Athlete's Foot
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies to Treat Athlete's Foot Effectively

Apple Cider Vinegar

54 User Reviews
5 star (44) 
  81%
4 star (5) 
  9%
1 star (4) 
  7%
(1) 
  2%

Posted by Mary (Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom) on 04/06/2011
★★★★☆

After reading the comments on this site, I tried apple cider vinegar (with the mother in it) as a soak to cure my moccasin athlete's foot. Basically, after 4 months of use, it was better but definitely not cured. I had the moccasin athlete's foot on both feet and one hand and had been unable to shift it, (in spite of frequent trips to the doctor), for 5 years.

In its favour, the apple cider vinegar did a lot more for me than the steroid creams my doctor prescribed and was also better than the OTC anti-fungal drugs. It did make my skin softer and helped heal some of the painful cracking. However, it could not kill the fungus. I suspect that this is because moccasin athlete's foot is extremely difficult to deal with once it gets hold and perhaps if I had used ACV years ago, before the moccasin athlete's foot became chronic, it might have worked.

For anyone wondering whether I managed to cure it some other way, the answer is yes, but not at home. In the end I was so desperate that I went to a traditional chinese herbalist who gave me a pile of herbs (many of which looked like fungus, bark and mushrooms) to boil up every night as a foot/hand soak. I was pretty skeptical but amazingly it worked within a week and I'm so happy! It wasn't as cheap as ACV, two consultations plus the herbs cost me around £80 (GBP), but for me it was worth it.

In conclusion, if you've got a really bad case of moccasin type athlete's foot, my experience has been that apple cider vinegar will soothe it - maybe even halt its development - but it won't give you a complete cure.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pete (Portland, Oregon) on 03/03/2011
★★★★★

I used raw Apple Cider Vinegar on some nasty-looking athlete's foot for two weeks, and I now have beautiful new skin on both feet and no sign of the infection. I simply soaked a cotton ball to saturation and applied liberally (to dripping point) all over the affected areas. I then let it dry in the air and didn't rinse it off. I did this twice or three times a day, changed my socks the same number of times, and saw improvement daily. I can't thank you enough for all your advice and encouragement!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barb (Julian, Pa, Usa) on 01/04/2011
★★★★☆

I have been using this for weeks and have begun to see an improvement. I believe mine is the moccasin type, as I had large blisters on the bottom of my feet and along the sides of my feet. Unfortunately it has spread to my leg, and I now have crusty scales on that leg. No matter what I do, they just keep coming back and it is not improving at all on my leg. My foot and leg are so swollen, that it is difficult to wear shoes. Nothing my doctor gave me has helped, and I don't see a dermatologist for another month. Any suggestions as to how I can get some of the swelling down in my foot and leg?

Replied by Tiffany
(Conway, Ar)
01/09/2011

I would suggest to elevate your foot on a regular basis, above the level of your heart any time you're not walking. Try putting alum or talc powder in your sock (tall tube sock) before putting it on, then wrap your foot and leg in an ACE bandage to apply compression. Elevate the foot and wrap an ice pack around it. Do this as often as possible (2-3 times per day minimum).


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eric (Ann Arbor, United States) on 12/19/2010
★★★★★

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan earning my degree in a very empirical field. I tried almost 2 dozen expensive and doctor prescribed products for my case of athletes foot - which I've had for about 7 years - and nothing worked.

I finally tried something more "natural" and I must say that ACV has been an absolute (dare I say) miracle! I soaked my feet in a small tub that was 50% ACV 50% water every morning and night (20 mins each session and longer if possible). My athletes foot is completely gone after staying with this regime for 2 weeks. I had lost hope because it wasn't working the first week, but sticking with it payed handsome dividends. I'm going to look up some other things on this website now and must say that I'm slowly becoming a believer in both science and these more "natural" remedies. Thank you all previous posters!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeannine (Denver, Co, Usa) on 11/18/2010
★★★★★

