Evidence supporting the use of: Borate
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Borate compounds, such as boric acid, have a traditional history of use as topical antiseptics and antifungals, including in the management of Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis). Historical texts and some older medical references mention boric acid soaks or powders as home remedies for fungal infections of the feet. The rationale is primarily based on boric acid’s mild antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce fungal growth and prevent secondary bacterial infections. However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of borate or boric acid for Athlete’s Foot is limited. There are few, if any, high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating borate’s effectiveness specifically for tinea pedis. Most modern clinical guidelines for Athlete’s Foot recommend azole or allylamine antifungals, not borate compounds, due to stronger evidence for these agents. Nevertheless, boric acid may have a role as a supplementary or alternative treatment in cases where standard antifungals cannot be used, but this is largely based on tradition and limited clinical observation rather than robust scientific data. Caution is also advised, as borate compounds can be toxic if misused, especially in children or with prolonged exposure.
Other ingredients used for Athlete's Foot
AjoeneAloe vera
berberine
bisabolol
black walnut
garlic bulb
ginger
lauric acid
monolaurin
oregano
plantain
selenium
thyme
undecylenic acid
zinc
chickweed
shen-chu
neem tree
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
10-Undecenoic Acid
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asteracea
Allyl isothiocyanate
Babchi
Borate
Bee products
Coconut
Calendula
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Copaiba Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
Garlic
Honey
Heal-All
Hydroxyquinoline
Henna
Herb Robert
Monoterpenes
Marigold
Naphthoquinones
Propolis
Pepper Bark Tree
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Sulfur
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymus
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Thiosulfinate
Other health conditions supported by Borate
Athlete's FootFungal Infections
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores