Say goodbye to itchy feet with this simple (but effective!) recipe for antifungal foot powder that will help you banish the flakes and enjoy fresh, odor-free feet. Learn how to use the best essential oils for athlete's foot so you can kick off your shoes with confidence.
Athlete's foot is one of the downsides of having kids who are picky about footwear. I'm embarrassed to admit that my youngest son has worn the same pair of tennis shoes every day for roughly the past 6 months—because they have cheetahs on them. Of course.
Plus, he hates going more than 2 minutes without socks. Now the poor guy has a raging case of itchy toes and flaky skin.
This recipe was inspired by my love of tea tree oil, an essential oil (EO) that has become super popular in our house for its ability to fight acne. While the 13-year-old applies zit balm, the younger one is soaking his feet with tea tree!
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Ingredients
Tea tree essential oil — The antifungal properties of this popular essential oil make it an effective treatment for fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and even dandruff [source].
This EO contains several terpenes and other related components with strong antifungal properties [source]. One study showed that when tea tree oil was combined with fluconazole, it increased its antifungal activity [source].
This powerful oil is gentle enough to use in skincare applications, and it acts as an anti-inflammatory [source] to soothe the skin.
Thyme essential oil — Thyme is another potent essential oil that can be used for athlete's foot—thanks to the antifungals carvacrol and thymol found in it [source]. In a 2020 research study, just one application of thyme EO inhibited the growth of all tested fungal strains for 21 days [source].
Peppermint essential oil — Peppermint also has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties [source], making it effective for treating athlete's foot. Peppermint contains fungus-fighting menthol [source], but all EOs in the mint family are fungus fighters. In fact, a study in 2009 showed its cousin spearmint might have even more antifungal activity [source].
Arrowroot powder — Arrowroot powder helps to absorb excess moisture, which is beneficial in treating athlete's foot.
Zinc powder — Zinc has antifungal and soothing properties, which can help reduce itching and inflammation.
Baking soda — Baking soda has natural antifungal properties and can help neutralize the skin's pH level, making it difficult for the fungus to thrive.
Cinnamon powder — Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi [source].
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Combine all of the powder ingredients in a small, non-metal bowl.
Add the tea tree, peppermint, and thyme essential oils.
Stir the mixture together and transfer into a lidded container. Use a shaker top container if possible.
When you're ready to use it, shake and sprinkle a bit of the powder on your foot and rub it into the affected areas. Apply daily.
Hint: Pay particular attention to the skin between the toes! The most common location for fungal foot infections is between the toes [source].
Extra Tips:
— Sprinkle the powder inside your shoes when you remove them at the end of a busy day to absorb moisture overnight.
— Wear socks made from natural fibers, and change them regularly. And go barefoot as often as you can!
Substitutions
Bentonite clay — You can switch out the arrowroot and baking soda for bentonite clay, just don't use metal spoons or containers when mixing in the essential oils.
Athlete's foot essential oils — Many EOs can help soothe and heal athlete's foot infections [source], particularly in mild cases. These oils can also be used in athlete's foot essential oil blends:
- Oregano — This is a powerful antifungal oil that can help treat athlete's foot. It contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been shown to be effective against a range of fungi [source].
- Cinnamon — Cassia and cinnamon bark, two EOs made from cinnamon, are highly effective against fungal strains [source]. Both oils contain a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is the key to their fungal fighting power [source].
- Cilantro — Although somewhat surprising to see this oil listed here, it's one of the more potent antifungal EOs. The research isn't clear on which of the oil's components might be responsible for its activity, but it's definitely a winner against fungal infections. Used with oregano, it was found to be even more effective [source].
- Clove — Made from another potent spice, clove EO has antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties [source]. The chemical eugenol is the active component that gives clove its antimicrobial effectiveness in treating fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm [source].
- Geranium, ginger, and lemongrass — These EOs have shown comparable ability to that of conventional topical antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, for fighting fungal infections [source].
Variations
There are many ways to attack athlete's foot! Try these essential oil recipes:
1. Athlete's Foot Essential Oil Blend
Oregano EO can be used in combination with cilantro, cassia, or cinnamon bark essential oils for even greater effectiveness. Combine 1 drop of oregano, 2 drops of cinnamon bark, and 2 drops of cilantro essential oils in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and use this mixture in the recipes below. Oregano and cinnamon can be skin irritants, so start with small dilutions and patch test them before the first use.
2. Garlic Oil with Essential Oils
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, ajoene, a compound found in garlic, reduced the signs and symptoms of athlete's foot [source]. Crush a few cloves of garlic and combine them with 1 ounce of olive oil.
Add 45 drops of essential oil and use a cotton ball to apply to the affected areas at least twice a day until they are gone.
