Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Athlete's Foot

One of the oldest and most trusted home remedies is apple cider vinegar. This valuable product has been heavily relied upon throughout the ages to prevent and alleviate a number of ailments. It helps alkalize the body and is rich in potassium, which supports cell growth. Throughout history apple cider vinegar has been used to treat earaches, infections, arthritis, and as an aid in digestion. It has also been said to aid in the detoxification of bodily organs and eliminate warts. It is easily accessible, inexpensive and useful for a variety of disorders and conditions.

For all of these reasons, apple cider vinegar may be the best natural remedy for athlete's foot. It is the ability of this type of vinegar to destroy fungal infections that makes it an ideal natural remedy for athlete's foot fungus. Not only is it considerably less expensive than prescription drugs and even over the counter medications, pure apple cider vinegar relieves the itching that is caused by athlete's foot making it a gentle, all natural answer to this common and painful problem. And best of all, you may already have it in your cupboard.

Athlete's foot is a well-known, persistent ailment caused by fungal growth on the feet. This type of infection occurs when the highly contagious tinea pedis fungus contacts the skin. Often the most affected area of the foot is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist; however, it may also spread to the rest of the foot. When athlete's foot fungus is given an opportunity to develop, it may first result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. If the infection is not remedied, the skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge.

To combat this unfortunate condition, people have turned time and again to apple cider vinegar. This type of vinegar is made from the liquid extracted from crushed apples. Sugar and yeast are added to encourage fermentation, which turns the sugars into alcohol. It is in the second fermentation process when acetic acid-forming bacteria transform the alcohol into vinegar.

This acidic product can be used to treat feet that have become raw, cracked, and damaged by the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Not only does it relieve the persistent itch that comes with the condition, it also has been reported to rid the body of the fungus that causes the condition. It may not have the most desirable odor, but the relief that is immediately felt as sore feet contact the vinegar will surely be worth it. 

An apple cider vinegar foot soak is an effective way to fight athlete's foot fungus. Simply mix one part pure all natural apple cider vinegar with one part warm water and soak for 20 minutes. Feet should be cleaned with a gentle soap both before and after the treatment. It is necessary to make sure that the feet are thoroughly dried after the treatment to prevent the fungus from spreading in a moist environment. If necessary, it is permissible to use this method of treatment twice daily. Depending upon the severity of the condition, the feet should be rid of the fungus within one to two weeks of regular home treatments.

 For less severe cases of athlete's foot fungus, use a washcloth or cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar. Gently rub the cloth over the affected areas. This treatment works especially well for children who may not be willing to sit for a foot soak as the combination of the vinegar and the rubbing of the washcloth allow instant relief from the itchiness caused by the fungus.

  It is wise to take some common sense precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus as preventing athlete's foot fungus is typically much easier than curing it, it. The most important step you can take is to keep the feet dry, especially between the toes. Ensure that the environment in your socks is inhospitable to fungal growth. Socks that are made of cotton, wool, or other natural materials allow feet to breathe and remain dry. If your feet commonly sweat, see that your socks remain clean and dry, even if this means changing socks during the day. Choose shoes that are well ventilated and give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. It is also important to reduce the risk of exposure by wearing waterproof sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and any other warm damp place that may host tinea pedis. Taking proper care of your feet and treating them with all natural apple cider vinegar should ensure that the athlete's foot fungus clears up and does not return.

Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.