6 Best Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot in 2022
If you are like me, then you love finding new and natural ways to take care of your health. Recently, I learned about the benefits of using essential oils for athlete’s foot, and I was so excited to try it out!
If you are also curious about this remedy, keep reading to learn more.
Essential oils have many anti-fungal properties that can help clear up athlete’s foot quickly. In fact, some people find that this remedy works better than over-the-counter medications.
Ready to give it a try? Keep reading for instructions on how to use essential oils for athlete’s foot.
FREE Printable of Essential Oil Recipes for Athlete’s Foot!
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes and spreads up to the top of the foot. The same fungi that causes ringworm causes athlete’s foot, dermatophytes.
If you are constantly wearing tight-fitting shoes with socks, your feet may become more sweaty than normal. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments. This is why it’s typically called athlete’s foot. Athletes are more prone to get it due to constantly sweating and wearing closed toed shoes. But anyone can get it!
Common symptoms will be:
- itching, burning, and stinging sensations on the skin
- Inflamed red skin
- dry skin
- peeling or cracked skin
6 Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot Treatment
Here are some great essential oils for athlete’s foot! I have included links to my personal brand choices (affiliate links which will give me a tiny commission, at NO additional cost to you.)
Tea Tree Oil
This natural antifungal antibacterial oil is excellent at inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus that cause the initial infection. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the itching and burning sensation of the feet while inflamed!
Lavender Oil
Typically, we associate lavender with stress relief and promoting a calm environment. But it many other powerful properties! It can be a popular choice for skin conditions, to include athlete’s foot, due to the main active ingredients, linalool, linalyl acetate, and beta-caryophyllene. These ingredients have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help heal athlete’s foot.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including athlete’s foot. It is also an effective mosquito repellent and can be used to treat skin wounds.
Eucalyptus essential oil is derived from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus tree. It has a distinctive odor that many find pleasant, but it can also have a strong, unpleasant smell depending on the type of eucalyptus oil used.
The most common use for eucalyptus essential oil is as an anti-inflammatory agent for muscle and joint pain relief. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and can also help as a decongestant.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many ailments. It is especially effective for the treatment of athlete’s foot, because it soothes the skin and has antifungal properties.
Peppermint essential oil is a natural solution to treat athlete’s foot. It is also an effective way to relieve the itchiness of this condition and reduce inflammation. The antifungal properties of peppermint essential oil are what make it such an effective treatment against athlete’s foot.
Moringa
Moringa essential may be one of the lesser known oils, but still quite effective! It has been studied and shown to be a powerful antifungal. Moringa can help get rid of the infection and help promote a speedy recovery, while boosting the immune system and decreasing inflammation.
Lemon
This can apply to many citrus essential oils, but especially lemon! It’s perfect at combating fungal infections. It will also help rejuvenate the skin on your feet making them look and feel radiant!
What Kills Athlete’s Foot Naturally?
Athlete’s foot is a common skin fungus that affects the feet and toes. These are some natural ways to make athlete’s foot go away.
- Wear sandals when you’re walking around outside
- Wear disposable shoe covers if you’re working in an environment with a lot of foot traffic.
- Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, three times per day. Add baking soda to help reduce inflammation, and let the water cool before putting on new socks and shoes.
- Apply lotion with tea tree oil onto your feet twice per day, and don’t wear shoes until they dry off completely
Here are some more natural remedies you can make!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for a variety of health benefits. It is even said to be good for the treatment of athlete’s foot. It works well because it’s an acid that helps with the itching and burning sensations associated with athlete’s foot. It can also decrease inflammation.
For best results, get ACV with “the mother.” It has all the nutrients in it that make it so effective. I usually get Bragg’s.
Hot to Use:
In order to effectively use apple cider vinegar to help with athlete’s foot, you must first dilute it, but not too much! I use a 50:50 solution. For every cup of lukewarm water, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and antifungal that can aid in the healing of damaged skin tissue. and it has been used for many years to treat athlete’s foot. It is also a powerful oxidizer (which is why when you use it you see it bubbling up) and can be used to kill the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
To treat athlete’s foot, you should soak your feet in warm water with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes at least twice a day. Use a pint of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of warm water. You should also dry your feet thoroughly after the treatment and wear clean socks every day.
Epsom Salt Foot Bath
Epsom salt is a natural remedy for athlete’s foot. It is a type of salt that is made up of magnesium and sulfate. The most common use is to soak your feet in a bath with epsom salt to ease the itchiness and dryness caused by athlete’s foot.
Epsom salt can be used in many ways to treat athlete’s foot. One way would be to mix it with warm water and soak your feet in the mixture for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
Another way would be to add hot water, Epsom salt and 10 drops tea tree oil (or other essential oils) into a bowl or bucket and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
Per gallon of warm water, add in 1/2 cup epsom salt!
Related Post: DIY Essential Oil Detox Bath
How to Use Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot
Here are some recipes you can make!
Lemon Epsom Salt Foot Soak
Ingredients
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops extra virgin olive oil
- large bowl with warm water
Instructions
- Mix the essential oil and olive oil together, then drip into the warm water
- Soak your feet for about 20 minutes
- Do this twice daily for best results
Fungus Spray
Sometimes a foot soak can be totally inconvenient. Try this spray instead or inbetween foot soaks!
Ingredients
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- distilled water
- 2 oz amber spray bottle
Instructions
- Mix the essential oil with the water in the bottle
- Shake well
- Spray the tops of your feet and the inside of your shoes
Shelf Life: 6 weeks
Fungi Killer Moisturizer
If lotions or moisturizers are more your thing, try this one with peppermint essential oil!
Ingredients
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- A couple ounces coconut oil (half your palm full)
Instructions
- Massage onto affected area
Notes: Substitute any essential oil on the list in any of the above recipes!
Can Athlete’s Foot Go Away On It’s Own?
Typically, athlete’s foot will not go away on its own. It can easily spread to other areas of the body such as the nails. Once it reaches this point, it’s harder to treat. When treated, mild cases of athlete’s foot will last about 2 weeks. If it’s severe it can take longer. If you have any concerns, please speak with your doctor.
FREE Printable Essential Oils for Athlete’s Foot!
