The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Iodine
Posted by Superslide (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa ) on 05/07/2010
★★★★☆
My friend had a minor case of athletes foot and small blisters on his feet almost every day. We have been taking an iodine supplement that has greatly improved our over all health and got rid of his athetes foot. But the blisters still kept popping up. Mind you, he has had them forever. Every day after work, he would be popping them. So since the iodine has helped his athletes foot, maybe the body needs a little more help with the blisters. It has been amazing!!!
Recipe::
Take a bath to soften the skin.
Cotton ball with regular iodine disinfectant from pharmacy.
Coat foot with iodine.
Let dry or put on a nylon sock.
Results::
soft feet for first time ever.
In 3 days, only one blister appeared.
Much more comfort when walking around.
Listerine
Posted by Jillian (San Jose, Ca) on 04/22/2010
★★★★★
I used listerine when both my big toenails became infected, thick, yellow, crusty, and painful. the listerine did the trick. 15 minute soak in pure mouth wash for a few nights. pain went away, and the infection stopped spreading. my doctor confirmed that the toenails were no longer infected. I just had to wait for the yellow toenails to grow out.
CAUTION. DON'T USE GREEN/BLUE varieties. My green feet were much harder to explain than my yellow toenails (but at least that faded after a week). Smells great, feels tingly fresh, and worked. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Claudia (Fremont, Ca) on 04/02/2010
Very interesting combination. Can this be used in the washing machine to boost cleaning?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rick (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) on 04/01/2010
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and acetic acid (in all vinegars) react to form peracetic acid, which is very powerful and should never be used on the skin. However, you may use it on your nails. Since peracetic acid is relatively unstable (it breaks down and loses its power after a few hours), it is preferable to apply the reactants one after the other, rather than mixing them beforehand. For example, first apply the vinegar to the nail, then apply the H2O2 on top of the vinegar. It does not matter which one you apply first.
By the way, peracetic acid is a good alternative to chlorine bleach for sterilizing nonporous (hard) household surfaces. For this application, just use plain white vinegar, not ACV. Peractic acid is actually a more powerful oxidizing agent than chlorine, yet it is not nearly as toxic as chlorine. (In fact, the breakdown products of peractic acid are completely nontoxic.) For large surfaces, such as bathtubs and kitchen counters, you may find it easiest to apply by putting the white vinegar in one spray bottle, and the H2O2 in another spray bottle; spray one and then the other. Again, it does not matter which one you spray first.
Urine
Posted by D.ether (Chicago, Il) on 03/07/2010
★☆☆☆☆
This is a nay to the use of urine to cure. I noticed a few months ago that I had a portion of skin in between my middle and ring finger. After reading that urine helped I tried it. It caused a further infection that spread over my whole hand and caused eczema which I hadn't had since a kid. I am still fighting it and it has not gone away. So to be frank don't urinate. Bless.
Urine
Posted by Naturo (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 02/08/2010
★★★★★
Urine as a cure for athlete's foot is the most economical, safe, and timely remedy known to me. I tried tea tree oil, aloe, black soap, coconut oil, Burt's foot cream, all of the former offered little to no resolve. I had a serious case of athlete's foot known as "trench foot" which was a name gained from the soldiers of many wars where moisture would collect in the boot or shoe, creating the necessary conditions for bacterial growth. My condition was so bad that the epidermis was cracking and in areas of the foot - primarily the ball of the foot, there would be lesions that would bleed. The cure is simple, apply urine (fresh and warm) to the infected area allowing it a minute or so to absorb into the skin; this is best done prior to sleep. Repeat this day after day until you see desired results. Note, although the symptoms may subside i.e. itching and cracking, the actual bacterial infection may not be gone. Thus, one should continue daily treatment for at least 1 week beyond the epidermic symptoms remediation.
Tested and true.
