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 can be effective for relieving your symptoms. Limited evidence suggests that some home remedies may help treat or prevent athlete’s foot by helping to keep your feet clean and dry, too.
A foot soak typically involves immersing your feet in a solution of warm water and another ingredient. Some research suggests the following may help:
- Baking soda: Research shows that baking soda may inhibit or slow the growth of certain types of fungi. For example, a 2019 study found that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may prevent the development of a type of fungus called Candida. However, more research is needed to determine if a baking soda soak can cure athlete’s foot.
- Salt water: Soaking your feet in salt water may inhibit fungal growth. An older study from 2012 found that salt (sodium chloride) has antifungal properties. To try this home remedy, dissolve about a half 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 to have antifungal properties. Many believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of Listerine and water can treat athlete’s foot, but further 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 may kill certain types of bacteria and fungi. More research is needed to determine if a foot soak of 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. More research is needed.
Topical treatments include creams, powders, and other substances 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 may have success with home remedy options, too.
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 ease the symptoms of athlete’s foot, although it may also be irritating to the skin. Be sure to dilute 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. Eucalyptus oil and menthol may both have antifungal properties, and applying this rub may help relieve a fungal infection.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well. A 2024 lab study found that coconut oil reduced fungal growth associated with athlete’s foot.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is a vegetable oil made from extracting 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 may relieve athlete’s foot symptoms.
- Talcum powder: Talcum powder is made from a naturally occurring mineral called talc. This powder can absorb moisture and help keep your skin dry. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot need a warm, moist environment to grow. Using talc powder can help to keep your skin clean and dry, preventing fungal growth.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant with antifungal properties. While it may kill the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, hydrogen peroxide is very irritating and may cause stinging and burning. Many healthcare providers do not recommend applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the skin.
- Garlic: Garlic has effective antifungal properties. While it may kill fungi on the skin, it can cause severe irritation and even burns. Talk with your healthcare provider before applying garlic to your skin.
Athlete’s foot is often preventable though good hygiene and foot care. To lower your risk of athlete’s foot, take the following precautions:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear socks made from breathable fabric that absorb moisture.
- Change your socks at least once each day and any time they feel sweaty or damp.
- Wear sandals or footwear when walking around public pools, showers, or locker rooms.
- Keep your toenails clipped and short.
- Avoid sharing towels or socks with others.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that requires treatment. It tends to feel very itchy and uncomfortable, and scratching the area can lead to open skin, redness, irritation, and infection. See your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of a secondary infection, including:
- Worsening pain or redness
- Uncontrollable itching
- Fever
- Pus
See your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve after trying home remedies for one to two weeks. Untreated athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the body, so prompt, effective treatment is 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 soaks, Vicks VapoRub, and other soaks and topical treatments. See your primary healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
