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Rob (Kentucky) on 09/06/2025:
Apple Cider Vinegar Compress for Foot Infection.
lf troubled by the itching, rash and peeling of athlete’s foot or foot infection. Soak socks or hose in vinegar water. Mix 1 part vinegar with 5 parts water and soak for 30 minutes before washing as usual.
From the Book: The Vinegar Book by Emily Thacker 2005
I used a whole tube of OTC AF'S medicine. Minimal results. I have persistent and reoccurring AF between toes and on the bottom of my feet. I used ACV and it eliminated the AF until next time. The key is to use it and saturate the area over and over again until you feel relief. I do this in one sitting and than again the next day. It works better than anything else! Keep on it! Don't waste money on OTC stuff.
Been using Apple Cider Vinegar for 2 weeks for Athlete's Foot. Nothing working. Having it on my hands and feet is getting too much for me. I feel like I want to claw them both off. Had every otc plus doctors strong steroid creams. Please someone give me an end to this. Had it for 2 years and I can't cope much more.
I've treated my athletes foot for roughly four weeks. It's been awful! I started out using Lotrimin and two weeks later advanced to Lotrimin Ultra. My symptoms are itching, burning needle sensations. Visually my feet have dryness on both heels, and a little redness accompanied by splotchy skin. I started using ACV roughly four days ago, I'm still experiencing symptoms. I'm trying to do everything I can, I tend to be OCD. I soak for almost an hour once a day. Please help, I've never experienced anything like this.
The vinegar any type will kill the fungus. I use it in a spray bottle. 2-3 days and it is gone. I continue for a week. Sprayed the inside of my shoes too.
Rarely have I found a home remedy more effective than prescription medication, but in the treatment of athletes foot apple cider vinegar is much more effective and inexpensive. In spots that are about the size of a coin I tear paper towel patches to fit, then soak them in vinegar and place them to cover the spot. Leave it on until it eventually dries, which is about half an hour. Two treatments a day for two days will usually stop the fungus in it's tracks, depending on how deeply the fungus has penetrated the skin layers. Vinegar is an acid of just the right strength to kill the fungus without causing tissue burn, as does clorox. I use the bleach solution to soak my socks in and spray the inside of my shoes. Afterward, allow shoes to dry in the sun. Works like a charm.
I have found Apple Cider Vinegar to be very effective to eliminate athlete's foot. I soak my feet in 100% full strength, undiluted ACV for one hour whenever the athlete's foot gets active. One or two soakings makes it go away. Daily soakings for an extended period of time might eliminate it altogether. The athlete's foot comes back when my feet don't get enough air. The worst thing is winter sleeping under synthetic (polyester or acrylic) blankets. I have to use cotton-only bed linens and blankets to allow my feet to "breathe." And I use 100% cotton socks.
I had a case of very itchy AF between my toes that I just couldn't kick - it had gone on for months. Lamisil was keeping it under control - sort of- but not eliminating it. I read about using vinegar diluted with water and tried it a while ago, but it seemed even less effective than the Lamisil.
Then the AF took a turn for the worse - the itching was waking me up several times a night, and was at the "want to claw your skin off with your fingernails" level. So I went back to the web and saw the posts about undiluted vinegar. I was worried that it might be too harsh on my skin, but was getting desperate it this point so I was willing to risk it.
I didn't have ACV in the house, so I used distilled white vinegar at 5% acidity. I put it in a Tupperware container elevated on one end so it mainly covered my toes. I also followed earlier posters' instructions and let it air dry without rinsing it off.
As some others have said, the results were amazing. The itching went away during the first soak. On day two, I soaked my foot twice. Since then I really haven't had any itching. But at this point (3 days after the first vinegar soak) I am continuing with daily soaks of 10-15 minutes until I'm confident it's all gone.
I also haven't noticed any ill effects from using the undiluted vinegar.
And one final thing -- I also started using antifungal powder between my toes when I need to wear shoes/tights/hose. That seems to help too.
^^^^ To this guy with the moccasin type AF. The problem is probably that the skin is so thick that the ACV cannot penetrate. Go buy one of those girly foot scrubby things. After your soak, don't dry your feet. Keep one foot in the ACV and start scrubbing the thick skin with the tool. After about 30 seconds, the extra skin will start to roll off in clumps (do this over a towell or something). Put the foot back in for a bit while you scrub the other one, then put the other foot back in the ACV. Repeat nightly.
In about a week, the skin will be thinner and you will kill the fungus as you slough off the old thick crusty skin.
In the morning, put some powder in your shoes to help keep feet dry.
I was in the same boat at many other here (Military/Combat boots) and this is the only thing that helped.
