Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungus that causes itchy, red skin. Keep the area dry, avoid baths as it can spread the fungus to other areas, use fresh towels and wash them in hot water, and avoid walking barefoot in public restrooms, locker rooms, and pools.

Natural Home Remedies

Dilute 5 drops of tea tree oil in one tablespoon of avocado or olive oil and rub on area twice a day.
Or crush a garlic clove and mixing it with a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil and applying to the affected area twice a day, allowing it to set for five minutes.
Use a little baking soda in your shoes to keep your feet dry. Or, mix 1 Tbsp of arrow root powder, 1 Tbsp of baking soda, and 10 drops of tea tree oil together, and sprinkle that blend into your shoes.

Recipes to Help with Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot

Manuka, Tea Tree, & Lemon Foot Salve Recipe

Blog Articles

Athlete’s Foot

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

A large number of essential oils tested showed a range of activity against the bacteria that cause foot odor. From: Orchard, A., Viljoen, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2018). Antimicrobial essential oil combinations to combat foot odour. Planta medica, 84(09/10), 662-673.

ARROW ROOT POWDER

In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.

AJOWAN

Ajoene, an organosulfur compound originally isolated from garlic showed to reduce Athlete’s Foot in 47 soldiers. From: Ledezma, E., Marcano, K., Jorquera, A., De Sousa, L., Padilla, M., Pulgar, M., & Apitz-Castro, R. (2000). Efficacy of ajoene in the treatment of tinea pedis: a double-blind and comparative study with terbinafine. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 43(5), 829-832.

BAKING SODA

In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.

BASIL

In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.

CAMPHOR

Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of Eucalyptus citriodora were the most efﬁcacious components against the test toe fungus organisms. From: Ramsewak, R. S., Nair, M. G., Stommel, M., & Selanders, L. (2003). In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against toe nail fungus pathogens. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 376-379

CINNAMON

The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From: Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

CLOVE

In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.
The high fungistatic effects of clove and peppermint essential oils may be useful for treating skin fungi. From: El-Naghy, M. A., Maghazy, S. N., Fadl-Allah, E. M., & El-Gendy, Z. K. (1992). Fungistatic action of natural oils and fatty acids on dermatophytic and saprophytic fungi. Zentralblatt für Mikrobiologie, 147(3), 214-220.
The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From: Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

CORIANDER

In a placebo controlled study of 40 patients with tinea pedis, a 6% coriander oil solution applied twice daily for 14 days significantly reduced the infection and was well tolerated. From: Beikert, F. C., Anastasiadou, Z., Fritzen, B., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Topical treatment of tinea pedis using 6% coriander oil in unguentum leniens: a randomized, controlled, comparative pilot study. Dermatology, 226(1), 47-51.

EUCALYPTUS

Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of Eucalyptus citriodora were the most efﬁcacious components against the test toe fungus organisms. From: Ramsewak, R. S., Nair, M. G., Stommel, M., & Selanders, L. (2003). In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against toe nail fungus pathogens. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 376-379

GARLIC

The antimicrobial uses of garlic are reviewed. From: Goncagul, G., & Ayaz, E. (2010). Antimicrobial effect of garlic (Allium sativum). Recent patents on anti-infective drug discovery, 5(1), 91-93.
The uses for garlic are discussed. From: Bolton, S., Null, G., & Troetel, W. M. (1982). The medical uses of garlic fact and fiction. American pharmacy, 22(8), 40-43.
Diallyl disulfide, as a constituent in garlic, showed antifungal activity. From: Avato, P., Tursi, F., Vitali, C., Miccolis, V., & Candido, V. (2000). Allylsulfide constituents of garlic volatile oil as antimicrobial agents. Phytomedicine, 7(3), 239-243.
Constituents from garlic: diallyl thiosulphinate (allicin), methyl allyl thiosulphinate, and allyl methyl thiosulphinate showed antibacterial and antifungal activities. From: Hughes, B. G., & Lawson, L. D. (1991). Antimicrobial effects of Allium sativum L.(garlic), Allium ampeloprasum L.(elephant garlic), and Allium cepa L.(onion), garlic compounds and commercial garlic supplement products. Phytotherapy Research, 5(4), 154-158.

