -- much better than garlic for sure!

Just like AC reported, there was dramatic improvement by the morning! The infection around my big toe was 50% better... The blisters in between my toes had disappeared. The cracks in my heals have started to seal and are unbelievably soft... (I had been rubbing shea butter on the cracks every night, which helped, but not to this extent).

I did the Oregano oil 3 morning and night for 2 days, took a day off. The infection around my big toe is all but gone. No more peeling skin. The cracks on my heels continue to slowly improve. Tonight I switched to Grapefruit Seed Extract and my feet, normally cold, warmed up right away. This may be a great remedy for those suffering from cold hands and feet. My feet are still tinglingly warm 2 hours after applying the GSE.

I have the feeling that the GSE will work just as well as the Oregano Oil. I also am trying the GSE on my perioral dermatitis and will report back any improvements. I can tell you that the itchy postules around my nose have disappeared. I had to wash off the GSE after about 20 minutes because it started to burn.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
07/28/2008
509 posts

To Jonna from NYC: Hello Jonna, I can't see your perioral rash but please be advised that a rash or cracks mostly in the corners of the mouth are an indication that you have vitamin/mineral deficiencies. White spots on your fingernails can indicate a zinc deficit. Also, many find that zinc supplements lessens or ends acne problems.

Replied by Lorinda
(Hamburg, NY)
09/02/2008

I just read to feed about Oil of Oregano for athlete's foot and I'm trying it tonight. I have sore, cracked feet and there is a red "moccasin" line around the side of the feet. They are SO VERY PAINFUL. I will try anything at this point. I also have it started on the palms of my hand (itchy and hard skin cracking where the lines of my palm are)along with that I have some "fungus" on the pads of my thumbs where the skin peels and cracks I'm hoping for healing with this.
Thanks

Replied by Ameer
(Barcelona, Spain)
12/28/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Oregono oils is great, keep using it. if you like do a combination treatment. the key is do not wear socks. it will go away faster if it is aired out. fungus grows in warm damp places. the best way to get rid of atheletes foot is to buy open toed sandals and wear them until the fungus is gone. this is difficult to do in the summer time. if it is really cold in your country then make sure you take off your shoes and socks as soon as you get home. also if you are going to an event or party or will be at a place for a long period of time put on the oregono oil with foot powder and salt in between the toes to keep it as dry as possible. take a pair of sandals with you and change into them in the bathroom when you are in from the cold. if it is warm just wear sandals till they are gone. they professional looking sandals if you have to work in a professional atmosphere. it only takes a minute for this discusting parasite to grow back.

Replied by Hbbrazil
(Vancouver, Washington, United States)
11/28/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I just want to thank everyone here for recommending ACV for Athelete's foot. After MANY years of using Lotrimin and other types of of over the counter remedies, this technique worked hands down.

I thought I had a severe case, but from looking at images on line, I'd say mine was low. I did have cracked and open skin, always moist, nothing seemed to work. I did the full ACV (straight no dilution) for three days straight and the symptoms went away within two days. I also, soaked my flip flops in ACV for 45 minues and soaked some socks, just in case, then washed them normally. The shoes I'm wearing don't have good ventilation, however, using ACV in the morning works. Now that I did the treatment for 3 straight days, I do a spot check every day, use a cotton ball to get in between the toes. I can say that Athelete's foot is gone.

Thank you to all and for sharing your experiences. I'm a true believer in ACV.

H

Replied by Kari
(New York City, America)
07/19/2012

Finally Monistat 1, three applications daily has worked for me. Use only the stuff in the long vial called Tiaconazole. It cures a yeast infection in one night. Scrub feet daily. I use a handful of salt and soap. I also soak in water w/ ACV, tea tree oil and epsom salts. I am going to do this for 2 years to really kill it. Also, I put new pantiliners in my shoes daily and wear flip flops otherwise even in the shower. Be sure your shower drains well.


Apple Cider Vinegar

54 User Reviews
5 star (42) 
  78%
4 star (7) 
  13%
1 star (4) 
  7%
(1) 
  2%


Posted by Steve L. (St. Louis, Mo.) on 09/08/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Re: Athlete's Foot(AF):

I used a whole tube of OTC AF'S medicine. Minimal results. I have persistent and reoccurring AF between toes and on the bottom of my feet. I used ACV and it eliminated the AF until next time. The key is to use it and saturate the area over and over again until you feel relief. I do this in one sitting and than again the next day. It works better than anything else! Keep on it! Don't waste money on OTC stuff.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Micheala (West Yorkshire) on 08/29/2017
1 out of 5 stars

Been using Apple Cider Vinegar for 2 weeks for Athlete's Foot. Nothing working. Having it on my hands and feet is getting too much for me. I feel like I want to claw them both off. Had every otc plus doctors strong steroid creams. Please someone give me an end to this. Had it for 2 years and I can't cope much more.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
08/29/2017

Dear Michaela,

Sorry to hear this is causing you so much misery!