I had a bad case of athlete's foot on my left foot that plagued me for well over a year. I wanted to try a natural remedy, and I found this site and used a combination of ACV (swabbed on with a cotton ball) followed by tea tree oil. This worked somewhat, but did not cure it. What finally got rid of it once and for all was soaking my foot in straight ACV for 10-20 minutes. The trick for me, I think, was that I needed to leave it soaking in the vinegar until it started to burn and itch. That's when I knew that it was working, it felt like the fungus was being killed off. After I did this, the next day I saw a big improvement, plus I found small white blisters. I did this once a day for about a week, and it completely went away. It has been about 6 months now, and it is still gone. I hope this testimony helps someone else out!

Replied by Kyle
(B_town, Mn)
02/15/2011

There is no cure to bad foot other then prevention. IF you do get it I swear on my life that ACV and Tea Tree Oil will calm it down. When my whole body shakes cause it itches so bad I soak it 50 percent water and 50 percent ACV for 15 to 20 mins on both feet. Even if its on one toe or foot both, add the other so it prevents it. Trust me it wont spread to the other foot.

Replied by Michell
(Oregon)
12/31/2015

ACV is without a doubt the only way to deal with the foot fungus. At first if it burns deal with it just think the next day you will be a new person, don't forget to trash the shoe pads away and take newspaper spray some disinfectant on the paper and stuff the shoes with the paper every day and rotate your shoes! Believe me, this takes care of your feet and your hands and you'll be a happy camper!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephen (Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan) on 08/18/2010
★★★★★

Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar
Usage: 1Day/1Time/2Weeks for 30Minutes before bed
Cured: Yes

Ok this my sound a little harsh to some, but sometime the truth hurts. 99. 9 percent of all athletes foot can be prevented by one simple step. WASH YOUR FEET EVERYDAY!! I myself sometimes neglected my feet (and don't say you haven't) during quick showers not to mention military days when there were no "Hollywood showers" allowed. Well I don't want to place all the blame on the military, but I was in boots more than out of them during my tour. I didn't even have athletes foot til I got out of the military. WTF. ;o;

Well it was worst on my left foot between my little (weewee)piggy and my starved piggy. Cracking, itching, peeling, etc. Never spread though. Thank God. I tried it all. Bought all the fix it quicks online, the crap from the doctors office, and online healing BS. Then I found this site and read each and everyone of your reviews. I thought what the hell. Let me give it a try. I went to Costco and bought boxes of ACV. The first week I used the stuff straight outta the bottle covering both feet 20 minutes a night. The first treatment was already mind blowing. The next morning I looked at my feet and the redness was almost gone. After the first week I could see not signs of the fungus. I then started diluting the ACV into water at a 2 to 1 ration. The smaller being water. Continued for another week and I think I am cured. I am washing my feet like crazy everyday just to be extra safe. I can tell you I now am not embarrassed when the ladies come over and can take of my socks without worrying about my feet. Damn!! I got beautiful feet again. The only downside to the ACV (and I think this was already said) but it does dry the hell out of your feet. Better dry than moist I guess. THANK YOU EARTHCLINIC for putting up this site and allowing me to find a cure for the devils fungus. If you have not experienced athletes foot then good for you, but you best never neglect your feet or Mr. Fungi might come a knocking. Use the Apple Cider Vinegar!! I am telling it works. Just don't half ass the remedy though. Stick to it every day until you kill those little critters eating away at your feet.

Replied by Kenny
(Alfred, New York, Usa)
08/31/2010

Is there truly a positive difference between Apple Cider Vinegar and white vinegar? I've been suffering from the moccasin type for 8 months.