Cream (even prescription) can't penetrate the thick skin.
I found this site back in April. I swim 3 times a week and even though I wear flip flops I am very prone to athletes foot fungus and have been for 34 years ie.. Since high school gym class! A few years ago I even was prescribed an antifungal -- which did clear it up for a few months. But it has always came back. I had used with some success a mixture of garlic and lavender oil. But the smell was somewhat offensive. I began soaking my feet in ACV a non organic type. I must have a high tolerance for pain or it just felt better than the itch and burn as I can soak for 30 minutes. Just stick my feet in and sit back and watch the BIG BANG. I also began taking at the same time internally (once a day) ACV but the organic type with mother. 2 Tablespoons with about one half teaspoon of organic raw local honey. (I also have allergies and asthma and thought this might help). My athletes foot (toe type) has completely cleared. I am very careful and wash my feet daily with DR Bronners peppermint soap and then blow dry them. I did not treat my shoes or socks... Although I did buy 20 mule team Borax with this intent. I still have an issue with some ugly cracked heels, but the there is no burning and itching between my toes and no skin sloughing off.
I am certainly looking at other information on this site and have been doing the mini beet protocol but will post later regarding my results with that. Thank you EC.
Manangel (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 04/26/2012:
I've used full strength, undiluted ACV on my chronic athletes foot. After trying every over the counter pharmacuetical antifungal cream, I finally did some research and decided to try the ACV. I applied it just with my finger twice a day for one week. I noticed a significant difference after only one day. By the 3rd day my long standing chronic athletes foot was almost completely gone. I was shocked at how quickly it worked. I continued applying for one week and I haven't had a reoccurance in over a year.
I've had Athlete's Foot in various forms for years. I used the usual topical ointments designed for this. Usually, I had success after a period of 1 to 2 week usage. I tried ACV full strength on my foot (a soak in shallow pan or applied directly with cotton). This is a "miracle" cure for me... My Athelete's Foot disappeared in one or two applications course it always reappears in different areas or the same... I apply ACV immediately not only treats the AF but stops the itching burning. Highly recommend ACV!
Apple cider vinegar has cured my husbands awful feet!!! I decided to try it after reading posts here. I purchased a gallon jug at local grocery store for about $4. He has been to doctors, tried multiple Crees none of which were effective. For past two months he soaked his feet in a plastic tub of apple cider vinegar. Let them air dry. That's it!! The mochas sin type look is gone. The great scaly heels, cracks and bleeding between his toes. All gone! Feet are now soft and pain free. This has been a miracle- anyone out there that will listen- seriously 4 bucks and nightly soaks for 30 mins- unbelievable results!!!
Re: ACV for althete's foot, I used a spray bottle of undiluted ACV from the regular grocery store 3-4 times a day and had complete relief of the cracking and peeling skin within a week. It's now 4 months later and the skin of my foot is still perfectly clear.
Unfortunately, the ACV did not help with my toenails. It also did not help the red cracked and peeling skin behind my ear. Still hoping for a solution as simple and fast for those as the ACV was for the skin of my foot.
Hbbrazil (Vancouver, Washington, United States) on 11/28/2011:
I just want to thank everyone here for recommending ACV for Athelete's foot. After MANY years of using Lotrimin and other types of of over the counter remedies, this technique worked hands down.
I thought I had a severe case, but from looking at images on line, I'd say mine was low. I did have cracked and open skin, always moist, nothing seemed to work. I did the full ACV (straight no dilution) for three days straight and the symptoms went away within two days. I also, soaked my flip flops in ACV for 45 minues and soaked some socks, just in case, then washed them normally. The shoes I'm wearing don't have good ventilation, however, using ACV in the morning works. Now that I did the treatment for 3 straight days, I do a spot check every day, use a cotton ball to get in between the toes. I can say that Athelete's foot is gone.
Thank you to all and for sharing your experiences. I'm a true believer in ACV.
Before I tried the A.C.V my foot was scaly and the fisrt layer of skin was completely off from the toes to the middle of the bottom foot it also got really swelled up I could not walk very painful. I was trying all the O.T.C medicine but it did not work my foot was completly soaked with wetness and a gooey type wetness I gauzed up my feet but it still leaked through I was wearing sandals because my foot inside a show would get too wet and skin would just keep falling off my foot it was red and swollen I seen this article about A.C.V so I went to the store and purchased a gallon for 5 bucks at Ralphs I inserted the foot in complete A.C.V just to get the entire foot submerged mind it is going to be painful to do this but you have to once the burning and stinging stops soak in a 50/50 water and A.C.V and soak for 30 min you can put the remainder of what A.C.V is in the foot tub just add water it will continue to burn my foot was like it was on fire it did not stop burning for 30 min so in reality a foot dunk in complete A.C V then a 50/50 soak which can be a total of 45 min do it at night and wrap your foot in a dry towel overnight, soak again the next morning before you shower then I used Vaseline and Aquafor you can get these at Target it keeps your feet lubricated and from drying which can be painful to walk.
