Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus – Causes, Prevention, and Home Remedies

Athlete’s foot is one of the most unpleasant issues that can affect our feet and nails. It is typically caused by a buildup of fungi in favorable conditions for their growth – moisture and limited airflow. Winter, when we wear heavy socks and winter shoes, is a particularly favored time for the fungus.

The infection can be harmless if we detect and address it early, but if ignored, the infection can permanently damage the nails and skin of the feet. In this article, you will learn exactly what athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are, and how to combat them using home remedies.

What Is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fairly common condition that affects the skin of the feet and toenails. It most commonly targets the spaces between the toes due to increased moisture and poor airflow, but if left untreated or ignored, it can spread across the entire foot. It is caused— as one might easily guess—by fungi. Specifically, these are fungi from the dermatophyte group, mainly Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. Recently, it has been considered a disease of modern civilization, and a significant portion of the population experiences it at least once.

Athlete’s foot is not very dangerous or fatal, although if left untreated, it can lead to localized skin damage. In most cases, a healthy body, with increased hygiene during the infection, can handle it on its own and prevent the infection from spreading. When the body is weakened, additional antifungal treatment—possibly even home remedies—may be necessary.

Types of Athlete’s Foot

There are several types of athlete’s foot, classified based on the location or the type of fungi causing the issue:

Interdigital Athlete's Foot – This is the most common type, which appears between the 4th and 5th toes. It’s also known as athlete’s foot. As the disease progresses, the fungus spreads to the rest of the toes. This type is characterized by peeling and maceration (skin breakdown due to excess moisture), which can lead to skin cracks and the development of ulcers, causing pain. Intense itching accompanies this condition.
Exfoliative Athlete’s Foot – Also known as moccasin foot fungus, it appears on areas of the skin covered by this type of shoe. These areas include the heel, sole, the side of the foot, and the top of the foot near the toes. This infection causes dry, erythematous, scaling patches that may even crack.
Dyshidrotic Athlete's Foot – This condition primarily affects the soles of the feet. It starts with the appearance of small blisters that break open and transform into small skin cracks and sores. Pain and a burning sensation are typically present. If left untreated, it can develop into ulcerative athlete’s foot, which may require a dermatologist for treatment.
Nail Fungus – This infection targets the toenails due to continuous pressure from shoes (which can be avoided by using barefoot shoes). Infected nails become brittle, fragile, and discolored, and in severe cases, swelling and pain around the nail bed may occur. Almost all of these types (except for ulcerative) can be treated with home remedies if addressed early and prevented from spreading.

Can Bad Shoes Cause Corns on the Feet?

We discussed that corns on the feet form as a result of prolonged and constant pressure. And what could apply more pressure to our feet than poorly chosen footwear?

Unfortunately, all types of elegant, winter, or other "heavier" shoes tend to be very stiff. In such cases, it is very easy to create pressure in various spots on the foot, leading to corns. If we respond quickly, we can prevent them, but corns tend to start forming painlessly, only to quickly develop into a more serious issue. Especially if we are constantly taught the philosophy of "just walk it off," "a little discomfort is normal," "we need to look good," and similar ideas. Later, the time comes when corns must be surgically removed, and it's no longer such a simple matter.

Properly chosen, flexible, and most importantly, NON-COMPRESSING shoes are the guarantee that calluses, corns, and even blisters won’t bother our feet.

Grzybica stóp – przyczyny i objawy

The most common causes of athlete's foot are related to skin hygiene. These include:

pH changes,
changes in the lipid composition of the skin,
excessive moisture,
infrequent foot washing,
poorly chosen shoes and socks,
exposure to public places without protection (e.g., pools, saunas),
sharing footwear or bathroom accessories with others.

As you can see, nearly all of these causes stem from poor hygiene. As mentioned, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to athlete's foot. If you notice disturbing symptoms such as redness, itching, unpleasant odor from shoes or socks, cracked and unhealthy-looking skin, a fungal infection may have developed, and it’s important to pay closer attention to hygiene and daily routines.

Prevention is very simple and essentially involves counteracting everything mentioned in the previous paragraph:

avoid wearing other people's shoes,
maintain foot hygiene and cleanliness, and dry your feet properly after washing,
wear socks made of natural materials (and change them frequently),
take care of your footwear (replace insoles, disinfect),
wear well-fitted shoes, with enough room for your toes, made from breathable, natural materials (leather, microfiber),
protect your feet in public places.

These simple steps significantly reduce the risk of fungal infections and help keep your feet healthy and beautiful.

Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot

How to get rid of athlete's foot? In most cases, you can manage with home remedies using things we have in our daily cupboards. However, in the case of rapid development of athlete's foot, we recommend visiting a specialist who can prescribe a special antifungal treatment, such as ointments or sprays.

Herbs and Plants – Garlic, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Oregano

These and many other herbs are known for their antifungal and disinfectant properties. It’s enough to crush the herb/plant well on the infected skin, wait for a while, and then wash and dry the foot thoroughly. In some cases, special compresses made of aloe vera or garlic are recommended – simply rub or place a piece on the skin and wrap it for a while (even overnight) in a bandage. For example, the garlic commonly found in our homes contains phytoncides, which have bactericidal effects. It also has antifungal properties, so there’s no harm in rubbing a crushed garlic clove into the skin. Rosemary, on the other hand, contains several important oils (cineol, pinene, cymene) that inhibit fungal growth. Most herbs can be used in the form of infusions or fresh pieces for rubbing.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an ideal remedy for both skin and nail fungal infections. Full of antifungal compounds, it’s easy to use and does not require dilution. Just apply a few drops to the spaces between the toes, the skin of the foot, and the nails, repeating this process for about 2 weeks. Tea tree oil should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

These are essentially the same ingredients, as baking powder relies on the action of sodium bicarbonate, which is baking soda. This ingredient is commonly used in homemade cleaning products because it is safe for our body and very effective in removing fungi and bacteria. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water, rub it into the skin, and rinse it off. You can also soak your feet for a while in a water and baking soda solution (and add, for example, Epsom salt, which we mentioned for corns).

Hydrogen Peroxide with Iodine

Hydrogen peroxide, when applied to infected skin, undergoes several chemical processes that help with mechanical cleansing. Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide with iodine can effectively eliminate most infections and is commonly used both externally and internally. After applying it to the skin, wait a few minutes, wash it off, and dry your feet thoroughly. You can repeat the process multiple times.

Minimalist Shoes that Help Prevent Athlete's Foot!

One of the causes of athlete's foot we mentioned is improper footwear that squeezes our toes and doesn't allow the feet to breathe, increasing the risk of skin changes. In this case, barefoot shoes are an excellent solution. Why?

Our minimalist footwear is wide at the toes, so you won’t feel any squeezing on your toes or nails. In addition to athlete’s foot, you can also forget about other conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and many others.
We use only the best materials – vegan leather, natural cowhide, and microfiber. All of these materials allow the skin to breathe, which has a positive impact on its health.
Our shoes, as well as accessories like socks, are made exclusively from natural and healthy materials.
Additionally, you benefit from a range of health benefits, like the flexible zero-drop sole, which promotes the natural movement of the foot.

Check out our wide range of women's, men's, and children's shoes. You’ll also find accessories like toe separators that help "ventilate" the space between your toes. With our shoes, no fungus is a match!