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Athlete's Foot Problem

Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection of the skin called Tinea pedis. They live in warm and damp places. The skin of the foot is red or white with scales, inflammations, cracks, blisters and cracks. Symptoms include burning, itching and stinging. It is prominent between the toes. Secondary bacterial infection can occur in severe cases. It is transmitted through a cut or bruise of the foot. It may occur together with other fungal infections such as ringworm and is highly contagious.

Symptoms

1. Itching, burning and stinging
2. Red or white scales
3. Blisters on the sole
4. Cracks and cuts
5. Oozing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by visual observation. Tests may include skin lesion biopsies.

Causes of Athlete’s Foot

Treatment

1. Best results are obtained with early treatment.
2. Prevent acute flare-ups by keeping the toenails clean and short since toenail infections can give the fungus a place to grow.
3. Infections in the groin area can spread to the foot. Prevent the fungal spread by wearing clean socks and underwear and wash them separately.
4. Take supplements of vitamins A, B and C to boost the immune system and help to fight the fungi infection.
5. Keep the feet dry. Make sure the area between the toes is dry. Use each towel only once.
6. Wash socks that come in contact with infected areas with hot water and a bit of chlorine bleach.
7. Wash your feet in salt and water once a day until the condition clears up.
8. Bath your feet in a solution of vinegar and water once a day for ten days.
9. Moisture the feet with olive oil.
10. Wear shoes in communal dressing rooms to prevent spreading or attracting the fungi.
11. Don’t share towels or socks with people who may have Athlete’s Foot.
12. Don’t wear tight shoes if your feet sweat easily.
13. Don’t wear the same shoes every day.
14. Go barefoot at home to keep your feet dry and well ventilated.
15. Use anti-fungal drying powders.
16. Wear open shoes as far as possible.
17. Don’t wear the same socks two days in a row.
18. Prevent the infection from spreading to the groin by putting on clean socks before you pull your underwear over the feet.
19. Don’t scratch, as it will only cause inflammation.

Herbal treatment of Athlete’s Foot

1. Cut garlic into small pieces and throw it in your shoes for a few days. Garlic kills bacteria and almost any type of infection. You can also make use of garlic powder.
2. Apply a few drops of Tea tree oil directly to the affected skin area three times a day for two weeks. It has anti-fungal properties.
3. Aloe Vera can be used together with Tea tree oil in a diluted solution. Spray it on the affected area and let it dry. Do this three times a day for ten days.
4. Grapefruit seed extract also has anti-fungal properties. It can even be used to add to washing.
5. Apply a mixture of tea tree oil, turmeric and Aloe Vera to the feet and cover it with old socks. Do this for two weeks. It prevents excessive sweating.
6. Neem oil is deadly to more than 14 types of fungi because it inhibits the growth of fungi by combining with the skin.
7. Myrrh and lavender oil applied to the feet, reduce itching, redness and cracks. Myrrh also produces a fragrance that helps with bad feet odor.

Diet and Athlete’s Foot

Avoid excessive use of alcohol, vinegar and other yeast products such as bread and baked goods. Use supplements of vitamin B complex, vitamin C and Zinc. Vitamin B complex is needed for a healthy skin. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and Zinc inhibits fungal growth. You can also include vitamin A to keep the skin in a good condition and vitamin E to work as an antioxidant.

Prescription Medicine for Athlete’s Foot

Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, wet dressings or steroid ointments. Consider the side effects first before you make use of prescription drugs.