Difference between revisions of "Athlete’s Foot"

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Athlete’s Foot

See also : Ringworm
Athlete’s foot is an often found infection of the skin, usually on the foot, and is caused by fungus. The most common cause of the infection is Trichophyton. The ringworm fungus “tinea” can be found in many places, including clothing, socks, pools, locker rooms and gyms. This fungus thrives and infects your upper dermal areas, when they remain irritated, warm and moist. You can be infected with fungus anywhere on your body, but the feet are obviously more prone to them, because of their moist and warm environment. The fungus can be spread when you come into contact with a person infected with it, or if you contact objects that are infected.

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot usually looks like dry, peeling red skin on the sole or soles of your feet. The flaking may spread to the sides and onto the tops of the feet. Usually, though, the rash is found only on the foot soles.

Athlete’s foot has nicknames, depending on where it occurs. On the soles, it’s called “moccasin”. If it is between your toes, it’s called “interdigital”. If it’s “blistering” or “inflammatory”, it’s technically called bullous tinea pedis, and with this type, you would have thick patches of reddened, dry skin with calluses. Milder cases may appear like simple dry skin, and may or may not be inflamed or red.

Home remedies

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot : It may sound cliché, but the adage “An Ounce of Prevention is Better than a Pound of Cure” is true. And we could not argue with that. It always pays off to be informed. If you haven’t been infected with the athlete’s foot fungus yet, don’t wait for it to happen. In a previous article, I have discussed how you can prevent it from happening. With those prevention tips, you are on your way to healthier feet.The most important thing is to practice proper personal hygiene. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially the area in between your toes, before you put on your socks (read: clean socks). Cutting your toenails short, wearing comfortable shoes, and using anti-fungal talcum powder are only some of the many tips that you should keep in mind.

If, for some reason, you are already infected with the athlete’s foot fungus, here are some natural remedies which you can surely benefit from:

• Baking Soda : Oh, this should not come as a surprise at all. Baking soda has been used inside the homes as a cleansing agent and it has also been for personal hygiene over the years. Also used for dry, flaky skin, baking soda can help stop athlete’s foot in its tracks. Because the athlete’s foot fungus, the Tricophytonrubrum, thrives in damp, moist and wet areas, it would serve you best to stop the dampness, moisture and wetness. Simply sprinkle baking soda into your shoes and it will do the trick of absorbing water and keeping it relatively free of moisture and dampness.
• Cornstarch : Because of its close relation to baking soda, cornstarch may also help you deal with the athlete’s foot fungus. All you have to do is to directly rub your feet with cornstarch. Rub them especially on the areas in between your toes as the cornstarch will absorb the moisture present there, keeping the area dry all throughout the day.
• Garlic : The wonders of garlic extend from head to foot! Remember that garlic has antifungal properties. You just have to crush one clove of garlic, add a little olive oil in it to form a paste. Once you have the paste ready, you may start to apply it the infected nails. Leave it on for fifteen to thirty-five minutes and then you may proceed to wash the paste off using soapy, warm water. After you do this, remember to dry off your feet well with a really clean towel that is exclusive for your feet’s use alone. Make this an everyday habit until you are completely healed.
• Broccoli : Broccoli is only one of the many foods you would need to eat to help you towards being free from athlete’s foot, simply because it helps boost the function of the immune system, allowing your body to fight it off with the fungus. Other foods that boost the immune system include elderberry, garlic, yogurt, mushrooms, spinach and sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon : Soaking your feet in cinnamon tea will help as it slows down the growth of the fungus. Break eight to ten pieces of cinnamon sticks, add it to four cups of water, bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for about five minutes. After this, let it steep some more – for about another forty-five minutes. Then, for not more than thirty minutes (but not less than fifteen), soak your feet in it. You may want to do this everyday too to ensure faster recovery.
• Yogurt : Yogurt which contains live, active acidophilus bacteria will help in your battle against the fungus. Plus, yogurt helps boost the immune system too! All these help to speed up the healing process.
• Lemon : If you have sweaty feet, then using lemon will help solve your problems for you. Simply cut a lemon in half, squeeze out the juice and then add it with two ounces of water. You use this lemon water mixture when you are rinsing your feet. Again, remember to dry your feet thoroughly before you put on your socks and shoes.
• Vinegar : A mixture of one cup of vinegar and two quarts of water may be helpful, especially if you soak your feet in it each night. You may also utilize a mixture of one cup vinegar and one cup water, soak a cotton ball in it and then directly apply it on the affected area. However, if you have broken skin, doing this may sting, so be careful.
• Salt : Using one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water, make a mixture that is enough for you to soak your feet in. Let your feet stay in the mixture for about ten minutes and then completely dry your feet off. After doing this, you may sprinkle the areas in between your toes with baking soda or cornstarch.
• Tea tree oil has a long history of traditional use in Australia as a remedy for skin infections. Studies have found tea tree oil is an antiseptic and has the ability to kill many bacteria and fungi. Two clinical trials suggest it may help people with athlete's foot.
• The herb sosa (Solanum Chrysotrichum) is used in Mexico as a remedy for athlete's foot. Although preliminary studies are promising, well-designed studies are needed.
• Garlic : If there’s anything garlic doesn’t like, it’s fungus, so treating your athlete’s foot with the stuff works wonders! Crush a couple of cloves and toss them in a foot bath filled with warm water. Soak for about half an hour.

Warnings

References

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.