Replied by Ken
(Alfred, New York Usa)
09/01/2010
★★★★☆

I acknowledge the success of Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, BUT he suffered from inter-digit type. It's short-lived. I am suffering from "moccasin" type known as Trichophyton rubrum, which is long-lasting and very difficult to treat. I've had this 8 months now with ups-downs. Vinegar soak helps but seems to have put the infection in a hibernation like state. Tolerable but not cured.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/19/2010
★★★★★

I tried soaking my feet in apple cider vinegar straight out of the bottle, straight off the shelf of the grocery store (Heinz), and after battling athletes foot for over 20 years, I am free of this pest finally. Soaking lasted for about 30 minutes a day for a week. After the first day, I noticed an improvement as did my wife. Each day showed a bit of a difference, and I decided after a week to stop. By the middle of the next week, my feet showed NO SIGNS whatsoever of mocassin athletes foot. No peeling, no redness, no cracked skin, no pustules, nothing. That was four months ago and I have since maintained the same active lifestyle (running, tennis, hiking) and have not had one flare-up. In fact, my only concern is that my feet are often very dry. Works out nice, actually, as the wife lotions them up and nothing beats a foot massage with lotion =)

If you have your doubts, try it. I didn't use organic or some other over-priced product. Give it a shot. A $5 bottle of vinegar and a week's worth of your time is worth it for almost anything, much less a chance to get rid of AF.

Replied by Matt
(Santo Domingo, Costa Rica)
07/31/2010

Since moving to Costa Rica 4 years ago, I have had severe athletes foot. I don't know why, but only my left foot has it(never my right foot). It is present in between the toes and along the sides of my toes. OTC solutions have not worked and are kind of expensive. My big toe and little toe nails have turned a dirty looking yellow(the 3 center toes are normal). The nails are brittle and distorted and twice as thick as normal nails. The quick underneath seems to be eaten up and now there is a space between my nail and toes. Today I am starting the Apple Cider Vinegar treatment(40% water/60% APC), 25 minutes/twice a day. I am also going to use baking soda in my shoes and maybe try cayenne pepper in my socks. Should I leave the Apple Cider Vinegar on my feet without rinsing, and then put my socks and shoes on, or should I rinse my feet off with water after each Apple Cider Vinegar treatment?

Replied by Stephen
(Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)
08/18/2010

This works people. Garlic does work in the beginning, but it won't cure your feet like the Apple Cider Vinegar will. Warning!! Your feet may actually become dry using ACV. Mine did, but it is way better than damp feet. If your feet get too dry you can always rub a little foot lotion on your feet, but if you do, DO NOT put socks over your feet that you just put lotion on.

Replied by Stephen
(Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)
08/18/2010

Matt, you can rinse you feet if you want, but don't wear socks unless your feet are dry. What I did, and what I forgot to add in my yea post was that at night, after soaking my feet, I left the vinegar to dry and then put my feet in plastic baggies with rubber bands to hold the baggies in place. I rinsed my feet in the morning, dried really well and wore sandals for the day. Also throw away all socks and buy new ones. Put your shoes in plastic bags, seal the bags and stick in the freezer over night. The fungi can survive the washing machine and stay in your socks. No joke!! Good luck!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mn (West Midlands, England) on 05/27/2010
★★★★☆

About two years ago, I tried taking ACV to cure my athlete's foot. It didn't work at all! I tried everything but it wouldn't go away.

Then about a month ago, after being off of ACV for a half a year or so, I started taking it again for allergies. Looking at my feet at the end of the week when I took a bath, I noticed about 50% of my athlete's foot had disappeared. I have no idea why it didn't work the first time. I hadn't changed my diet much except I had less processed foods.

Anyone wanting to cure Athlete's Foot should give ACV another try.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marian (Tasmania, Australia) on 10/28/2009
★★★★★

Hi all, I read on your site (I think) that bathing feet in cider vinegar for a minimum of 6 weeks would cure athletes foot. I have had this condition since a teenager, I'm now 58. Usually didn't notice it too much in winter when I was wearing shoes but each summer my heels would crack and give me grief. So I was constantly putting healing cream on with band-aids and this went on all summer. This year it started in the winter, and I noticed that my feet were peeling also. So I quite religiously rubbed organic cider vinegar on my feet each night, and dried them off in front of the fire, an evening ritual before bed. My feet are now completely clear of peeling and splitting and feel so good. I have yet to go through the summer so am hopeful that it continues, if not I will just keep on with the bathing each night. Also started oil pulling about the same time, seseme, sunflower and coconut, it really cleared my sinus problems and I am continuing every second day. Thanks for your great site, I love the empowering vibe, its so hopeful and comforting to see us reclaiming our health from the "sickness industry".
love marian

Replied by No Lie
(Atl, Ga)
08/21/2011

try vick vapor rub it should do the trick


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cheryl (Gainesville, Florida) on 07/27/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar used to cure my moccasin type athlete's foot.