I did this for 5 days and my foot came back to normal all the skin fell off that was dried and cracked and the skin came back fine a new skin layer was completly there in about a week but keep on using it till you have no more athletes foot- it's the best thing I am glad I read this website its wonderful to walk in shoes again but be careful- it can come back as it did to me on one toe but A.C.V nipped that it the but real quick so I hope this helps anyone out there suffering from this ailment A.C.V is the truth
As a diabetic I must keep a close watch on my feet. In a 13x9 " baking dish, I shred 1 medium potato and 1 cup apple cider vinegar I soak each foot for 30 minutes twice a month. It has been a cure for athletes foot, as well as other fungi, It works well for me.
I also keep a spray bottle with 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar as a after shower body spray , for itchy skin.
Hello, and thanks all for contributing your experience to growing our "common sense" cures. I am posting several huge YEAs for Apple Cider Vinegar in several categories. The first is that ACV cured my bad case of total-foot fungus really really quickly. I simply soaked my feet for about 30 minutes in straight ACV for a few days. First day stung like mad, but nearly cleared it all up. Next morning, my feet looked remarkably better. Second soak even better. Third soak was the charm. A week later, my feet got wet (rains like crazy in the winter here in Oregon), and I worked wearing wet shoes for about 5 hours, and soon foot fungus came back. I'm usually a smart guy, but still just didn't put one and one together that shoes and socks could be helping to re-infect my feet with fungus... ACV worked again. This time I also soaked all my socks, sandals, and tennis shoes in ACV. I also have a little spray bottle of straight ACV that I mist in my shoes after I take them off. It's been a couple months, no issues at all. Thanks Earth Clinic community!
My feet had been giving me a great deal of pain for a long time. I used the ACV for about 2 months and my feet are no longer itching, cracking, bleeding and no more blisters. I have had it for about 20 years. I threw all of my old shoes away. I soak them for 30 min. a day in ACV that you can buy at the dollar store by the gallon. Also I use vaseline on my feet at night to keep them from being dry. I am so thankful for this site!!!!
This completely cured my boyfriend's horrible athlete's foot. He had been using OTC creme for over a year and it did noting. He was itching all the time and his foot looked awful. I finally got sick of it and insisted he soak in a solution of ACV and a little water every night for 20-30 min. After about 1 1/2 weeks the fungus is gone and no more itching! Highly recommended!
Most of the posts I've read about treating athlete's foot with ACV say that a) it dries out the skin and b) wear sandals. The problem I have is that when I wear sandals, my rash gets so dried out that it cracks when I take a step--and that's without the ACV! I'm sitting soaking my nasty feet in the ACV/water solution now and the stinging pain is sending me through the roof! It's been years that I've had this chronic problem. It's in the arch of my feet, peels, gets raw, itches, and then burns when I succumb to scratching the itch! The dermatologist gave me Salex to remove the layers of skin easily, but that only treated the symptoms and not the source. I hope, HOPE ACV works. I'll let you know.
My husband had suffered for years (he's 48) with horrible, deep cracks in his heels, as well as between his toes. He had to be on his feet all day, so it was very hard on him. We have only been married for 6 months, and I was shocked when I first saw his feet. Anyway, I convinced him to try soaking in ACV, used undiluted. The first time it stung, but he did it anyway as he was desperate for relief. By the third day, all cracks between his toes gone, and he was pain free. After one week, he said his feet felt slippery in his socks, they were so smooth. He said he can't remember when his feet have felt so good. Now, he also gets terrible cracks in his fingers from working outside - he goes through boxes of bandaids. He hasn't wanted to try the ACV yet, as it will hurt at least the first time. If I can get him to do it, I will post the results!
ACV is healing my atheletes foot. I had it on the bottom of both feet and on my leg. I used OTC spray, cream, and powder to no avail. The doctor gave me anti-fungal cream, still no help. After reading these posts I soak my feet in ACV for 30 minutes each night and has done more in two months than the others did in 5 months. It is gone on one foot, and only one little spot left on the other. I get the generic ACV from Smart & Final for a little over 3 bucks a gallon. I warm it up so it is more comfortable and it seems to work better when warm.
First -- Thanks to ALL the members who have contributed to this thread!
SECOND: My Moccasin Heel Athletes feet have shown MORE improvement in one week using ACV than all the other endless professional treatments in the last three years.
