Athlete’s foot, also known astinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the feet.
It typically causes scaly, peeling skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet.
These areas can burn,itch, or sting, creating a rather uncomfortable skin condition.
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You have several options to treat this condition.
However, hydrogen peroxide is not a recommended home remedy for athlete’s foot.
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Can Hydrogen Peroxide Treat Athletes Foot?
Hydrogen peroxide has many uses, like cleaning, disinfecting, and being used as ableachsolution.
However, there is no current research that shows hydrogen peroxide is a successful treatment forathlete’s foot.
It has been shown to slow the healing process by irritating wound-healing cells.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxidehas two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms.
It is very reactive and breaks apart as oxygen and water, causing bubbles.
The most commonly found concentration of hydrogen peroxide is 3%.
Stronger concentrations are used in different industries, such as hair coloring.
The EPA cites hydrogen peroxide as an approved disinfectant for home surfaces, killing many different kinds of germs.
One of the most serious risks is gasembolism.
Thankfully, this risk is rare.
Here are several other remedies and their mixed results in treating the condition.
Essential Oils
Tea tree oilhas shown some promise as a treatment for athlete’s foot.
When used on the skin, tea tree oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties.
However, tea tree oil may not be the best solution.
Rubbing alcohol can cause a skin rash, redness, itching, and dryness.
Garlic
Garlic contains a powerful compound calledallicin.
It is found in fresh garlic and is what gives it a strong smell and taste.
Garlic has been used as an alternative medicine for hundreds of years.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are a magnesium sulfate compound used in foot baths.
To make anEpsom salt bath, pour half of a cup of Epsom salt into a warm bath.
Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is an easy, at-home treatment for athlete’s foot.
It will not kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
Sprinkle talcum powder on the feet.The powder will help keep the feet dry.
Over-the-Counter Creams
Athlete’s foot can be treated withover-the-counter medications.
Several medications are available that come in cream or spray form.
Using hydrogen peroxide as an athlete’s foot treatment is not recommended.
There is no research to show that it is an effective treatment, and it can cause skin irritation.
A Word From VeryWell
Athlete’s foot is an incredibly common foot infection.
Despite its name, it doesn’t affect only athletes.
Anyone can get it and its uncomfortable symptoms.
To prevent athlete’s foot, wear sandals in locker rooms, public showers, and pools.
Keep your feet dry, and change wet socks or shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health experts do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide to treat foot fungus.
It is not an effective treatment for athlete’s foot and can slow wound healing.
Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to work as an antifungal in certain circumstances.
Hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive solution.
Hydrogen peroxide should not be used to clean wounds.
It has been found to slow down wound healing.
Hydrogen peroxide can also irritate the skin and cause skin burns at high concentrations.
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