I just want to say THANK YOU!!!!!! I have had the moccasin type of athlete's foot for over a year and it was so PAINFUL! I went to the doctor and tried EVERYTHING! I was spending about $60.00 a week purchasing anti-fungal treatments and followed all the directions to the tee. I was doing anything possible to get rid of this because I'm a diabetic and I was afraid of my feet becoming infected from the athlete's foot. They would crack and bleed, some mornings it was extremely difficult to even walk because they hurt so bad. I kept buying the anti-fungal treatments because I was trying to cure it and trying to prevent it's spread to my toenails.

Out of desperation I did a Google search on home remedies for athlete's foot.....I didn't have much hope, I was just hoping for something to help ease the pain....I thought I would have to live with this for the rest of my life. I read about the Apple Cider Vinegar and I read all the comments and decided to give it a try. WOW!!! Within a week the open wounds were healing. At that point I was only applying the apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball. My husband was so excited about the improvement that he went out and bought a couple of gallon jugs of the stuff so I could soak my feet in it. I have been soaking each foot in it full strength for 30 minutes each for about 3 weeks now and it's almost GONE! It stung a lot at first, but that was because of the open wounds....now the fungus is clearing up and it even makes my feet soft and healthy!!!

Thank you sooooo much! This site saved me from a lot of pain and discomfort! The apple cider vinegar really works!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by TimeSpirit (North Jersey, NJ) on 07/22/2009
★★★★★

I've had hideous toe and foot fungus for many years. I've tried a lot of OTC medicine and never had much relief. It's hard to believe but, I just used ACV ONCE and I saw an improvement. I was stunned. I took suggestions from other posts and sprinkled some cayenne pepper onto my feet and toes and put on clean socks. Can't tell if it's working or not but, the cayenne feels pretty nice, just like a soft foot powder. I'll update in a week after the treatment has some time to work. Thanks to all who post here. I really appreciate all the helpful remedies.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yvonne (Apex, NC) on 07/19/2009
★★★★★

My son got athelete's foot. I took him to the doctor and was given a prescription - did not get rid of it. Back to the doc. This time is kind of went away, but came back. This went on for about a year. I threw away his shoes, sox, etc. Finally I heard of apple cider vinegar. I had him soak his feet in a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar for about 15-30 every night for a week. This time is went away and did not return.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Janice (Wilmington, NC) on 06/21/2009
★★★★★

Hi Patrick. No, you definitely don't need the expensive brand of apple cider vinegar for athlete's foot. I got my AF cured (killed?) in 2 days by soaking my toes for half an hour in the generic brand of acv from the grocery store.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beverley (Leeds, Yorkshire, UK) on 04/03/2009

I've been reading the posts about apple cider vinegar and I have to say that I think whether or not it works may depnd on what type of athlete's foot you've got. For example, I've seen it work really well for people with toe-web athlete's foot, (the kind that infects the area around the toes), but I have Moccasin-type athlete's foot (which infects the soles of your feet and sometimes spreads to your hands), and ACV has no impact on it at all. I have also tried tea tree oil, and that doesn't appear to cure moccasin athlete's foor either. I've had it for about 4 years now and unfortunately, my overall experience has been that moccasin athlete's foot is much harder to cure and often dosn't respond to the home remedies you read about online. Also, while over the counter medicines can controll it - they don't seem able to cure it - I've tried all the brands I can find of creams, sprays and talcs. None helped.