Borax
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 02/04/2010
★★★★★
borax for athletes foot
after trying everything else you could buy at the store for his pretty much life long athletes foot problem - and not having results my boyfriend finally decided to try the remedy i kept telling him to try... borax - which he thought was poison him instantly but he 'trusted' the OTC stuff at the store!!! LOL
he wet his feet and then took a handful and rubbed it all over his feet.
he said they stopped itching immediately! he was stunned.
a few weeks later i asked him how his athletes foot was and he said: oh wow! it hasn't come back! that stuff totally cured it!!!
now he tells all his friends about borax ;)
Vicks
Posted by Candy (Ofallon, Mo) on 02/03/2010
★★★★★
Athlete's foot: I have used vaporub on my feet for years, it cures this problem within a day or two, no waiting six weeks. Also when we were kids my parents would rub it on the inside of our throat if we had a sore throat, a sore throat was also gone in a day. This product probably works due to the euclyptus.There are a lot of these products in the store but the one that works must have euclyptus, mint, and camphor. It also make your dry feet very soft.
Hair Dryer
Posted by Vi (Saskatoon, Sk) on 01/15/2010
★★★★☆
Itchy Toes
I just thought I would share what finally worked to get rid of this stubborn infection - a hair dryer! I thought as one person suggested, something might be in my shoes, so I "blow-dried" the insides of my shoes on high for two periods of 30 seconds each. Push the hair dryer right in there so the inside gets good and hot. The first time I did this I melted the rim of the hair dryer so be sure to let it cool down in between! I was amazed when the infection on my toes went away without any further treatment of the skin itself. I now do this every month or so for all my shoes and slippers - sometimes I feel a tingling sensation that implies the infection is still around but with this approach it doesn't seem to ever develop. AND this also gets rid of odor in the shoes as it kills the bacteria that cause that too!
EC: Thanks, Vi. Sounds like a great idea for those treating toenail fungus too!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chas (Denver, Co) on 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!
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Moises (New York, Ny Usa) on 11/02/2009
★★★★★
Athlete's Foot: I mixed one part tea tree oil with 4 parts olive oil. Twice daily I washed me feet with soap and water. Then I dried them. Then I used an eyedropper to apply the tea tree oil dilution between the toes.
My athlete's foot cleared up in less than a week. This was after using Lamisil ointment for more than 3 weeks.
The first time I used Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride 1%), years ago, it also worked in a few days. Each successive time, it required more days to eliminate the athlete's foot. I have only tried tea tree oil one time. So, I do not know yet if its effectiveness diminishes with repeated use, the way Lamisil does.
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
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Melissa (Orlando, Fl) on 09/17/2009
★★★★★
Hydrogen Peroxide to Combat Athlete's Foot
I have seen countless doctors and dermatologists for my dry, red, peeling, cracked heels that I have had on and off since probably the age of 10. I have been (incorrectly) diagnosed with eczema, allergic skin, and even psoriasis. I have taken oral medications and have been prescribed compounded skin lotions in hopes of "maintaining" my condition at a tolerable level.
This year, I took matters into my own hands. Living in Florida, people walk around in sandals and flip-flops more than half of the year. My feet were so embarrassing. I researched and researched and found that it was highly probable that I had the moccassin-type of athlete's foot. All the symptoms fit - even my mother and grandmother have struggled with similar feet issues. I went for a final opinion from my primary doctor and she agreed - perhaps it was misdiagnosed after all.
I finally decided to try soaking my feet in 50% water and 50% unfiltered, raw, organic apple cider vinegar every night. It produced almost immediate results with my feet feeling soft and peeling less. Nonetheless, after almost two weeks of soaking my feet, I just could not stand the odor anymore - neither could my husband. I stopped and of course the athlete's foot came back with a vengeance.
I finally decided to try 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide foot soaks for 20 minutes every night or every other night. I follow through with an "as seen on tv" foot file to take off the dead skin. Finally, I moisturize with organic coconut-based lotion. After almost three weeks, my feet feel and look amazing. I make sure to sterilize the basin I use to soak my feet, the towels, the foot file, and any other instruments with alcohol to ensure that the fungus is killed. Also, I have been more careful to spray my feet with anti-fugal sprays and foot powder before working out or if I wear partially or closed toed shoes.
