Top 28 Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot That Work Naturally In Toddlers & While Pregnant

A common skin infection, athlete’s foot affects many people around the world. This infection can wreak havoc on the life. And what could you do to fight against this problem? Let’s find out the answer on our site, Effective Remedies. Keep reading to discover the best home remedies for athlete's foot that work naturally in toddlers & while pregnant.

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28 Best Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot In Toddlers & While Pregnant

I. What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet. It also spreads to the hands and the toenails. It’s termed as athlete’s foot since it’s mainly seen in athletes. It isn’t serious, but sometimes it isn’t easy to cure. You should get medical help instantly if you have a weakened immunity or diabetes and suspect you have athlete’s foot.

II. Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot

Below are some of the common athlete’s foot symptoms:

• Itchy blisters on your feet.
• Burning or itching sensation on the soles of the feet.
• An itchy, stinging and burning sensation between the toes.
• Thick, discolored and crumbly toenails.
• Peeling and cracking skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes.
• Dry skin of the toenails.

Let us now look a detailed look at the main causes of athlete’s foot.

III. Causes Of Athlete’s Foot

Here are some of the common reasons for athlete’s foot in toddlers and while pregnant:

A. In Toddlers

This infection is caused due to the growth of fungus named tinea pedis on your feet that loves growing in warm, moist places. You can contract the fungus on direct contact with an infected object or individual. This fungus can be found in locker room floor, around swimming pools and showers, since it thrives in the moist & warm environment.

B. While Pregnant

Some common reasons for athlete’s foot while pregnant include improper foot hygiene, hormonal changes, staying barefoot, and skin to skin contact.

IV. Who Is At High Risk For Athlete’s Foot?

Anybody can get the problem of athlete’s foot, but certain factors increase your risk. Below are some factors that increase the chance of getting athlete’s foot:

• Sharing towels, socks, and shoes with an infected person.
• Visiting public places such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
• Having sweaty feet.
• Wearing closed-toe, tight-fitting shoes.
• Keeping the feet for a long time.
• Having a nail injury on the foot.

V. Best Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot That Work Fast & Naturally

Nobody wants to suffer from the constant pain and itchiness caused by athlete’s foot. Thus, you need to take a few immediate measures to solve the condition. The following natural treatments can help treat athlete’s foot and accelerate your recovery.

A. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot In Toddlers

1. Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot – Tea Tree Oil

According to a study, a solution containing 25% – 50% tea tree oil significantly worked better than one placebo in soothing athlete's foot ^[1]. Tea tree oil is known to have antifungal and antibacterial effects, which are useful in fighting many skin problems including athlete’s foot. Plus, the antiseptic and antifungal abilities present in the oil can destroy the fungus causing athlete's foot and prevent spreading. Besides, this oil also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that work well in relieving swelling, inflammation, and pain. Here is how to use tea tree oil for athlete's foot treatment:

Get these:

• Tea tree oil – 12 drops
• Coconut oil or almond oil – 30 ml

Process:

Add the tea tree oil to the coconut or almond oil. Mix these oils well. Start applying the mixture to your athlete’s foot and allow it to dry. You can also add a little water to the mixture and then use it as a natural foot soak. Try the remedy two to three times daily.

2. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Baking Soda

A study in Mycopathologia indicated that when applied on the skin, baking soda or sodium bicarbonate does have antifungal agents ^[2]. It can inhibit the secondary infection development in the affected foot due to its natural antiseptic. It further aids in killing the bacteria efficiently with its anti-fungal effects. It also controls fungal activities by neutralizing the pH level of the skin.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Water – some drops
• Baking soda – one tablespoon

Process:

Make a thick paste out of the baking soda and water. Apply it to your affected areas and let it dry. After that, rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry. Follow this treatment twice every day.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Baking soda

Process:

After wearing your shoes, sprinkle some baking soda in them. Alternatively, rub it on your feet and wear socks & shoes to keep the feet dry. Use this remedy regularly.

3. Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot – Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, apple cider vinegar can be an excellent treatment for the pain and inflammation. Besides, it also comes with antifungal properties that can battle the fungal infection causing athlete’s foot ^[3]. It also helps facilitate the healing process by removing the extra moisture from the feet.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Apple cider vinegar – 1/2 cup
• Warm water – two cups

Process:

The first step is taking the warm water in one bowl and adding the ACV to it. The following step is soaking your feet in this mixture for 12 – 15 minutes. Then, pat your feet dry. Do this process twice every day for the better results.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Ethyl alcohol

Process:

Mix the ACV and ethyl alcohol in equal parts. Use one cotton ball to dab on your problem areas. Let it dry before washing it off. For best results, follow the method regularly.

4. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Garlic

Garlic comprises compound Ajoene that is beneficial for killing fungus such as Tinea pedis contributing to athlete’s foot. It also boosts the healing procedure of infections because of its antibiotic properties ^[4]. Regular consumption of garlic is potent in combating fungal infection by boosting the body’s immune system.

Get these:

• Peeled garlic cloves – 2
• Olive oil – 2 to 3 drops

Process:

Mince the cloves of peeled garlic to attain a thick paste. Add the olive oil to the garlic paste and mix the two elements well. Apply it to your affected regions and wash it off after 20 – 30 minutes with water. Reapply it once to two times for several days.

5. Home Remedies For Athlete's Foot – Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is well known for its menthol, which is highly effective for easing the pain and inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects ^[5]. Apart from that, the antifungal properties found in the oil can combat the infection-causing fungi.

Get these:

• Peppermint oil – 12 drops
• Coconut or olive oil – 30 ml

Process:

You just mix the peppermint oil with the coconut or olive oil. Begin applying this oil mixture to your problem parts. You can make a foot soak by adding some warm water to the mixture. For visible results, try doing this process thrice every day.

6. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Coconut Oil

The growth of fungal pathogens leads to itching and blister in the foot. A study shows that coconut oil can be useful in controlling the overgrowth of fungal pathogens ^[6]. If you are looking for the excellent home remedies for athlete’s foot, you should include coconut oil. The oil possesses antifungal properties that help kill the tinea pedis fungus responsible for athlete’s foot. Along with that, it also helps calm the affected areas with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it is also beneficial for combating other common ailments such as tooth pain or seasonal allergies.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Coconut oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Water

Process:

Just apply the prepared coconut oil to your problem area. Keep the oil on for about 20 minutes. Finally, wash your applied area with water. Follow this process 3 to 4 times every day at regular intervals.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Epsom salt
• Organic coconut oil

Process:

Rinse your affected feet with some Epsom salt. Then, pat dry and wait for fifteen minutes. Immerse one cotton ball in little organic coconut oil. Directly apply it over the athlete’s foot. After around 30 minutes, use lukewarm water to wash the affected area. Repeat this home treatment three times daily.

7. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Turmeric

If you’re looking for the best home remedies for athlete’s foot, then turmeric is one of such cures. According to many studies, turmeric is highly effective for killing fungus and providing relief from burning and itching of the skin. This herb contains curcumin, which exhibits antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities, making it a potential treatment for athlete’s foot ^[7].

Option 1:

Get these:

• Turmeric powder – one teaspoon
• Water – several drops

Process:

Make a paste by taking the turmeric powder and adding the water to it. Later you apply this paste to your athlete’s foot. Keep the application on for twenty minutes before washing with water. Reapply twice daily.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Turmeric powder – one tablespoon
• Tea tree oil – 3 to 5 drops
• Water

Process:

Take the turmeric powder and add the tea tree oil to it. Mix enough amount of water to create a thick paste. Apply to your affected area and rinse after 20 minutes with lukewarm water. Follow this home treatment two to three times every day.

8. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Ginger

Ginger owns a substance named gingerol that works with shogaol as well as other active components present in this spice to fight fungi causing athlete’s foot. Besides, the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects found in ginger are potent in eliminating the bad odor and inflammation related to this infection ^[8].

Get these:

• Fresh ginger – one piece
• Water – one cup

Process:

Add the fresh ginger piece to the water. Let it boil and later simmer for around 10 – 20 minutes. After that, strain and allow it to cool for a while. Start applying several drops of this liquid to your athlete’s foot. Do the process 3 to 4 times in a day.

9. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is helpful in preventing the growth of fungus around the toe owing to its anti-fungal properties. It additionally provides relief from constant burning and itching sensation caused by fungus. Regular application of colloidal silver helps to remove liquid from itchy blisters. Know here how to treat athlete’s foot with colloidal silver:

Get these:

• Colloidal silver powder – one teaspoon
• Water

Process:

Take the colloidal silver powder and add the equal amount of water to form a thick paste. Start applying a thin layer of the paste on your affected areas. Allow the application to dry completely and remove the layer by using clean water. For fast results, repeat this home cure for a few weeks.

10. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Sesame Essential Oil

Sesame oil consists of sesamol, an active compound, which provides us with a range of health benefits. A natural antioxidant, the oil helps to rid the skin of toxins. Besides, this oil also comes with sesamin that contains anti-inflammatory properties to help decrease the inflammation of skin areas around the toe. It’s also a fantastic remedy for athlete’s foot. Apart from that, it’s excellent for easing itching and restricting flaking of skin. Last but not least, topical application of sesame essential oil helps decrease the size of redness and blisters.

Get these:

Option 1:

• Sesame oil – few drops

Process:

Prepare a cotton ball at first and dip it in the sesame oil. Then, dab it on your inflamed skin. Wait for ten minutes before washing it off.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Sesame oil – one teaspoon
• Tea tree oil – five drops

Process:

Mix the tea tree oil in the sesame oil and later apply the oil mixture on your athlete’s foot. Wash it after a few minutes. Follow the step three to four times a day for quick relief.

11. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Cornstarch

Cornstarch is one of the effective home remedies for athlete’s foot, as it contains amazing absorbing abilities. It helps absorb the moisture on the infected feet. It can also improve the dryness of the affected area which calms itching and burning sensation.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Some quality cornstarch

Process:

Just apply a layer of the cornstarch on your affected region. Leave it to dry on its own and don’t remove it. Alternatively, before wearing socks, you spray some cornstarch.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Cornstarch – two teaspoons
• Olive oil – three drops
• Crushed garlic clove – 1

Process:

At first, combine the cornstarch with the crushed garlic clove and olive oil. Mix them thoroughly to attain a paste. Rub this paste all over the affected area and rinse with warm water after 20-25 minutes. Repeat this remedy on a regular basis for around three weeks.

12. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be beneficial for destroying the fungus and bacteria causing athlete’s foot owing to its antifungal properties. Plus, its antiseptic nature helps to disinfect the affected area and inhibit secondary microbial infections. Topical application is perfect for curing tinea pedis efficiently. It also helps with symptoms of athlete’s foot such as inflammation, itching, and redness. It is also rich in antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, which work on battling skin conditions such as eczema, warts, acne, dermatitis and cold sores.

Get these:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide – one tablespoon
• Water – one tablespoon

Process:

Just mix the 3% hydrogen peroxide and water well. Dip one cotton ball in this resultant solution. Begin to apply it to your infected toes. Let your application dry and rinse with water. Follow this process 2 to 3 times daily.

13. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Indian Lilac

Indian lilac or neem is one of the perfect home remedies for athlete’s foot because of its anti-fungal properties. It also assists you in relieving symptoms such as tenderness, heel blister, inflammation of toe, and redness of the skin. Apart from that, neem oil is full of anti-bacterial and antiseptic abilities, which are useful in treating the athlete’s foot.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Neem leaves – a handful
• Warm water

Process:

Crush the handful of neem leaves to make a thick paste. Next, apply a thick layer of the paste on your fungus infected skin. Leave the application dry entirely before rinsing with warm water. For visible results, use this cure two to three times every day.

Option 2:

Get these:

• Organic neem oil
• A cotton ball

Process:

Use antiseptic soap to wash your affected feet and pat dry. Apply a few drops of organic neem oil on the affected foot with the aid of the cotton ball before your bedtime. Try following this application regularly.

14. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best natural home remedies for athlete’s foot you should know. When applied directly to your skin, yogurt can prevent the fungi growth inside your body and help you combat athlete’s foot fast. Plain yogurt comprises the live acidophilus bacteria that keep bacterial and fungal infections in check.

Option 1:

Get these:

• Yogurt
• Lukewarm water

Process:

The first step is applying the yogurt on your athlete’s foot. Next, let your application dry naturally. Use lukewarm water to rinse it off and pat dry thoroughly. Follow this home treatment twice every day for a few weeks.

Option 2:

Eat a cup of plain yogurt twice every day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Eat yogurt every day until the athlete’s foot is gone completely.

15. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is considered as one of the most used home remedies for athlete’s foot. It has a soothing effect on burning and itching skin caused due to fungal infection. Aloe vera gel is a natural anti-fungal that can get deal with anal fissure ^[9]. Furthermore, it can treat cracked heels since it contains skin nourishing agents. Topical application of aloe vera can assist you in preventing the condition from recurring.

Get these:

• Aloe vera leaf – 1
• Lukewarm water

Process:

Take the aloe vera leaf in a bowl and keep it for 20 minutes in a refrigerator. Cut it open and then collect its gel in a new bowl. After that, apply the gel directly on your athlete’s foot. Rinse after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. Repeat this natural treatment twice in one day.

16. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is well known for its powerful antifungal, antioxidants, and antiseptic properties. Besides, it contains 71% phenols that is an antiseptic in nature. It is especially beneficial for improving respiratory, digestive health, and immune systems. This oil additionally contains the two major antifungal effects, thymol and carvacrol, which can treat the athlete’s foot efficiently.

Get these:

• Dried oregano leaves – a handful
• Water

Process:

Take a bowl of water and throw the dried oregano leaves. Bring it to boil and allow it to simmer for five minutes. Then, strain and collect the water in a new bowl. After that, dip your athlete’s foot in the bowl and leave it inside for ten minutes. For quick relief, you should follow this remedy twice daily.

17. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is widely used in cosmetic and medical industries. It is full of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antifungal properties, which help heal your foot infection, respiratory disorders and indigestion. Moreover, the menthol in this oil is useful in treating the dry feet.  It is excellent for easing the itchiness of the infection and decreasing your feet’s stinky smell.

Get these:

• Peppermint oil – two drops
• Tea tree oil – two drops
• Coconut oil – two tablespoons

Process:

Mix the tea tree oil and peppermint oil with the coconut oil. Start massaging this blend on your athlete’s foot. Try repeating this procedure two times every day.

18. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is a powerhouse of antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it a potent cure for various skin ailments such as burns, acne or scars. A massage with the oil can be beneficial for treating the athlete’s foot and regenerating the skin.

Get these:

• Lavender oil – four drops
• A mild lotion

Process:

Add the lavender oil to the mild lotion and make a paste. Apply this paste to your affected feet and massage gently for a couple of minutes. Then wear socks on your feet to let the oil work. Repeat the process nightly before sleeping.

B. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot While Pregnant

1. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help disinfect the feet and decrease the irritation caused due to athlete’s foot during pregnancy. An herbal foot soak made from a cup of ACV and 2 cups of water helps to alleviate the fungal infection completely. Soak your feet in this acidic solution for around 15 to 30 minutes. This solution is also perfect for reducing the flakiness and dryness of your skin.

2. Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot – Herbal Oils

Herbal oils come with a soothing effect, which de-stresses pregnant women facing some issues such as abdominal cramping, headaches or mood swings. It’s also useful for decreasing stress during pregnancy. Adding herbal oils such as tea tree oil to the foot soak helps to disinfectant the skin. Apart from that, foot baths infused with essential oils such as lavender oil and neem oil act as a powerful way of calming the irritation caused due to athlete’s foot.

VI. Diet For People With Athlete’s Foot

Your diet has a direct influence on your skin health and your immune system as well. Follow these diet tips below to help combat infections such as athlete’s foot:

• Include enough protein in your diet. Protein-rich foods include lean chicken, dairy products, and turkey. These foods help to regulate metabolism and heal and repair tissues.
• Include fresh vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Fresh fruits that are abundant in vitamin C are beneficial because they can battle the athlete’s foot by strengthening your immunity.
• Stay away from eating too much sugar because it can interfere with healing and accelerate the growth of bacteria.

VII. Prevention Tips From Recurrence

The following simple tips will be beneficial for keeping your feet healthy and dry.

• Wear open-toed shoes or sandals or go barefoot to avoid moist environments.
• Wash your hands by using soap and water to prevent the infections to others. Wash your feet two times a day.
• In public showers, wear shower shoes or thong to avoid the exposure to the fungus.
• After taking a bath, wash the tub by using an antiseptic cleaner.
• Try using socks made of natural fibers such as wool or cotton.
• Never use shoes made of rubber, plastic or water-tight shoes. Always wear breathable, natural material like leather.
• Wash socks with the help of extra hot water because it destroys the fungal spores.
• Use OTC medications to help clear the infection fast.
• Mix two capfuls of Betadine in one quart of warm water at first and later soak your feet in the mixture for 20 minutes once or twice a day. Dry your feet before applying the antifungal medication.
• Stop using strong solvents and chemicals such as alcohol, bleach, floor cleaners, etc. as treatments in fighting the problem of athlete’s foot.
• Treat your shoes by using Lysol spray, anti-fungal powder or spray.

These natural home remedies for athlete’s foot in toddlers & while pregnant will facilitate and boost the healing process. Be patient while using them. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible if the symptoms of athlete’s foot get worse. Do you know other home remedies for athlete’s foot? If yes, then share with us. For other remedies for health conditions, visit our Home Remedies page. All content provided are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.