Common Myths About Athlete’s Foot

There are so many myths out there about medical cures, and Athlete’s Foot hasn’t escaped them. Let’s take a look at some of the most common Athlete’s Foot myths around.

1. Peeing In The Shower

This was the first one that came to mind – that peeing in the shower cures Athlete’s Foot. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest this is true. It is a MYTH. Whilst urea is present in urine and in many anti fungal medications, the concentration in urine is very low so it would have no effect on killing the fungal infection.

2. Soaking In Vinegar

This MYTH seems to have come from the Far East. Some people believe that if you soak your feet in vinegar then the infection will be killed. WRONG. The vinegar can actually harm your skin and in some cases can cause chemical burns. The already tender skin is likely to become even more irritated.

3. Bleach

Bleach? Would anyone seriously put bleach on their skin? It seems so. There is a commonly held MYTH that bleach helps clear the fungus. Bleach is far too strong for human skin and can cause serious burns even if mixed with water. Stay clear of bleach for any skin use.

4. Baking Soda In Your Shoes

Another MYTH unfortunately. Baking soda in shoes will help dry them out and make the conditions for the fungi to multiply less favorable. It will also help eliminate the nasty odor associated with Athlete’s Foot. What it won’t do is cure an existing infection.

5. Soaking In Tea

This sounds like a complete waste of tea and time and is another MYTH. Tea has mildly astringent (drying) properties but is not powerful enough to dry out the skin sufficiently to kill an Athlete’s Foot infection.

6. Mouthwash

Mouthwash can kill bacteria in the mouth but unfortunately has no effect on Athlete’s Foot infections. Another MYTH.

7. Athlete’s Foot will go away on its own

No it won’t. You will need treatment and it is much easier to treat in the early stages.

8. Scratching Athlete’s Foot will make it better

STOP! No it won’t. In fact scratching your itchy feet if you have Athlete’s Foot will be very likely to spread the infection further and may also open up cuts for further, deeper infection.

The sensible thing to do if you think you may have Athlete’s Foot is go to a pharmacist first. They should be able to give you something over the counter to help. Follow the directions and if symptoms persist or get worse, then visit a doctor.

Copyright 2009