As a precaution, I will keep maintaining these soaks as long as I can - considering I've had this athlete's foot condition for more than 15 years. I hope some of you have success with this inexpensive and definitely less smelly solution!
Frankincense Oil
Posted by Ethna (Dundalk, Co Louth. Ireland) on 09/01/2009
★★★★★
Massage a small amount of Frankinsense essential oil on your feet. There will be no foot odour for approximately 6 months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alyssa (Austin, Texas) on 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.
Alum
Posted by Denise (Austin, AR) on 07/29/2009
★★★★★
I have had problems with athlete's foot since I was a teenager. Now my teenage son has become bothered by it. I was told by an old friend that if I were to sprinkle a little bit of old fashioned cooking alum into his and my shoes and a little in our socks that it would take care of the athlete's foot and actually make his feet odorless. She (the friend) said that the alum closes the pores which prevents the feet from sweating, stopping the odor, and also the athlete's foot. I was told about this probably about ten years or so ago but have been reluctant to try it because it just doesn't sound like a healthy option. I'm certainly not going to try it on my child without knowing what repercussions will be as a result. Has this ever been suggested before?
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.
Urine
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 06/09/2009 490 posts
Kin, the answer is yes it can be. Urine can be used external on the face and hands, also can be taken internally. For more details on this go find yourself a copy of a book titled "Your Own Perfect Medicine", which is written on urine therapy. Very interesting reading. Seems it is effective against lots of things.
Urine
Posted by Kin (Auckland, New Zealand) on 06/09/2009
★★★★★
Urine for Athlete's Foot
Saw quite a few latest Posts regarding Athlete's Foot, so decided to post my experience. Urine works well for Athlete's Foot. I have Athlete's Foot for about a year, tried AVC, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Grapefruit seed oil, they all work to certain degree but Urine is the best cure. Iodine works well too but urine is the most effective.
I soaked my feet in my own urine daily for about 15 minutes in a leak proof plastic bag; let my feet dried off before I had my shower. I saw improvement within days and after about a week or two, it was almost 100% cured. It's free and easily available. Pee on your feet method did not work that well for me. Wonder if urine can be used externally for face and hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Heather (Vancouver, BC) on 06/07/2009
Chuck from Lexington, KY wrote in his post - "I used a combination of approx. 60% "raw" apple cider vinegar, organic unfiltered with the mother, and probably about 40% hydrogen Peroxide. I soaked my affected areas for 30-40 minutes in the solution and let it air dry."
Do you re-use the ACV/HP? If the full treatment took weeks or months, it could become quite costly to have to refill the bottom couple of inches of a basin every day. Is it possible for the ACV/HP to become polluted/infected/dirtied by contact with the fungus on the foot? Where I live, Br**g organic ACV and HP are not cheap.
Hopefully someone can shed some light on this. I am a poor student, and have put off undertaking this treatment because of the cost factor. If it's OK to re-use the ACV/HP, I will begin at once.
Thanks!
Heather
Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Chuck (Lexington, KY) on 06/05/2009
★★★★★
I contracted a severe case of moccasin athlete's foot, which is especially hard to treat. It will spread to all parts of the feet and hands. The only recommended conventional treatment is with a pill that also runs serious risk of liver damage. needless to say not a great set of choices. I'd tried all the creams, etc. to no avail.
So I found this site and tried the remedy. I used a combination of approx. 60% "raw" apple cider vinegar, organic unfiltered with the mother, and probably about 40% hydrogen Peroxide. I soaked my affected areas for 30-40 minutes in the solution and let it air dry.
Seriously, after 2 days almost all the affected areas were visibly far better, and while it's too soon to declare it 100% cured, there is no doubt in my mind that this works. I plan on continuing treatment every couple of days at least for a week or so just to improve the odds of beating this thing, but I couldn't be happier if this cure came with a sack of money. Which, given the cost of medication, it effectively did come with a sack of money.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Missymichigan (Temperance, Michigan) on 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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Linda (St. Paul, MN) on 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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by J-Rod (Houston, TX) on 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?
