Do Essential Oils Kill Off Fungus From Athletes Foot In Shoes
If you have leather shoes and you obviously cant wash them in the machine, or if you want a more eco-friendly, natural approach, there are other ways!
You can make your disinfectant spray from water and essential oils. According to scientific data, essential oils can get rid of Tinea Pedis.
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective anti-fungal and antibacterial oils, and its highly effective on athletes foot, according to research.
Cleaning Shoes With White Vinegar And Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda has been an amazing disinfectant, and people have been using this mixture for different cleaning purposes. Both these compounds can potentially change the pH of the toenail fungus. This change in pH will eventually kill the toenail fungus.
It will not kill the toenail fungus initially, but it can be a great way to prevent any further growth. You can try this after every few days, as doing it every day will be very difficult.
How to use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning shoes and prevent the growth of toenail fungus
It is not as difficult as you think. All you should do is follow these simple steps.
- Take a bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of baking soda in it.
- Now mix vinegar in it, as much as you want.
- Mix it until you get a paste.
- Now apply this mixture inside the shoe.
- Also apply it on the exterior of the shoes.
- Now wait for sometimes until the solution gets hard.
- Now take a tooth brush, ensure that it is boiled and clean. Scrub off the hard solution.
- Do not forget to apply this at the soles of the shoes as well.
- Now let the shoe air dry.
Identifying Foot Fungal Infections
If you have a pungent foot odor, and perpetually stinky shoes then this can be one of the signs of a foot fungus infection. Over time if you have a nail fungus infection, youll see a change in the way your nail looks. Your nail can become discolored and even start to disintegrate and split. If left untreated the symptoms will only become worse and eventually the nail can even start to pull away from the nailbed. Other foot problems such as athletes foot can display as cracking and peeling between your toes. Youll also likely experience itchiness between your toes. Unfortunately, nail and foot fungus can develop in one area and then spread to another. So, it is possible for you to have athletes foot and for this to the become a nail fungal infection.
Sometimes individuals may think that they have a fungal infection but instead their feet and nails may just look unsightly. Even though this may be the case its important to ensure that your concerns are addressed so if you think you may be suffering from a fungal infection then you should get it checked out by a medical professional.
You May Like: Can I Machine Wash My Hey Dude Shoes
Swap Out Multiple Pairs Of Socks And Shoes
If you are an athlete or your routine requires you to wear shoes for a long time, swapping out shoes after every 6 to 7 hours is a good idea. The idea is even more effective if you work in moisture-laden environments or sweat a lot.
That means if you keep a set of two pairs of shoes, it will allow you to swap out them throughout the day. You can wear one while keep the other pair out to get dry.
The same rule applies to the socks you wear the whole day. If your feet sweat a lot, wearing the same pair of socks may create a perfect environment for fungus growth. Unwashed or dirty socks also contribute to the growth of microbes.
Moreover, dark-colored socks allow bacteria and fungus to not only breed faster but also cause multiple infections. It generally happens because dark hues accumulate and absorb heat faster. That creates excess moisture and sweat in the shoes.
Remember that if you keep using the same pair of socks and shoes, you will not be able to remove the bacteria and fungus. No matter what disinfectant you try or what spray you use, the accumulation of heat and moisture will spoil your efforts.
In short, switching out socks and shoes daily is one way to prevent the conditions that may create a playground for fungus.
Bottom Line
Recent Articles
Athlete’s Foot: Home Remedy Treatments
Many people turn to the internet in order to learn about ways to self-treat the symptoms of Athletes Foot. This is because most home treatments are very successful at clearing up the fungal infection. Many choose to apply Anti-Fungal sprays, powders, creams or ointments.
Once you understand the causes of Athletes Foot and the conditions under which it thrives, you can find common sense ways to alleviate its symptoms and to begin to get rid of it altogether. Using Home Treatments average showing results within 2-4 weeks time.
Also Check: Johnston And Murphy Return Policy
Is Sharing Shoes Dangerous
Yes sharing your shoes can be a dangerous idea worst if your suffering from a fungal infection. There are a few items you should never share with other people. Shoes happen to be one of those things. Sharing shoes cannot only lead to you getting toenail fungus but can also put you at risk of a bigger health condition such as athletes foot. So we strongly suggest not sharing your shoe with anyone no matter how well you seem to know the person. Because they may have contracted toenail fungus without knowing and pass on the infection to you.
Clean Shoes: The Key To Curing Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is typically not serious, but it can be a challenge to treat.
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails.
“A lot of people know it from dry, itchy areas between the toes that they cant get rid of. They put powder on it, they put things over-the-counter on it and it just kinda festers,” Dr. Tyson Green, a foot and ankle specialist at the Center for Orthopedics said.
He said it’s called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes, but anyone, particularly in the hot, summer months, can contract it.
“You see it in people who have a job that they sweat a lot. Within boots, within cleats in athletes. We’ll see a lot of different redness areas of infection on there,” Green said.
The fungal infection is spread through contact, but it’s more itchy than it is painful.
“When it’s itching a lot, then you start scratching it and then it starts irritating, and then it starts hurting. But the first signs and symptoms are itchy, maybe some redness. Some people in between the toes it’ll look like you sat in the bathtub for a long time. You know we get prune hands — you’ll get some little areas of maceration between the toes,” Green explained.
One of the most common reasons athlete’s foot lingers is because people don’t treat their shoes, so they re-infect their feet.
Here’s what doctor Green suggests:
In Other News
Read Also: Who Buys Shoes For Cash
Ways On How To Kill Fungus In Shoes See It In Action
You may not consider it one of the topmost priorities to look up different ways on how to kill fungus in shoes. But do you know that more than half of the nail disorders are due to fungal infection in the toenail?
At any given time, almost 14 % of the population are affected by this condition. Therefore, a little precaution taken in time can go a long way in saving you from issues such as discolored nails, unusually thick nails, brittle nails, crumbled edges and smelly feet.
Fungal infection in the toenails can develop due to a number of different reasons. However, you can stop it right in its tracks by maintaining optimal shoe hygiene. Before going in for the steps on how to kill fungus in shoes, make sure that you are wearing the right size shoes. An ill-fitting shoe can not only increase the risk of developing fungus but also causes your toenails to weaken, giving rise to pain.
Foot fungus is present almost everywhere. However, they require a moist, dark and warm place to thrive. Therefore, they often end up multiplying rapidly on the inside of your shoes. This is a common issue, especially among the athletes who tend to perspire a lot. Although this is most common among the athletes who continuously have moisture trapped on the inside of their shoes, there are also a number of other reasons for the spreading of toenail fungus.
Materials You Will Need
How To Treat Toenail Fungus
You can use simple home remedies to get rid of toenail fungus, or a podiatrist can take care of toenail fungus, particularly if it is caught early.
Topical or oral treatments can also work on toenail fungus, as well as the removal of the infected nail. A temporary removal can work to treat the area, but a permanent removal so that the bad nail wont grow back can also be performed.
Recommended Reading: Is Goat Shoes Legit
Remove Fungus And Bacterias
Once your shoes catch fungus and other bacterias, it becomes pretty difficult to maintain good hygiene. Not only do your shoes stink, but also they become an epicenter of foot disease.
But, Ive got your back . For your convenience, Ive listed some of the most effective ways of removing fungus from shoes. The ingredients are easy to find and the techniques are super easy to execute.
In a hurry? Check out my new post on how to Prevent Shoes From Dry Rotting
Here are the best ways to remove fungus from shoes:
Keep Dry And Clean Feet
- As fungus inhabits damp, and dirty feet so you should always keep your feet completely clean and dry.
- If you are someone who wears socks, then change them on daily basis and keep them dry.
- In public places keep your feet protected.
- Try to wear ventilated shoes, so that your feet can get all the fresh air that they need.
Also Check: What Are The Most Comfortable Shoes For Wide Feet
What If It Does Happen Again
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a fungal infection can return. The good news is, you likely know what to look for in your nails by now, and catching it early will most likely mean a much easier and shorter treatment time than your first go.
Our treatments, including Lunula laser therapy, are ready for you when needed. We will be perfectly happy if we never have to use them for you again, however.
If you ever have any questions or suspicions regarding a potential fungal nail infection, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call our Princeton office at or our Roselle Park office at . You also can consult our free downloadable guide on fungal nails for some more tips!
Natural And Home Remedies For Removing Foot Fungus
Many natural and home remedies can be quite effective in removing the foot fungus. The best part is that some of these remedies are readily available at home. Let us find out which remedy is worth a try in killing the fungus:
Tea tree oil is known for its natural properties to treat fungus and bacteria. It comes from the leaves of the tea tree and is very effective in killing the fungi. Owing to its anti-fungal property, it is generally used for the treatment of many fungal infections.