LAVENDER

The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From: Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

LEMON

Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes. From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

LEMONGRASS

Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

LITSEA

Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes. From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

MARJORAM

Penicillium digitatum fungus was inhibited completely by oregano, thyme, dictamus, and marjoram essential oils at low concentrations. From: Daferera, D. J., Ziogas, B. N., & Polissiou, M. G. (2000). GC-MS analysis of essential oils from some Greek aromatic plants and their fungitoxicity on Penicillium digitatum. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(6), 2576-2581.

ORANGE

The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From: Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.

OREGANO

Penicillium digitatum fungus was inhibited completely by oregano, thyme, dictamus, and marjoram essential oils at low concentrations. From: Daferera, D. J., Ziogas, B. N., & Polissiou, M. G. (2000). GC-MS analysis of essential oils from some Greek aromatic plants and their fungitoxicity on Penicillium digitatum. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(6), 2576-2581.
The following essential oils and blends showed antifungal action against Trichophyton interdigitale when applied to cotton: oregano, cinnamon, and the combination of origanum/clove/orange and clove/lavender/cinnamon. This may be useful in making footwear to prevent foot fungus. From: Berechet, M. D., Chirilă, C., & Deselnicu, V. (2016). Antifungal Activity of Some Essential Oils on Cotton Fabrics. In International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems (ICAMS) (pp. 197-202). The National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

PALMAROSA

Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

PEPPERMINT / MENTHOL

Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of Eucalyptus citriodora were the most efﬁcacious components against the test toe fungus organisms. From: Ramsewak, R. S., Nair, M. G., Stommel, M., & Selanders, L. (2003). In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against toe nail fungus pathogens. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 376-379.
The high fungistatic effects of clove and peppermint essential oils may be useful for treating skin fungi. From: El-Naghy, M. A., Maghazy, S. N., Fadl-Allah, E. M., & El-Gendy, Z. K. (1992). Fungistatic action of natural oils and fatty acids on dermatophytic and saprophytic fungi. Zentralblatt für Mikrobiologie, 147(3), 214-220.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

ROSEMARY

Antimicrobial action of litsea, rosemary, and lemon were demonstrated against tested skin microbes. From: Ogbechie, A., Abioye, A. O., Shen, J., & Laird, K. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of Litsea cubeba, Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus lemon essential oils against five skin-infection related pathogens. Phytochemical Society of Europe.

SAGE

In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.

TEA TREE

In a randomized double blind study (104 patients), tea tree oil was as effective as tolfonate in reducing symptoms of tinea pedis. From: Tong, M. M., Altman, P. M., & Barnetson, R. S. (1992). Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 33(3), 145-149.
In a randomized, controlled, double blind study of tea tree oil in treating 158 patients with athlete’s foot; there was a cure rate of 64% after four weeks of applying a 50% solution twice a day; four patients had a dermatitis reaction that stopped when the oil was no longer applied. From: Satchell, A. C., Saurajen, A., Bell, C., & 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
(3), 175-178.
Tea tree oil reduced symptoms of tinea pedis. From: Tong, M. M., Altman, P. M., & Barnetson, R. S. (1992). Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 33(3), 145-149.
In a case study of a 63 year old women, a recipe with arrow root powder, baking soda, and essential oils of basil, tea tree, sage, and clove reduced foot bacteria and fungus. From: Misner, B. D. (2007). A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 3.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

THYME / THYMOL

Penicillium digitatum fungus was inhibited completely by oregano, thyme, dictamus, and marjoram essential oils at low concentrations. From: Daferera, D. J., Ziogas, B. N., & Polissiou, M. G. (2000). GC-MS analysis of essential oils from some Greek aromatic plants and their fungitoxicity on Penicillium digitatum. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(6), 2576-2581.
Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of Eucalyptus citriodora were the most efﬁcacious components against the test toe fungus organisms. From: Ramsewak, R. S., Nair, M. G., Stommel, M., & Selanders, L. (2003). In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against toe nail fungus pathogens. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 376-379.
Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarosa, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water. From: Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.