Help for itchy athlete’s foot

Q:

I have a bad case of athlete’s foot, and it’s so ugly and itchy! How can I cure it quickly?

A:

You’re not alone! Athlete’s foot is very common in the summer. The reason? We spend more time barefoot, so we’re more likely to pick up the fungus, and our feet are more likely to get sweaty—and that helps the fungus thrive. The resulting infection can cause an itchy rash, but here’s how you can heal the condition and prevent another flare-up.

Massaging antifungal tea tree oil into the skin twice daily can cure 64% of infections within a month, according to research in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology. To do: Combine one part tea tree oil with three parts carrier oil, like coconut oil. Massage over the affected area twice daily.

To prevent future infections, make sure to keep your feet dry to stop the fungus from growing. One way to do this: Switch between two pairs of shoes every other day to give them time to fully dry out between wears.