Mary (Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom) on 04/06/2011:
After reading the comments on this site, I tried apple cider vinegar (with the mother in it) as a soak to cure my moccasin athlete's foot. Basically, after 4 months of use, it was better but definitely not cured. I had the moccasin athlete's foot on both feet and one hand and had been unable to shift it, (in spite of frequent trips to the doctor), for 5 years.
In its favour, the apple cider vinegar did a lot more for me than the steroid creams my doctor prescribed and was also better than the OTC anti-fungal drugs. It did make my skin softer and helped heal some of the painful cracking. However, it could not kill the fungus. I suspect that this is because moccasin athlete's foot is extremely difficult to deal with once it gets hold and perhaps if I had used ACV years ago, before the moccasin athlete's foot became chronic, it might have worked.
For anyone wondering whether I managed to cure it some other way, the answer is yes, but not at home. In the end I was so desperate that I went to a traditional chinese herbalist who gave me a pile of herbs (many of which looked like fungus, bark and mushrooms) to boil up every night as a foot/hand soak. I was pretty skeptical but amazingly it worked within a week and I'm so happy! It wasn't as cheap as ACV, two consultations plus the herbs cost me around £80 (GBP), but for me it was worth it.
In conclusion, if you've got a really bad case of moccasin type athlete's foot, my experience has been that apple cider vinegar will soothe it - maybe even halt its development - but it won't give you a complete cure.
I used raw Apple Cider Vinegar on some nasty-looking athlete's foot for two weeks, and I now have beautiful new skin on both feet and no sign of the infection. I simply soaked a cotton ball to saturation and applied liberally (to dripping point) all over the affected areas. I then let it dry in the air and didn't rinse it off. I did this twice or three times a day, changed my socks the same number of times, and saw improvement daily. I can't thank you enough for all your advice and encouragement!
I have been using this for weeks and have begun to see an improvement. I believe mine is the moccasin type, as I had large blisters on the bottom of my feet and along the sides of my feet. Unfortunately it has spread to my leg, and I now have crusty scales on that leg. No matter what I do, they just keep coming back and it is not improving at all on my leg. My foot and leg are so swollen, that it is difficult to wear shoes. Nothing my doctor gave me has helped, and I don't see a dermatologist for another month. Any suggestions as to how I can get some of the swelling down in my foot and leg?
I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan earning my degree in a very empirical field. I tried almost 2 dozen expensive and doctor prescribed products for my case of athletes foot - which I've had for about 7 years - and nothing worked.
I finally tried something more "natural" and I must say that ACV has been an absolute (dare I say) miracle! I soaked my feet in a small tub that was 50% ACV 50% water every morning and night (20 mins each session and longer if possible). My athletes foot is completely gone after staying with this regime for 2 weeks. I had lost hope because it wasn't working the first week, but sticking with it payed handsome dividends. I'm going to look up some other things on this website now and must say that I'm slowly becoming a believer in both science and these more "natural" remedies. Thank you all previous posters!
I had a bad case of athlete's foot on my left foot that plagued me for well over a year. I wanted to try a natural remedy, and I found this site and used a combination of ACV (swabbed on with a cotton ball) followed by tea tree oil. This worked somewhat, but did not cure it. What finally got rid of it once and for all was soaking my foot in straight ACV for 10-20 minutes. The trick for me, I think, was that I needed to leave it soaking in the vinegar until it started to burn and itch. That's when I knew that it was working, it felt like the fungus was being killed off. After I did this, the next day I saw a big improvement, plus I found small white blisters. I did this once a day for about a week, and it completely went away. It has been about 6 months now, and it is still gone. I hope this testimony helps someone else out!
I acknowledge the success of Stephen from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, BUT he suffered from inter-digit type. It's short-lived. I am suffering from "moccasin" type known as Trichophyton rubrum, which is long-lasting and very difficult to treat. I've had this 8 months now with ups-downs. Vinegar soak helps but seems to have put the infection in a hibernation like state. Tolerable but not cured.
(1) 
Rarely have I found a home remedy more effective than prescription medication, but in the treatment of athletes foot apple cider vinegar is much more effective and inexpensive. In spots that are about the size of a coin I tear paper towel patches to fit, then soak them in vinegar and place them to cover the spot. Leave it on until it eventually dries, which is about half an hour. Two treatments a day for two days will usually stop the fungus in it's tracks, depending on how deeply the fungus has penetrated the skin layers. Vinegar is an acid of just the right strength to kill the fungus without causing tissue burn, as does clorox. I use the bleach solution to soak my socks in and spray the inside of my shoes. Afterward, allow shoes to dry in the sun. Works like a charm.