Here are some things to try:

  • Turmeric internally to reduce itch and inflammation
  • Borage oil internally to reduce inflammation
  • Calendula tincture for topical use. Add 1 dropperful of calendula tincture to 1 ounce of water and rub into hands and feet twice a day. This knocked out a chronic fungal issue I had over 20 years ago after a year of different remedies.
  • Keep sugar and processed foods to a minimum.
  • Add coconut oil to your diet and apply to hands and feet if they are dry feeling. (After using calendula )

I hope you feel better soon.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
08/29/2017

I am very familiar with yeast issues . what does your diet look like and have you also tried some supplements lately, what might they be ....? maybe garlic

Some foods flush it out of the body onto the skin and that is quite painful. When mine gets bad I go to walmart and buy vaginal yeast cream (miconazole)and coat my foot/hand before bed and put on a sock/cotton glove.

You may need some milk thistle to give your liver a break and some Molybedum to stop detox misery symptoms.

Replied by Becky
(Ca)
10/01/2017
32 posts

to Momma to many,

Can you be specific on a Calendula tincture? Perhaps from Amazon?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
10/02/2017

Dear Becky,

I don't recall what I used many years ago; now I make my own. However, when I need to buy a tincture, I like Herbpharm.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Rhonda
(Branson, Mo)
05/09/2018

I heard that apple cider vinegar relieves athlete's foot symptoms and I would like to try it. What is the recommended time? How often? And full strength or diluted? Thank you so much for your information!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Frustrated One (Indianapolis, In) on 01/26/2017
1 out of 5 stars

Hi,

I've treated my athletes foot for roughly four weeks. It's been awful! I started out using Lotrimin and two weeks later advanced to Lotrimin Ultra. My symptoms are itching, burning needle sensations. Visually my feet have dryness on both heels, and a little redness accompanied by splotchy skin. I started using ACV roughly four days ago, I'm still experiencing symptoms. I'm trying to do everything I can, I tend to be OCD. I soak for almost an hour once a day. Please help, I've never experienced anything like this.

Thanks,

Frustrated One

Replied by Macswelly
(California)
01/26/2017
3 posts

Soak your feet for an hour in about a cup of baking soda only. Also in between soakings you need something to help kill the fungus as well. I would recommend making a dry mixture (basically a foot powder) of one part baking soda and three parts corn starch. Mix these two dry items in a mixing bowl and thoroughly combine. Afterwards find yourself a shaker container and pour the dry mixture into the shaker container. Apply this foot powder morning and night, wearing socks to help keep the mixture on while you sleep.

Replied by Jeanna
(Birmingham)
07/13/2017

Try Lamasil. It worked for me better than lotrimin.

Replied by George Sydney Abugri
(Ghana)
12/30/2017

It is very effective against athlete's foot but note that the generic name of the drug is LAMISIL {Terbinafine.}


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Gainesville, Florida ) on 04/13/2015
5 out of 5 stars

Rarely have I found a home remedy more effective than prescription medication, but in the treatment of athletes foot apple cider vinegar is much more effective and inexpensive. In spots that are about the size of a coin I tear paper towel patches to fit, then soak them in vinegar and place them to cover the spot. Leave it on until it eventually dries, which is about half an hour. Two treatments a day for two days will usually stop the fungus in it's tracks, depending on how deeply the fungus has penetrated the skin layers. Vinegar is an acid of just the right strength to kill the fungus without causing tissue burn, as does clorox. I use the bleach solution to soak my socks in and spray the inside of my shoes. Afterward, allow shoes to dry in the sun. Works like a charm.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Thomas (Salem, Oregon) on 12/18/2014
5 out of 5 stars

I have found Apple Cider Vinegar to be very effective to eliminate athlete's foot. I soak my feet in 100% full strength, undiluted ACV for one hour whenever the athlete's foot gets active. One or two soakings makes it go away. Daily soakings for an extended period of time might eliminate it altogether. The athlete's foot comes back when my feet don't get enough air. The worst thing is winter sleeping under synthetic (polyester or acrylic) blankets. I have to use cotton-only bed linens and blankets to allow my feet to "breathe." And I use 100% cotton socks.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lana (DC, US) on 12/12/2014
5 out of 5 stars

I had a case of very itchy AF between my toes that I just couldn't kick - it had gone on for months. Lamisil was keeping it under control - sort of- but not eliminating it. I read about using vinegar diluted with water and tried it a while ago, but it seemed even less effective than the Lamisil.