My conclusion about Moccasin-type athlete's foot is that once it is severe, (i.e. when it has spread over most of the sole of one or both feet), you need prescription medication to cure it. Apparently, this is beacuse of the thickness of the skin on the soles of the feet (creams, oils etc won't penetrate it). I wish I was wrong, as I do prefer home remedies - but for moccasin athlete's foot my experience has been that a trip to the doctor really is necessary.

Replied by Shaun
(York, UK)
04/04/2009

Try soaking your feet in a household ammonia solution (50/50 ammonia and water) for a while. Works a treat for me.

Replied by Beverley
(Leeds, Yorkshire)
04/26/2009
★★★★★

Thanks for the reply, Shaun, but I won't be needing to try the ammonia after all - because I have changed my mind about apple cider vinegar - it really does work and I'm so happy! I'm guessing, but I the reason it didn't cure the moccasin athlete's foot I suffer with sooner, is because I wasn't soaking my feet in a strong enough solution. In the past, I had mixed a foot soak of about half ACV and half water, and although it dried my skin out, it didn't have much effect on the fungus. Recently, I thought I'd have one last try and I started soaking my feet once a day in neat apple cider viniger - no water at all. It stung a lot, probably because the athlete's foot had really damaged my skin in places, but I stuck with it, and wow - the skin has started to repair itself and the athlete's foot has nearly disappeared. I am amazed! And so so so pleased! I've stuggled for years with this and I can't believe I'll be able to wear sandals this summer without feeling embarrassed about my feet.

EC: Hi, Beverley. Thanks for the update! We're removing the NAY rating from your first post and adding YEA here.

Replied by J-Rod
(Houston, TX)
05/14/2009

Hi, I just read some of these feedbacks and was wondering what could help my husbands stinky shoes? My husband has athletes foot really bad. I mean I hated washing his nasty yellow crusty hard socks. I want to try this beacuse I've tried everything over the counter and his parents have bought him some package they saw on t.v. It worked but it had too many steps and of course he has to go to work. So if we try this do you think the smell in his shoes will go away as well?

Replied by Linda
(St. Paul, MN)
05/15/2009

Just put some baking soda in the shoes & leave it in. I started doing this when my kids were young and it works!

Replied by Missymichigan
(Temperance, Michigan)
05/16/2009

Here's how to penetrate the thick skin of the soles of your feet - I use a foot calus remover - it looks like a cheese grater, only made for feet. Once you are out of the shower and your skin and callouses are soft, just use the devise (found in most retail stores) to remove all calous areas of your foot, then try the home remedies. For fast removal of calouses, I use an electric Dremel tool found in most hardware stores with the round sand paper disc on it - it will clear up all of your callouses in 10 minutes or less but be careful to to put the speed too high. I got this idea from my podietrist who removed all of my calouses with one in her office! Good luck! Your feet will thank you!

Replied by Alyssa
(Austin, Texas)
09/01/2009

One way to prevent stinky feet... Wear socks with a higher content of natural materials. Dress socks generally have high levels of nylon and run-of-the-mill white cotton socks are usually only about 75% cotton. Aim for at least 80% cotton, and when doing the laundry, add about a half cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Your socks should come out squeaky-clean, smelling great, and ready to absorb any sweat. Additionally, rotating your shoes works wonders... Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days consecutively, giving each a day to air out.

Replied by Chas
(Denver, Co)
11/28/2009

Warning: About using a dremel or other kind of power grinder or sander, such as a pet nail trimmer -- only do this when wearing a surgical mask and eye protection. Otherwise, the airborne pathogens can spread the problem to places where you truly do not want the issue, and where your physician may have a very difficult time helping you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Char (Los Alamitos, CA, USA) on 03/12/2009
★★★★★

Organic apple cider vinegar cure worked wonders in 3 days, redness decreased on bottom of foot, skin appears to have returned to normal in area where it had peeled off, blisters decreasing in size and almost dried up. I also used the coconut oil to keep the skin soft. Can't thank you enough!!!!!!!



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