Athlete’s foot may be one of the most aggravating of all the fungal infections the body can have. Between the itch, the burn, and sometimes pain, it is a condition that no one wants to get. Specifically pregnant women who are already dealing with a whole host of pregnancy symptoms. But because pregnant women are more susceptible to getting athlete’s foot than they would be when not expecting, it is yet another uncomfortable part of the motherhood journey. And because of this, knowing ways to treat athlete’s foot during pregnancy can be useful information to know.
Because many of the over-the-counter or prescription remedies for athlete’s foot contain chemicals that mothers-to-be are not comfortable putting on their skin out of concern that they will get into the bloodstream, they look for more natural options. Many of those options can likely even be found in their pantry, spice rack, or medicine cabinet. All of which makes treating athlete’s foot a bit simpler to rid the body of the fungus completely.
Here are ways to treat athlete’s foot during pregnancy.
10 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural items available to not only clear up athlete’s foot, but any toe fungus feet may have as well. This is because of the antifungal properties of vinegar, according to Healthline.
All it takes, per publication, is to soak in a vinegar bath for up to 15 minutes daily. And before mothers-to-be know it, their athlete’s foot will be a thing of the past.
9 Neem Oil
Neem oil is used to combat a whole host of issues that affect the body from lice to upset stomach, ulcers, bloody noses, and more, according to RxList. As such, it is not surprising that it would treat athlete’s foot as well.
According to TheHealthSite.com, all it takes is a couple of drops of neem oil directly on the infected areas of the foot to clear up athlete’s foot. It truly is a remarkable oil indeed.
8 Tea Tree Oil
With its antifungal properties, tea tree oil is a wonderful oil to use to help treat athlete’s foot, according to WebMD. This is because the oil helps to reduce the itching while helping to heal the scaling on the foot.
According to Healthline, rubbing pure tea tree oil into the skin could cause it to become further irritated. As such, mixing it with a carrier oil will do the trick to bringing an end to athlete’s foot nicely.
7 Lavender Oil
Not only does it smell heavenly, but lavender oil is an antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory oil, according to the Foot & Leg Center. And as a result of the way it can soothe the skin, it makes for a great choice when healing athlete’s foot.
6 Garlic
The fragrance of garlic is potent. As such, it is not surprising that its compounds could help put an end to athlete’s foot during pregnancy.
According to the University Foot & Ankle Institute, antimicrobial properties in garlic are released when the cloves are crushed and steeped in water. Then, by either putting the compound on the infected foot or soaking it in garlic water, the athlete’s foot can begin to subside.
5 Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide may conjure images of extreme burning when it comes into contact with the skin. But in reality, it is a great weapon to have when it comes to defeating athlete’s foot.
According to Sheldon H. Nadal DPM, hydrogen peroxide works by ridding the surface of the skin of any bacteria or fungus. And because athlete’s foot is a fungus, it does not stand a chance against hydrogen peroxide.
4 Talcum Powder
According to Parade, talcum powder will not cure athlete’s foot by itself as some other home remedies will. However, what it will do is keep the area dry in between treatments so that fungus is not given further opportunity to grow.
3 Baking Soda
Not only does it help to make delicious baked goods but, according to MedicalNewsTodaybaking soda has antifungal properties when it comes into contact with the skin.
As a result, a baking soda bath done twice daily for up to 15 minutes will help to clear up the athlete’s foot before women are ready to go in and deliver their babies.
2 Sea Salt Bath
An interesting fact about fungus is that it cannot survive in a saline environment, according to Quick and Dirty Tricks. As such, to help heal athlete’s foot, all that is needed is some sea salt and warm water.
Per the publication, the foot soak should be done for 10 minutes per day until the fungus is gone and feet are healed. Something that is pretty amazing considering that sea salt is such a common ingredient to have in many houses across the country.
1 Sunflower Oil
A surprising treatment for athlete’s foot is sunflower oil. And not only does it treat just as well as any natural remedy, according to the Western New York Urology Associates but ozonized sunflower oil does just as well as some over-the-counter ointments.
As such, not only can it be cooked with but can be used to destroy athlete’s foot for pregnant women in no time at all.
Source: Healthline, TheHealthSite.com, RxList, WebMD, Foot & Leg Center, University Foot & Ankle Institute, Sheldon H Nadal DPM, Parade, Quick and Dirty Tricks, Western New York Urology Associates