While there are prescription athlete's foot remedies, many people find that they have just as much success with remedies that can be performed at home. Some of these home remedies use items that are typically stored in the cabinet at home, such as baking soda. When properly used, baking soda can be an extremely effective remedy for athlete's foot. It is also important that other precautions be taken, such as keeping feet dry and clean at all times. Avoiding public areas, such as pools and public showers, where athletes foot tends to breed can be helpful in athlete's foot prevention. If it is necessary to visit public areas where athlete's foot can be transmitted, the use of shoes such as sandals or flip-flops can be a helpful preventive measure.
Causes of Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is the result of a fungus. This fungus appears as reddened, flaked skin skin in between the toes or on the foot area. Athlete's foot can be caused by any contact with the fungus that causes it, with a common cause being contact with skin particles of other people who already have athlete's foot. It is fairly common for people to contract athlete's foot in damp and warm environments, such as locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Even tiny skin particles that have been infected with athlete's foot can transfer it to a new person, so it is important to use protective measures when using public areas in addition to using a good remedy for treatment. Using a preventive remedy can also be very helpful in avoiding athlete's foot in the future. Both treatment and prevention are very important when dealing with athlete's foot.
Making a Baking Soda Remedy
A baking soda remedy can both treat and prevent athlete's foot. To treat existing athlete's foot, create a solution of baking soda and lukewarm water. The feet should be soaked in the solution for about a half an hour each day. The daily soaking will alter the pH of the skin and help to begin the healing. In addition to the daily water and baking soda foot soak, baking soda can also be used as a prevention against future athlete's foot problems.
To prevent athlete's foot, sprinkle dry baking soda on the feet, especially in between the toes, before socks and shoes are put on. The baking soda will absorb excess moisture, as well as aid in neutralization of the skin. The feet should always be as dry as possible, so baking soda combined with careful prevention methods can dramatically reduce or even completely eliminate athlete's foot.