To use the tea tree oil: mix it with the warm coconut oil or olive oil. Apply it to your feet 2 times a day for better treatment. I like to mix them because sometimes it causes rashes and irritation on the skin. So, it is fine to add a few drops of other oil.
2. Neem oil
Neem oil and neem leaf extracts both have the magnificent anti-fungal capacity that can help in fighting foot fungus. You could apply neem oil to the affected area directly 2-3 times a day. Massaging it into the skin can be quite helpful for treating fungus infections.
3. Garlic
Garlic is found to be very effective against some fungi and bacteria because of its anti-fungal properties. It certainly has a long history of medicinal use however, it has a very strong scent. Yet, fresh garlic extract can kill or stop the growth of fungus.
In a tub of warm water, I crush 3-4 cloves of garlic and soak my feet in it for 30 minutes. You can do this twice a day for a couple of weeks.
4. Baking soda
You May Like: Shipping Box For Sneakers
Keep Your Feet Dry And Clean
Its important to prevent athletes foot. Fungus can grow in dark, moist areas, making your feet an ideal place for athletes feet to develop. If you have athletes foot , keep your feet as dry and clean as possible.
Change your socks regularly. As soon as youre done working out, clean your feet and put on a fresh pair of socks. Dry the space between your toes. Dont go barefoot in public pool or gym areas.
You should also use shoes that are well ventilated and allow your feet to breathe to help athletes foot resolve more quickly.
Treating Toenail Fungus Medically
Read Also: What Is Eeee Width
How To Protect Your Laundry From Athlete’s Foot
- Pin
The Spruce / Jesi Lee
You don’t have to be an athlete to have athlete’s foot. While the infection is usually not seriously life-threatening, it is extremely uncomfortable. If someone in your home has athlete’s foot, you should know how to handle laundry to prevent it from spreading to others.
Athlete’s Foot is caused by a fungus. The spores can shed onto socks, shoes, damp workout clothes, towels, gym bag interiors, and a range of sports uniforms, from wrestling singlets to cheer uniforms. Researchers from the Institute for Hygiene and Biotechnology at the Hohenstein Institute in Germany completed a study that shows infected socks and other garments can transmit the fungus to other textiles in an open laundry basket or hamper. If fabrics are not washed in hot water and disinfected, the fungus can even survive in the washer and continue the chance of infection or reinfection.
Q: Why Should I Treat My Fungal Infection
People often ignore mild cases of fungal infections, which can turn out to be a big mistake. If treated immediately, there is a much higher success rate and a lower chance of the infection spreading to other nails. Keep in mind that toenail fungi spread quickly and can affect the entire foot in no time.
You May Like: Kyetococcus
Some Effective Products To Decimate Fungus
Finding the right type of products for any kind of job can be quite a challenge. And, its no different when it comes to disinfecting your shoes.
For your convenience, Ive listed some of the most effective products available in the market. The list includes everything from disinfectant sprays to detergent.
Here are my top picks for the best disinfecting products:
What Is An Athletes Foot
To progress on to the solutions, we first require to analyze our foe. You should have a decent idea about the disease Athletes foot. People define it as Tinea Pedis. It is a fungal disease that is induced by fungus. This notorious infection generally occurs between the toes.
Who is more prone to develop this disease? Some people wear tight-fitting shoes and their feet become moist frequently. They are at the risk of Athletes foot. The extra or sweat moisture leads to the Athletes foot.
I think anyone can catch an athletes foot. But several activities can increase the risk of this infection. If you visit locker rooms, swimming pools, or any other public places without shoes then you can be affected by this fungus.
If you share shoes, socks, etc with infected people then you are at risk. Stop using tightfitting footwear and any other socks to sidestep the chance of contamination. Wet feet and skin or nail injury on the foot are also the potential cause of athletes foot.
A scaly rash is a sign of an Athletes foot. It usually prompts raging, stinging, and itching of the foot. Cracking or peeling skin is also a symptom of the athletes foot.
You can compare this disease with other fungal diseases. Alike jock itch and ringworm.In the case of the Athletes foot, the fungus attacks the foot skin. Another sign is dry skin, raw skin, and discolored toenails.
You May Like: Can Hey Dudes Be Washed
