Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by tinea fungus, often identified by itchy and foul smelling feet or toes. Basic hygiene measures can help prevent athlete’s foot. The pain or itching and discomfort caused during the initial stage can also be relieved by simple home remedies instead of antibiotics or other medication. Green tea is one such ingredient that can provide relief and prevent it from recurring. Read: Signs, symptoms and causes of athlete’s foot.
How tea helps?
Tannins in the tea are very effective against fungal infections of the toes or nails, including athlete’s foot[1]. Damp feet are breeding grounds for tinea fungus that lead to infection and the tannins or tannic acid present in the tea helps remove moisture from the outer layer of the skin. Tannins also keep the fungus away, thus preventing athlete’s foot. Tannic acid also helps to restore and heal the tissue that remains after the skin is peeled off during the infection[2]. Tea tree oil has also shown remarkable improvement in in-vitro studies for relieving symptoms and inhibiting the infection caused by tinea fungus[3]. Here are 7 reasons you must give tea tree oil a try.
How to use tea?
You can steep five-six bags of tea in 1 litre boiling water. Allow the water to cool till lukewarm. Now soak your feet in this solution for 10 minutes. Rinse and wipe feet till completely dry. You can now dust the toes and gaps between fingers with talcum powder or corn flour to keep it dry. Alternatively, few drops tea tree oil can be mixed in lukewarm water and used as a foot soak. You can also try these expert tips to prevent athlete’s foot.
Image Source: Shutterstock
For more articles on home remedies, visit our home remedies section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For disease related queries, visit our forum. References:
For more articles on home remedies, visit our home remedies section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For disease related queries, visit our forum. References:
- Donatiello, S. T. (1999). Tannin (tannic acid) treatment of athlete's foot and other fungal infections. U.S. Patent No. 5,994,403. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Kell, W. B. (1942). Therapeutic agent for the treatment of fungus infection. U.S. Patent No. 2,289,125. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C. and Barnetson, R. S. (2002), Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution: A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 43: 175–178. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00590.