How to Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot with Tea Tree Oil

Athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis or ringworm of the feet) is a common fungal infection of the foot. It is a contagious fungal infection that caused by the tinea fungus.

It occurs when a person came into contact with this fungus that grows in damp and contaminated surfaces like walking barefoot on gym surfaces, public showers, locker rooms, public pools, etc.

You will experience certain symptoms like burning sensation, itching, small blisters, scaly or cracked skin, redness, dry or flaky skin, discoloration of toenails, etc. which you observe more on the space between the toes and thus spreads throughout the feet and body.

People with a weak immune system, excessive sweating, wearing closed shoes or keeping the feet wet will get this infection but men are more prone to develop this infection.

Instead of using chemical based OTC creams, you can try using some simple natural home remedies. Tea tree oil will stand best in treating the fungal infections.

Can really Tea Tree Oil treat Athlete’s Foot:

Tea tree essential oil (or Melaleuca oil) that has various properties to prevent the fungal infections. Have a look at its properties that how it treats athlete’s foot.

Tea tree oil contains certain active ingredients like terpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes that destroy the harmful bacteria and fungus causing this problem.
It has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that disinfect the affected foot area and prevent spreading of this fungus to other body parts (or) to others.
It acts as an astringent that reduce the redness, scaly, cracked skin or skin peeling on the infected area and thus faster the healing process.
It has an anti-inflammatory property that soothes the skin and heals the pain, inflammation and burning sensation which is associated with athlete’s foot.
It penetrates deep into the skin to prevent the infection along with its recurrence.

How to use Tea Tree Oil for Athlete’s Foot:

Here are some of the effective ways of using tea tree oil for treating athlete’s foot. Regular follow – up of the tea tree oil will yield best results.

Method – 1: (Tea Tree Oil)

Application of tea tree oil either in the diluted or undiluted way is effective in treating the athlete’s foot.

Undiluted way – apply few drops of tea tree oil directly on the affected area using a cotton ball and rinse off after few minutes.
Diluted way – mix 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil and apply it on the athlete’s foot and rinse off with water after 15 – 20 minutes.
Tea tree oil compress – pour few drops of tea tree oil in a piece of clean cloth and place it on the affected areas. Press the cloth against the infection and discard it after 30 minutes.
Repeat these processes for once or twice daily till you get complete relief from the infection.

Method – 2: (Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak)

Foot soaks help not only to prevent the fungus but also speed up the healing process along with relaxing your strained feet.

Lavender oil exhibits antifungal and antiseptic properties that destroy the fungi causing athlete’s foot.
Fill your foot tub partially and add 10 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil in it.
Stir well and soak your feet in this water for about 15 – 30 minutes.
After that, dry your feet and repeat it once daily to speed up the infection.

Note:

Also, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon kills the fungus and relieves pain. Boil 8 – 10 cinnamon sticks in 1 quart of water for 7 – 10 minutes. Steep the tea for 30 minutes and add 10 drops of tea tree oil to it. Soak your feet for 15 – 20 minutes.
Or simply add 10 – 15 drops of tea tree oil in your foot bath filled with lukewarm water. Soak your feet in this water for 15 – 20 minutes and dry it thoroughly.

Method – 3: (Tea Tree Oil Ointment with Aloe Vera)

Tea tree oil fights against the infection and aloe vera soothe the redness, pain, and inflammation that associated with this infection. This combination clears the infection and heals the skin.

Mix 5 – 7 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel.
Apply a thick layer of this ointment all over the affected areas of the feet.
Let it sit for about 30 – 45 minutes and rinse off.
Dry your feet thoroughly and reapply it for several times a day on daily basis to get relief from the infection.

Method – 4: (Tea Tree Oil Wipes with Lemon Juice)

Both tea tree oil and lemon juice exhibit antimicrobial and astringent properties that fight against the fungi causing athlete’s foot and also dry out the feet to remove excess moisture, which helps to control the spread of infection to other parts.

Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons in 1/2 cup of water.
Stir well by adding 6 – 8 drops of tea tree oil in it.
Use this mix to wipe your feet by concentrating more on the affected areas with a cotton pad.
Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off.
Continue the process for 2 – 3 times daily for quick relief.

Note: Or you can mix 7 – 8 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or coconut oil) and use it to wipe off the affected areas of the feet using a cotton ball.

Method – 5: (Tea Tree Oil with Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has acidic nature and anti-inflammatory property that relieves pain and inflammation along with preventing the infection and its spread.

Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1/2 cup each of raw and organic apple cider vinegar and water.
Give it a nice stir and then dip a clean cloth in this mix.
Place it on the affected area and wrap it around your feet.
Discard the cloth after 20 – 30 minutes and then rinse off the feet with tepid water.
Do the same process for once or twice daily till you cleared the infection.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Direct application of tea tree oil may cause some stinging sensation on the applied skin areas. So, it is not suitable for dry or sensitive skin holders.
Tea tree oil may result in some allergic rashes, itching, blisters or redness. So, it’s always suggested to do a skin patch test before following tea tree oil methods.
Consult your doctor for proper diagnose and treatment for getting a quick relief from the problem.
Always use 100% pure tea tree oil for treating any health or beauty problems, including this athlete’s foot.
Tea tree oil is not meant for internal use. So, avoid the intake of this oil, as it can be poisonous or causes various side effects.
You have to keep your feet dry and clean by following certain feet care hygiene like use a fresh pair of socks daily, avoid walking in barefoot especially in public areas, don’t borrow other’s shoes, wear shoes and socks that made of a natural material used to breathe, etc.
Wear flip-flops or sandals while walking on the gyms, showers, around the pools or locker rooms to prevent the attack of infection.

Try these natural tea tree oil methods for athlete’s foot and share your experience with us.

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