Athlete's foot can be frustratingly hard to control.
Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can also spread to the toenails and hands. Symptoms include peeling, cracking, blisters and redness.
Antifungal medications are considered standard treatment for athlete's foot. Yet studies suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective alternative for relieving symptoms (
In a controlled study of 158 people, 72% of the tea tree oil group had significant clinical improvement in athlete's foot, compared to 39% in the placebo group
However, another study found that although tea tree oil helped relieve scaling, inflammation, itching and burning as well as antifungal medication, it wasn't as effective at actually getting rid of the fungus
Here is a natural treatment to relieve the symptoms of athlete's foot:
- Combine 1/4 cup arrowroot powder, 1/4 cup baking soda and 20–25 drops of tea tree oil
- Stir to combine, and place in a covered container
- Apply to clean, dry feet twice a day
