12 Home Remedies to Naturally Clear Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis or ringworm) is a common fungal infection that causes itching, redness and irritation between the toes. Over-the-counter creams or powders may be effective in relieving your symptoms. Limited evidence suggests that certain home remedies may help treat or prevent athlete’s foot by also helping to keep your feet clean and dry.

A foot bath usually involves submerging your feet in a solution of warm water and another ingredient. Some research suggests that the following may help:

• Baking soda: Research shows that baking soda can inhibit or slow the growth of certain types of fungus. For example, a 2019 study found that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can prevent the growth of a type of fungus called Candidiasis. However, more research is needed to determine whether a baking soda bath can cure athlete’s foot.
• Salt water: Soaking your feet in salt water can inhibit fungal growth. An older study from 2012 found that salt (sodium chloride) has antifungal properties. To try this home remedy, dissolve about half a cup of salt in warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• Listerine: Listerine is an antiseptic (germ-killing) mouthwash that contains thymol, an essential oil known for its antifungal properties. Many believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of Listerine and water can treat athlete’s foot, but more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
• Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol, which is a combination of water and isopropyl alcohol, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Applying it to the skin can kill certain types of bacteria and fungi. More research is needed to determine whether soaking the feet in water and rubbing alcohol cures athlete’s foot.
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar may contain compounds that stop the growth of certain types of fungi, which may make it an effective treatment option for athlete’s foot. Further research is needed.

Topical treatments include creams, powders, and other substances that you apply directly to your skin. The most common topical treatments for athlete’s foot are over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, powders, and sprays, but you can also have success with home remedy options.

These topical treatments may include:

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil with powerful antifungal properties. A 2021 study found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may enhance the effects of antifungal medications. Tea tree oil may also relieve symptoms of athlete’s foot, although it can also be irritating to the skin. Make sure to dilute the tea tree oil before applying it to your skin.
• Vicks VapoRub: Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter ointment that contains menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and other ingredients. Both eucalyptus oil and menthol may have antifungal properties, and applying this product may help relieve a fungal infection.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil also has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. A 2024 laboratory study found that coconut oil reduced fungal growth associated with athlete’s foot.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the extraction of oil from the seeds of the neem tree. Research shows that this oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying diluted neem oil directly to the skin can relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
• Talc: Talcum powder is made from a natural mineral called talc. This powder can absorb moisture and help keep your skin dry. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot need a warm, humid environment to grow. Using talcum powder can help keep your skin clean and dry, preventing fungal growth.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant with antifungal properties. Although it can kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, hydrogen peroxide is very irritating and can cause stinging and burning. Many health care providers recommend against applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the skin.
• Garlic: Garlic has effective antifungal properties. Although it can kill fungus on the skin, it can cause serious irritation and even burns. Talk to your healthcare professional before applying garlic to your skin.

Athlete’s foot is often preventable with good hygiene and foot care. To reduce your risk of athlete’s foot, take the following precautions:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Wear socks made of breathable fabric that absorb moisture.
• Change your socks at least once a day and whenever they are sweaty or damp.
• Wear sandals or shoes when walking around public pools, showers or locker rooms.
• Keep your nails trimmed and short.
• Avoid sharing towels or socks with others.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that requires treatment. This tends to be very itchy and uncomfortable, and scratching the area can lead to open skin, redness, irritation, and infection. See your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms of secondary infection, including:

• Worsening pain or redness
• Uncontrollable itching
• Fever
• Pus

See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after trying home remedies for one to two weeks. Untreated athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body. Rapid and effective treatment is therefore essential.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching and redness between the toes. Home remedies for athlete’s foot may include tea tree oil, baking soda, salt water, diluted Listerine baths, Vicks VapoRub, and other topical soaks and treatments. Consult your primary care provider if your symptoms do not improve with home remedies.