In certain forms of the infection, blisters can develop with the soles and sides of the feet becoming involved. Athlete’s Foot is related to other common fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. While it is contagious, Athlete's Foot often can be successfully treated with natural remedies.
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic defines the following as signs and symptoms of an athlete's foot fungal infection.
- Itching, stinging and burning between your toes or on the soles of the feet
- Itchy blisters
- Cracking, peeling skin; especially between toes and on the soles of feet
- Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet
- Toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed
Onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the nail bed, may also develop along with signs and symptoms of athlete's foot.
Who Gets Athlete’s Foot?
Contrary to what the name suggests, Athlete’s Foot is not an infection limited to athletes and sportsmen! Hot, humid weather, damp socks and shoes, and wearing shoes that do not allow the feet to “breathe” are three major contributing factors. The people who are most likely to get Athlete's Foot are adult men, people whose feet perspire excessively, and anyone with a weakened immune response.
Women, children, and people who prefer being barefoot do not usually contract the fungus.
Natural Athlete’s Foot Remedies
Unless the root cause is related to a weakened immune system, internal remedies are not very effective. The most effective natural treatments involve the use of topically applied fungicidal essential oils, such as myrrh, tea tree (melaleuca), and garlic—which can be both quite effective and fragrant, to put it mildly.
According to herbalist David Hoffman, “A combination of equal parts of lavender and myrrh is a traditional treatment among aromatherapists in Britain. Myrrh is fungicidal, while lavender acts as an anti-inflammatory and vulnerary." He also advises that if the skin is, “deeply cracked and painful, calendula oil is especially valuable.”
The oils should be used by first dissolving them in alcohol and applying this formula to the affected area for as many days as is necessary to dry out weeping skin. Afterward, an ointment of between 3% and 5% essential oils should be applied until the skin is completely clear.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention
Prevent Athlete’s Foot fungus by following these rules of hygiene:
- Thoroughly clean around the toenails. Mycelium fungus likes to hide under the nails and is the usual cause of re-infection.
- Keep feet dry. Carrying a couple of fresh changes of socks is a good idea.
- If shoes must be worn, opt for sandals and open-toes whenever possible.
- Choose footware made of natural materials such as leather, cotton canvas, cotton, silk and wool.
- Wash feet and soak them in a vinegar-water solution (2-4 tablespoons per pint) for about twenty minutes, two or three times daily.
When to See a Doctor for Athlete’s Foot
If a foot rash doesn't improve or if it worsens after you've applied natural remedies and prevention techniques, you should consult with your doctor. If you have diabetes, or you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever you should see your doctor right away!
Reference
- Athlete’s foot. (2010). In Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/athletes-foot/DS00317
- Hoffman, D. (1993). An Elder’s Herbal: Natural techniques for promoting health and vitality Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
Maria Blanco - Writer/Editor, Certified Family Herbalist, Naturopath, Holistic Nutritional Consultant
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