Home Remedies for Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot is also referred to as Tinea pedis. It is an infection in between the toes and is caused by a fungus. The toes are at great risk of being moist, majority of the time. It also results in a burning sensation and feeling of stinging. The risk of athlete’s foot is more in individuals
- with poor immunity levels
- who wear improper fitting shoes
- who wear moist socks
- who use public areas
- who share shoes, clothes and bed linen.
Athletes Foot Symptoms
Symptoms of Athlete’s foot include
- dryness of the feet
- thick and discolored nails
- itching between the toes
- peeling of the skin and cracking of the feet
- blisters, which are itchy
- crumbling of the nails, thereby resulting in their detachment from the skin
- fungal infection of the nail, also referred to as Onchomycosis
Immediate medical attention is necessary, in case of inflammation, redness and drainage of the toes.
Athletes Foot Causes
Dermatophytes are a mold like fungi, which cause athletes foot. They attack the outer layer of the skin, which results in scaly and thick skin. The risk of scale formation increases with the spread of the fungus.
- Pets at home are the most common form of infection transmission.
- Direct human-to-human contact results in infection.
- Indirect transmission of the fungus takes place from shoes, floors, bed linen, mats, clothes and rugs. Infection is common in public places, such as communal baths and swimming pools.
Athletes Foot Treatment
Treatment of athlete’s foot is usually started with
1) topical medication and
2) over the counter drugs.
- Oral medications are suggested in case of severe infection. Antacid treatment hinders with the absorption of drugs.
- In case of bacterial infection, an oral antibiotic is also recommended.
Home Remedies for Athletes Foot
Try some of these home remedies for relief from athlete’s foot:
- Tea tree oil is highly effective against tenia pedis infection. This is attributed to its fungistatic properties.
- Dust your toes with baking soda and rinse after fifteen minutes.
- Dip your feet in a bath tub filled with Listerine. This prevents burning and itching feeling of the toes.
- Soak your feet in white vinegar (one portion, diluted with four times water) for effective results.
Tips for Athletes Foot
Check out these tips to prevent further infection!
- Anti fungal powders prove effective.
- Do not borrow or share shoes or clothes.
- Use water proof sandals, in public places.
- Keep your feet dry, as infection, worsens with moisture.
- Wear proper fitting shoes, which are well ventilated. Excessive perspiration is common in many. Change your socks, quite often.