Then the AF took a turn for the worse - the itching was waking me up several times a night, and was at the "want to claw your skin off with your fingernails" level. So I went back to the web and saw the posts about undiluted vinegar. I was worried that it might be too harsh on my skin, but was getting desperate it this point so I was willing to risk it.

I didn't have ACV in the house, so I used distilled white vinegar at 5% acidity. I put it in a Tupperware container elevated on one end so it mainly covered my toes. I also followed earlier posters' instructions and let it air dry without rinsing it off.

As some others have said, the results were amazing. The itching went away during the first soak. On day two, I soaked my foot twice. Since then I really haven't had any itching. But at this point (3 days after the first vinegar soak) I am continuing with daily soaks of 10-15 minutes until I'm confident it's all gone.

I also haven't noticed any ill effects from using the undiluted vinegar.

And one final thing -- I also started using antifungal powder between my toes when I need to wear shoes/tights/hose. That seems to help too.

Very happy with the vinegar!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Suzy (Eugene, Or) on 07/03/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I found this site back in April. I swim 3 times a week and even though I wear flip flops I am very prone to athletes foot fungus and have been for 34 years ie.. Since high school gym class! A few years ago I even was prescribed an antifungal -- which did clear it up for a few months. But it has always came back. I had used with some success a mixture of garlic and lavender oil. But the smell was somewhat offensive. I began soaking my feet in ACV a non organic type. I must have a high tolerance for pain or it just felt better than the itch and burn as I can soak for 30 minutes. Just stick my feet in and sit back and watch the BIG BANG. I also began taking at the same time internally (once a day) ACV but the organic type with mother. 2 Tablespoons with about one half teaspoon of organic raw local honey. (I also have allergies and asthma and thought this might help). My athletes foot (toe type) has completely cleared. I am very careful and wash my feet daily with DR Bronners peppermint soap and then blow dry them. I did not treat my shoes or socks... Although I did buy 20 mule team Borax with this intent. I still have an issue with some ugly cracked heels, but the there is no burning and itching between my toes and no skin sloughing off.

I am certainly looking at other information on this site and have been doing the mini beet protocol but will post later regarding my results with that. Thank you EC.

Replied by Nancy
(Tuscaloosa, Al)
03/11/2013

For dry cracked heels/feet use vaseline. Soak feet in ACV then remove dead skin, dry then apply vaseline to feet and put on clean pair of socks. Do this daily for smooth as a baby's butt. Do this treatment daily for life & you will have no foot problems.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Raymore, Missouri, Usa) on 05/19/2012

I was suffering from cracked heels for a year; went to DO and prescribed oral fungal tablets that were harsh on my stomach and didn't work. I mentioned my problem to my chiropractor and he gave me an herbal foot soak that used ACV as the main ingredient. I steep the herbs in 2 cups ACV on the stove for 10 minutes, turn off heat and let it sit overnight, then strain the herbs and put the vinegar in a tupperware big enough to allow my foot to fit and soaked every day for 20 minutes. I covered the tupperware to keep from evaporating. If a person is suffering from systemic yeast/fungal problems, an herbal tincture of Spilanthes-Usnea can be used. Keep feet clean and dry, use natural cotton socks, disinfect shoes often and remove sugar/refined foods from diet. Also be sure to soak all nail clippers and files in alcohol to keep from re-infecting.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Manangel (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 04/26/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I've used full strength, undiluted ACV on my chronic athletes foot. After trying every over the counter pharmacuetical antifungal cream, I finally did some research and decided to try the ACV. I applied it just with my finger twice a day for one week. I noticed a significant difference after only one day. By the 3rd day my long standing chronic athletes foot was almost completely gone. I was shocked at how quickly it worked. I continued applying for one week and I haven't had a reoccurance in over a year.

Replied by Christia
(Oxon Hill, Maryland)
08/23/2012

May I ask what kind of athlete's foot were you suffering from: Interdigital (Between the toes), Moccasin (On the sole and sides of the foot), Vesicular (Blisters), or a combination?



NEXT 
Advertisement