Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

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Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

 

March 09, 2004Natural Remedies for Athlete's Foot

Even though you may not be a sprinter or a snowboarder, and even if walking to

and from your car is the only exercise you get in a typical day, athlete's foot

can still affect you.

 

Athlete's foot is an embarassing yet common fungal skin infection that is highly

contagious. It thrives in wet, moist places such as the floors of gym locker

rooms, around the swimming pool, or even in those tight, closed-toe shoes that

you wear to work. The good news is there are some excellent natural treatments

for athlete's foot.

 

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin also known as Tinea

pedis. In an acute flare-up, the skin of the foot is red or white with scales,

cracks, inflammation, cuts, and blisters. There is itching, burning, and

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Most often, it occurs in between the toes. During an acute flare-up, secondary

bacterial infection is common.

 

In chronic athlete’s foot, the skin of the sides and sole of the foot is pink

and scaly and there is no itchiness.

 

The fungus lives off dead skin cells and thrives in warm, damp environments,

such as the floors around gym locker rooms and indoor swimming pools.

 

Athlete’s foot can sometimes be confused with these conditions

 

Dyshydrotic dermatitis (a type of eczema)

 

Allergic contact eczema (a type of eczema)

 

Atopic eczema (a type of eczema)

 

Psoriasis

 

Erythrasma

 

When to see your medical doctor

 

There is swelling in your foot or leg and you develop a fever.

 

You notice an accumulation of pus in the blisters or cracks in your skin.

 

Your symptoms interfere with normal activity.

 

Treatments

The tinea fungus is contagious and once it takes hold, it can be quite

tenacious, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent

re-infection:

 

Keep your feet thoroughly dry, especially between your toes.

 

Wear cotton socks, and change your socks daily.

 

Don't wear tight, closed-toe shoes. Moisture and heat cause athlete's foot

fungus to thrive.

 

Don't go barefoot in public places. Wear flip-flops.

 

Use a foot powder to keep feet dry. Simple corn starch makes a good foot

dusting powder.

 

Wash socks in the hot water setting of a washing machine.

 

Herbs and Essential Oils

Tea tree oil - The most common natural treatment for athlete's foot is the

essential oil tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is a home remedy that works

as well as over-the-counter foot medications. It has anti-fungal properties. Tea

tree oil can be applied directly to the skin three times a day, covering the

affected area. About 4 to 10 drops is sufficient. Continue for two weeks after

the fungal infection seems to have disappeared to ensure that it is eradicated.

Tea tree oil also helps with fungal infections of the nails.

 

Tea tree oil can also be mixed with aloe vera gel. About 4 ounces of aloe vera

gel to 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil can be combined in a spray bottle and

applied twice daily. Allow the feet to dry before putting on footwear.

 

Tea tree oil can be found at the health food store. Be sure to buy a 100 percent

tea tree oil.

 

Grapefruit seed extract - Grapefruit seed extract, which is available at health

food stores, is reported to have significant anti-fungal effects. Add drops of

grapefruit seed extract to a wettened palm and apply it to the feet two to three

times per day, or follow the manufacturer's recommendations. It can also be

added to the washing machine while you are washing socks.

 

Garlic - Put crushed garlic into dry socks before bed. Raw garlic can help to

kill the athlete's foot fungus.

 

Ayurvedic Remedy

Athlete's foot is often related to the pitta and kapha constitutional doshas,

which have a tendency to sweat. Begin by cleaning the foot area with tea tree

oil, about 4 to 10 drops. Combine 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 1/2 teaspoon

of tumeric. Apply this mixture to the feet every morning and night and cover

them with old socks (tumeric will stain sheets and socks). After two weeks, if

there are signs of improvement, continue with a once a day application of this

mixture for another week. If there has been any discoloration of the skin due to

the tumeric, it will fade within two weeks.

 

Diet

People with chronic or recurring athlete's foot should avoid excessive

consumption of yeast products such as breads and other baked goods, as well as

vinegar, and alcohol. People with higher intake of yeast may be more prone to

athlete's foot.

 

 

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