Who Should Not Use EOs?
Just because essential oils are available OTC does not mean they are safe for everyone.
Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils for athlete’s foot.
Svitlana Romadina / Getty Images
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oilis derived from the tea tree, native to Australia.
People commonly use it for skin conditions, including athlete’s foot.
In addition, tea tree oil increased KTZ’s antifungal activity.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is extracted from lemon skins and has antifungal properties.
However, some people also use it for skin conditions, like athlete’s foot.
They also found that a solution of 0.125% and 2% completely inhibited fungal growth.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrassis a perennial tropical grass.
Its oil is extracted from the plant’s fresh leaves.
The oil is frequently used totreat inflammationand microbial infections.
In addition, it is a common ingredient in mosquito repellants.
dubliniensisin biofilm at 1.7 mg/ml concentrations and had a strong inhibitory effect oncandida.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is derived from the tree of the same name.
People primarily use the oil for respiratory conditions likeasthmaandbronchitis.But it also contains antifungal properties.
Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is from a plant native to Southern Africa.
The root of the plant is distilled into the oil, which is typically used for respiratory symptoms.
However, it is also used as an antifungal.
How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Athletes Foot
Essential oils are highly concentrated.
Therefore, you should never apply an EO without first diluting it.
And always check with a healthcare provider before using essential oils to treat athlete’s foot.
They may advise against it in your specific situation, or they may have special instructions for use.
Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your feet, socks, or shoes.
Essential Oils, Children, and Pregnancy
Be very careful with essential oils and children.
Store them where children cannot reach themingesting as little as 1 teaspoon can be fatal.
In addition, use only under the guidance of a healthcare provider while pregnant.
Research is limited, but some evidence supports these EOs as an alternative or complementary antifungal treatment.
You must dilute EOs in carrier oil or water before applying.
EOs can be toxic when used improperly or cause allergic reactions or contact sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The essential oil most commonly used for athlete’s foot is tea tree oil.
Older studies have found that tea tree oil may take a few months to work on athlete’s foot.
For example, a 1999 study found that it took 16 weeks to cure the condition.
Essential oils are too concentrated to use without diluting.
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