3. Essential Oil Athlete's Foot Spray
In a 2 oz spray bottle, combine 4 teaspoons each of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera gel. Add 90 drops of tea tree essential oil and shake well before each use.
Spritz on the feet after removing your socks. Repeat several times a day until the infection clears.
4. Essential Oil + Vinegar Foot Soak
Mix 12 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. Add the oil mixture and 1 cup of white vinegar to a basin of warm water, and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes. Repeat daily.
5. Tea Tree Foot Balm
Take a basic balm recipe and add 45 drops of tea tree EO for each ounce of oil/butter.
This herbal balm is a great all-purpose recipe to customize with essential oils!
6. Essential Oil Foot Massage
Dilute 22 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or almond oil, and massage your feet, getting in between the toes and all of the affected area. Repeat 2–3 times daily.
This herbal balm is a great all-purpose recipe to customize with essential oils!
Storage
Most essential oils will last 6 months if stored in an airtight jar and kept away from light and heat. It's best to make small batches of DIY recipes or add vitamin E or a preservative. Keep your essential oils in amber-colored containers to preserve their effectiveness.
Top tip
Warm weather and damp feet can cause athlete's foot flare-ups, so keep your feet cool, dry, and open to the air as much as possible. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, and give them a break from socks and shoes whenever you can.
FAQ
Essential oils possess antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit the growth of common athlete's foot fungi. These powerful natural compounds can soothe itching, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Yes, peppermint oil has antifungal properties and provides a cooling sensation that helps relieve itching and inflammation.
Yes, though not as effective as the oils listed above, lavender does have antifungal properties and also alleviates itching and irritation.
You can dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it directly to the affected areas. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to warm water for foot soaks or mix them into a foot powder for regular use.
Essential oils are generally safe for use on the skin, including the feet, when properly diluted. However, it's also important to perform a patch test on a small area of skin first before widespread use.
Yes, essential oils can be used alongside topical drug treatments for athlete's foot, such as antifungal medications. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential interactions.
For mild cases of athlete's foot, applying essential oils once or twice daily should be sufficient. Moderate to severe cases should be treated in conjunction with medication under the supervision of your doctor.
While essential oils can help eliminate the fungus causing athlete's foot, preventing recurrent infections involves maintaining proper foot hygiene, keeping the feet dry, wearing breathable shoes and socks, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas.
Hand + Foot Care
Find more easy DIY recipes to pamper your hands and feet:
Essential Oil Antifungal Powder Recipe
Materials
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon zinc powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops thyme essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container.
- When you’re ready to use it, shake and sprinkle a bit of powder on your foot and rub it into the affected areas. Apply daily.
Notes
References
Carson CF, et al. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006.
Hammer KA, et al. Antifungal activity of the components of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. J Appl Microbiol. 2003.
Mertas A, et al. The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. Biomed Res Int. 2015.
Borotová P et al. Chemical and biological characterization of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. Plants. 2022.
Pinto E, et al. Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Thymus pulegioides on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. J Med Microbiol. 2006.
Parrish N, et al. Activity of various essential oils against clinical dermatophytes of Microsporum and Trichophyton. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020.
Stringaro A, et al. Antioxidant, antifungal, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities of Mentha spp. essential oils. Medicines (Basel). 2018.
Tullio V, et al. Evaluation of the antifungal activity of Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae) of Pancalieri (Turin, Italy) essential oil and its synergistic interaction with azoles. Molecules. 2019.
Soković MD, et al. Chemical composition of essential oils of Thymus and Mentha species and their antifungal activities. Molecules. 2009.
Shreaz S, et al. Cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives, a novel class of antifungal agents. Fitoterapia. 2016.
Water, sanitation & environmentally-related hygiene: hygiene-related diseases: athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Rashed AA, et al. Antifungal properties of essential oils and their compounds for application in skin fungal infections: conventional and nonconventional approaches. Molecules. 2021.
Kozics K, et al. The effect of ten essential oils on several cutaneous drug-resistant microorganisms and their cyto-genotoxic and antioxidant properties. Molecules. 2019.
Batiha GES, et al. Syzygium aromaticum L (Myrtaceae): traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities. Biomolecules. 2020.
Bhowmik D, et al. Recent trends in Indian traditional herbs Syzygium aromaticum and its health benefits. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2012.
Ledezma E, et al. Efficacy of ajoene in the treatment of tinea pedis: a double-blind and comparative study with terbinafine. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000.
Rebecca D Dillon says
Neem oil works wonders as well! It smells though but you can mask the scent with essential oils. As it's a carrier oil it can be used straight or you can mix it into your own foot cream.
Selina says
apple cider vinegar in a footbath works well and the quickest method for me is swabbing between each toe with a cotton pad of vinegar everal times a day